Life Support System – Technician II

Life Support System – Technician II

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station //
St. Louis, MO //
Apply by: March 31, 2023

This position is responsible for the Aquarium’s maintenance/life support team to support the operation, maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment associated with live animal habitats. Management and preventative maintenance of all life support system (LSS) equipment, including but not limited to pumps, sand filters, UV, ozone generators and other equipment that are critical to animal health.

Functions & Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Perform all duties of an LSS technician I and one of the following specialty tracks
• LSS operations specialist
o Assign work orders to LSS technician I’s.
o Maintain inventory for all LSS critical spare parts.
o Schedule and lead new in-house LSS construction.
o Manage all abnormal LSS operations.
o Identify all unsafe working conditions and make recommendations on corrective actions.
o Work/coordinate with vendors on preventative maintenance items that are above current technical skill level.
o Write standard operating procedures.
o Ensure standard operating procedures are followed.
• Water quality analyst.
o Analyze all water quality reports to identify deleterious trends.
o Stay abreast of all water quality ranges for all habitats.
o Maintain the instrumentation and sensors, including flow meters, ORP probes, pH meters, DO meters, and more.
o Create and maintain all water quality dosing protocols.
o Maintain all records and record keeping database.
o Maintain all related water quality inventories.
o Communicate water quality concerns to respective teams.
o Write standard operating procedures.
o Ensure standard operating procedures are followed.
• Identify problems and communicate system design and operational changes to LSS Manager.
• Coordinate contractors working on-site for safety and animal health concerns.
• Perform inspections, preventative maintenance, routine upkeep, cleaning and repair of all life support equipment.
• Understand water chemistry reports and their relationships to LSS.
• Monitor the Life Sciences inventory and departmental expenditure as it pertains to maintenance in order to reduce loss/waste, control costs and accurately communicate expenses.
• Assist in emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals or company property.
• In collaboration with Guest Experience Department and the Aquarium Foundation, ensure habitats and programs engage, educate and entertain diverse audiences.
• Work closely with the Aquarium Foundation to ensure volunteers and educators provide exemplary guest service and engagement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Experience

Education & Experience

• One year + in a similar position required.
• PADI Open Water or equivalent (or able to obtain within 90 days of employment) required.
• First Aid, CPR, Emergency O2, and AED certification (or able to obtain within 90 days of employment) required.
• Ability to adhere to OSHA standards and proper use of personal protective equipment in an aquarium environment required.
• Skilled in general construction, troubleshooting mechanical systems and the safe use of tools required.
• Preferred certification – AALSO Operator Level I.
• Knowledge of water chemistry and monitoring in an aquarium environment required.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills required.

Job Requirements
Salary & Benefits