Engineering Lead – Life Support Systems

Engineering Lead – Life Support Systems

The Florida Aquarium //
Tampa, FL //
Posted on: January 18, 2018 //

Position Summary

Responsible to manage the day-to-day operations of the Life Support Systems and staff. Including the installation, maintenance, and repair of all Systems. Develops and implements all new automation/controls/monitoring systems. Performs all equipment preventative and predictive maintenance tasks, analyzes life support trend data, and recommends repair or replacement of major components when appropriate. Supervises operators and contract work on all systems.

Functions & Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Essential Position Functions

• Responsible for life support system design, operation and maintenance for fresh water and salt water systems.
• Troubleshoots and repairs systems to ensure aquatic life is sustainable.
• Monitors a workable, preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance program for all systems
• Develops and maintains proper and accurate SOP and documentation of all operations.
• Reviews automation system designs, operations and procedures to ensure current in all areas
• Ensures the safe and efficient operation of all habitat’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing and LS systems.
• Ensures state of the art quality facilities installations
• Coordinates 24/7 system operations for specimen health and welfare
• Supervises, schedules, and directs activities of all technical staff.
• Provides proper training for LSS operators as well as cross training curatorial staff in all routine and emergency life support situations
• Responsible for on call scheduling of personnel responding to emergencies
• Ensures all department personnel remains active in their daily responsibilities
• Operates area within budget parameters and projects future needs for planning and budgeting.
• Maintains equipment and supplies for daily operations
• Anticipates problems or issues and be prepared to respond accordingly
• Keep a positive attitude when working in adverse conditions
• Recommends cost savings with life support maintenance solutions

Secondary Functions
• Assist in managing capital projects as assigned
• Delivers extraordinary customer service to all aquarium guests and internal customers
• Other duties as assigned by Director

Other Duties & Responsibilities

Competencies
• Customer Service Orientation — Listening and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs; making the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Teamwork — supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrating sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and supporting team goals.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge— Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies
• Quality — upholding standards beyond what is required; inspiring staff to maintain and initiate high standards of excellence in their work efforts.
• Concern for Detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item
• Planning and Organizing — Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the aquarium; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way; developing contingency plans that anticipate changes in the work environment.
• Follow-up — Institutes methods for monitoring people and projects

Skills & Experience

Education & Experience

Education Requirements and Technical Skills
• High school diploma or GED
• Advanced Science / Engineering related education – desireable
• Clear understanding and working knowledge of biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration.
• Licencing in the field of water or wastewater treatment encouraged
• Life Support Operator II – AALSO certification required
• Ten years experience installing and maintaining life support systems
• Knowledge and proficiency with commonly used computers and software (MS suite, Monitoringing,etc.)

Job Requirements

Physical Requirements

Typical Physical Requirements
• Standing (4-8 hours per day)
• Walking (4-8 hours per day)
• Bending/Stooping — Occasionally
• Squatting — Occasionally
• Climbing stairs — Frequently
• Climbing heights (8’) — Occasionally
• Reaching above shoulders — Occasionally
• Crouching — Occasionally
• Kneeling — Occasionally
• Carrying (up to 80 lbs.) — Occasionally
• Lifting (up to 80 lbs.) — Occasionally
• Working near moving machinery — Occasionally
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
• Exposure to dust, fumes and gases
• Typing on a computer keyboard
• Operating machinery
• Ability to travel (car) as needed — locally and/or nationally
• Flexibility in working weekends and evenings
• Flexibility in working holidays
• Available for on-call emergencies

Salary & Benefits
Salary: Negotiable