Life Support Manager
This position is for a managerial level life support operator responsible for the oversight and management of the Aquarium’s life support infrastructure. This includes water treatment, maintenance of systems responsible for providing suitable environments for the Aquarium’s living collection, and the design and construction of these same components for new systems. This role manages a team of 3-5 life support technicians, and works closely with the Senior Life Support Engineer.
Institutional Summary:
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium provides learning opportunities for all levels, interests, and ages, with the mission to inspire people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems since 1997. Since opening its new facility in Draper in March 2014, the Aquarium has welcomed over eight million visitors and provided more than 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to more than 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium showcases ecosystems from around the planet including kelp forests, coral reefs, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, Asian cloud forests, South American rain forests, and the waterways of our home state of Utah. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019. With a new expansion currently under construction and slated for completion in late 2024, LLPA will soon be the largest aquarium in the Mountain West, and 5th largest aquarium overall in the continental United States.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Responsible for overseeing all aspects of team Core Job performance through staff management, scheduling and coordination of resources.
- Team Core job responsibilities include:
- Cleaning and maintenance of all life support equipment, supplies, and support spaces.
- Management of aquarium water resources, including synthetic seawater production, disinfection, testing, and life support system operation.
- Maintenance and review of all necessary records, including tracking and management of physical assets.
- Ensuring coverage for providing timely response to emergency life support scenarios that affect animal health or habitat integrity
- Responsible for managerial oversight of team performance and culture through regular performance reviews, coaching and guidance, and staff development.
- Responsible for team administration, including budgetary oversight, project development and management, and supporting departmental strategic planning.
- Responsible for overseeing, enforcing, and updating institutional and best practice standards.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Knowledge of plumbing and environmental life support components including pumps, filtration, disinfection.
Working knowledge in the areas of electrical, HVAC, welding, or fabrication will be considered favorably. - Understanding of water chemistry and monitoring.
- Awareness of and ability to adhere to OSHA standards and proper use of personal protective equipment.
- Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Demonstrated experience in departmental administration, including budget management, project development, strategic planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Ability to use a computer and Microsoft Office for data entry and email communication. Prior experience with ZIMS software is a plus.
Education & Experience
- Two (2) or four (4) year degree in a relevant field preferred.
- Five (5)+ years of paid experience in a relevant trade.
- Two (2) to three (3) years of experience serving in a supervisory role
Job Requirements
Working Conditions
- Performance of duties may require working under conditions that include:
- Sitting, standing, climbing, swimming, and carrying intermittent weights of up to 50 lbs.
- Hot, cold, humid, and wet environments
- Driving Aquarium vehicles, operating heavy machinery, using power tools, and working around chemicals.
- Ladders, elevated platforms, enclosed spaces and uneven surfaces.
Hours and availability: This is a salaried position calculated at 40 hours per week; Position is responsible for ensuring on-call support for after-hours emergencies, weekends, and holiday coverage.
