ARCC Life Support and Water Quality Specialist

ARCC Life Support and Water Quality Specialist

Monterey Bay Aquarium //
Monterey, CA //
Posted on: October 30, 2021 //

Under general supervision, responsible for operation, quality control, troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance of life support systems and facility systems at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Animal Research and Care Center (ARCC); perform water quality laboratory analyses, recommends life support changes, monitors and operates life support systems, operates Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, and maintains and operates specialty equipment, water filtration, and water quality sensors in order to optimize water flow and water quality at the facility; access computerized control system off hours as needed to provide 24/7 coverage of the life support; perform other duties as required.

Functions & Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Troubleshoot and repair critical water and mechanical plants associated with an offsite live animal holding and quarantine facility incorporating 350,000 gallons of semi-closed seawater systems; systems include pumps, pressure sand filters, ozone systems, protein fractionators, ultraviolet sterilizers, drum filters, bag filters, carbon filters, air blowers, air compressors, boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, and HVAC with cooling tower

Analyze and interpret water quality data, equipment output, and flow data as it relates to life support and building system needs

Recommend system adjustments, operational parameters, needed repairs, engineering decisions, or new designs based on monitoring of the computer-based control system data, water quality results, animal health needs, water flow needs, or regulatory requirements

Calculate flow rates, volumes, and water movement needs and flow changes to optimize water levels and water quality.

Perform water quality laboratory analyses of ARCC systems using handheld and bench-top instrumentation and laboratory wet chemistry techniques.

Perform preventative maintenance on water and mechanical plants, to include pumps, pressure sand filters, ozone systems, protein fractionators, ultraviolet sterilizers, drum filters, bag filters, carbon filters, air blowers, air compressors, boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, and HVAC with cooling tower

Calibrate and maintain a variety of handheld, bench top, and in situ instrumentation for measurement of seawater pH, temperature, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), dissolved oxygen, salinity/conductivity, and total dissolved gases

Respond to after-hours water systems and life support alarms, providing 24-hour facility alarm coverage 365 days per year

Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Biological Science, or Chemistry or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
3 years experience in water treatment operations, life support, aquarium operations, or power plant operations.
Problem solving skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Experience in plumbing and electrical design, assembly, and maintenance
Working knowledge of aquariums (home or commercial) and design/function of aquatic life support system components
Working knowledge of life support system equipment operation and maintenance
Working knowledge of techniques and instrumentation used in analytical seawater chemistry and microbiology
Practical skills with hand and power tools used for light fabrication and mechanical maintenance
Excellent laboratory skills
Knowledge of automated controls, pneumatics, electro-mechanical and electro-optical devices
Familiarity with OSHA safety guidelines
Familiarity with three-phase 480V electrical systems and components
Ability to prioritize work while multi-tasking, without immediate supervision
Ability to analyze data quickly and translate data into operational decisions
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Job Requirements

Physical Requirements

Forklift, van, hand and shop tools, laboratory tools (pipettes, spectrophotometer, etc), pullies, lifts, fine tools for instrumentation work
Sitting, standing, walking several miles, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, reaching, pulling, pushing
Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs, to include bags and large fish (tuna)

Working Conditions

Quarantine facility, mechanical rooms, outdoors, confined spaces, roofs, office

Salary & Benefits