Facility Operator II

Facility Operator II

Mississippi Aquarium //
Gulfport MS //
Posted on: March 26, 2019 //

This position reports to the Director of Facility Operations. The Facility Operator II is responsible for construction, operation and maintenance of animal habitats and life support systems, building HVAC, water/sewer, natural and propane gas powered equipment, and control systems. The Facility Operator II performs general mechanical maintenance and repairs in conjunction with animal husbandry employees and related departments. Strong operational knowledge of animal LSS and water quality parameters are essential to this position.

Functions & Responsibilities

Essential Functions

– Daily operation of animal life support filtration and building equipment and systems;
– Assess animal life support systems for compliance with operational parameters and communicating conditions and issues to supervision and other team members verbally and by email.
– Troubleshooting and repair of mechanical and minor electrical systems related to the animal life support systems, and animal habitats, water/sewer, HVAC, and building systems.
– Gathering and recording operational information in a clear and concise manner using computer-based data records.
– Perform scheduled and preventative maintenance of equipment and the facility.
– Monitoring and calibration of LSS and building control systems.
– Unloading, warehousing and inventory of operational consumables and supplies.
– Receiving, distributing and storing of various controlled products such as chlorine.
– Availability to work weekends, holidays, on-call rotation, weather events and respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis if needed.
– Participate in staff meetings and provide relevant input.
– Maintain awareness of industry-related activities, trends and best practices.
– Undertake special projects as assigned by the Director of Facility Operations.

Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

– Strong written and verbal communication skills in order to comprehend and disseminate detailed instructions in English;
– Ability to lift a minimum of sixty (60) pounds. Experience performing work that requires physical strength, stamina and good physical coordination;
– Able to negotiate various field conditions – hot, cold, humid, wet, ice, wind, odors, smoke, uneven ground, etc;
– Able to work in a standing, kneeling, squatting or prone position for extended periods of time;
– Valid driver’s license required;
– Valid SCUBA certification a plus;
– Able to work safely in close proximity to animals;
– Fall protection, Confined Space, and Forklift training certification or the ability to receive certification within 90 days of employment. Training provided as necessary;
– Regular and consistent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) included but not limited to a properly fitted respirator, eye and ear protection, gloves, hard hat, harness, steel-toed footwear;
– Able to work in spaces with limited clearance, at heights, and/or close contact with other team members.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education & Experience

– High school diploma plus post-secondary education in engineering, aquaculture, or related field preferred;
– 3 or more years of experience operating LSS and/or building mechanical systems;
– Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO) Level 1 Operator certification, Level 2 preferred;
– Prior experience operating commercial filtration equipment, mechanical equipment, HVAC, Building control systems;
– Experience with power tools, hand tools, welding, and fabrication using a variety of materials such as wood, FRP, aluminum, Stainless steel.

Job Requirements

Physical Requirements

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell – any or all of which may be for extended periods. The employee must often lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Salary & Benefits