Lead Life Support Systems Technician
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
• Works with LSS Manager, Director of Husbandry, Maintenance Manager, and Veterinarian consultants to establish and maintain environments conducive to the health and well-being of all animals in the collection.
• Works with Team to define standard operating procedures and operation sequences for LSS systems, plumbing, and piping.
• Diagnoses and schedules repairs to Life Support Systems. This includes water filters, ozone generation and treatment, chlorine dosing equipment, UV sterilization, protein fractionators and associated computer controls.
• Diagnoses and schedules repair to pumps, filters, valves, and actuators.
• Ensures and verifies that adequate amounts of prepared saltwater are being provided for all animal enclosures.
• Updates and schedules the LSS preventative maintenance program, including monitoring all filtration systems and water parameters.
• Verifies that adequate equipment is available to perform repairs and maintenance for the Life Support Systems.
• Maintains operational data logs on all water systems.
• Mentors and train less experienced staff in all aspects of the Life Support Systems.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
• Assists staff and visitors as needed in a pleasant, professional, and courteous manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
• A minimum of 3 years of experience with large-scale aquatic life support and filtration systems in a zoo or aquarium setting
• Complete understanding of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration as it applies to aquarium systems.
• Knowledge of automated controls, pneumatics, electro-mechanical and electrooptical devices and methods. Experience with RCK control systems required.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematic drawings, diagrams, P&ID’s and make necessary corrections and changes.
• Good computer and professional communication skills, and the ability to operate all required Microsoft office and building controls equipment.
• Ability to lead a team or work alone.
• Ability to interact in a positive and timely manner with colleagues, vendors, and guests.
• Ability to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Thorough knowledge of saltwater chemistries.
• Basic plumbing, mechanical, and electrical skills.
• Basic swimming ability.
Education & Experience
• Four-year college degree or two-year trade school degree is preferred.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
• Mental – Requires a high degree of attention and concentration to read and interpret designs, specifications, and schematic drawings.
• Physical – Requires walking/standing approximately 50% of time; sitting approximately 20% of time; lifting up to 80 lbs. approximately 10% of time; stooping, forward bending and crouching approximately 20% of time.
• Environmental – Requires capability of performing essential job functions in an outside environment unprotected from severe weather conditions, on construction sites where hazardous materials and activities generally require special precautions, in mechanical equipment rooms where spaces are small and tight, and in an office environment with climate-control and good lighting.
• Manual Dexterity – Requires ability to operate computers and other general office equipment, and to operate tools used for maintenance, construction and repair.
• Audible – Requires the ability to verbally communicate with employees, distributors, and technical professionals in person and via telephone.
• Visual – Requires the ability to operate office equipment including computers and read written instructions, blue prints and other documentation
