Facility Operator III
This position reports to the Director of Facility Operations. The Facility Operator III 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 III performs specialized mechanical maintenance and repairs in conjunction with animal husbandry employees and related departments. Comprehensive theoretical and 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, collate information from various team members and sources, communicating conditions and recommendations to supervision, team members and other departments verbally and by email.
Troubleshooting and repair of mechanical, electrical, and control systems related to the animal life support systems, animal habitats, water/sewer, HVAC, and buildings.
Monitoring water quality in animal life support and treatment systems for water quality parameters per established protocols and standards.
Gathering and recording operational information in a clear and concise manner using computer-based data records.
Schedule, perform, and track scheduled and preventative maintenance of equipment and the facility.
Monitoring and calibration of LSS and building control systems.
Act as lead on team projects. Coordinate work and supplies to perform tasks.
Mentor and assist with training of less experienced staff.
Participate in standard and emergency protocol development and execution.
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.
Consistent and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to a fitted respirator, eye and ear protection, gloves, hard hat, harness, steel-toed footwear.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
Safety & Security – All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
Attendance & Appearance – To maximize the guest’s experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift.
Sales & Guest Services – Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.
Team Partnership – All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our Organization
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills in order to comprehend and disseminate detailed instructions in English.
Ability to follow instructions accurately
Ability to learn, memorize and accurately carry out complex procedures.
Able 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, heights, 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.
Education & Experience
Post-secondary education in engineering, aquaculture, or related field.
5 or more years of experience operating LSS and/or building mechanical systems.
Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO) Level 2 Operator certification and Level 1 Water Quality.
Current 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 specifically PVC, HDPE, FRP, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel.
Able to work in spaces with limited clearance, at heights, and/or close contact with other team members.
Able to safely work 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.
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.
