Life Support Systems Intern

 Life Support Systems Intern

Mississippi Aquarium //
Gulfport, MS //
Apply by: May 1, 2023

This position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Vice President of Facility, and Facilities Operators in assisting with the LSS routine and maintenance. As an intern, you can expect to get hands-on experience in the daily care of our life support systems and water quality parameters and learn what it takes to be an LSS operator. Throughout the Internship, Interns will learn various tasks required for the daily operation of multiple fresh and saltwater systems; gain valuable knowledge in water chemistry, aquarium life support systems, aquatic biology, and quarantine systems; and develop skills in time management, communication, and teamwork. The position will also be responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards. The goal is to help Interns succeed professionally in any chosen field

Functions & Responsibilities

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists facilities staff in the overall daily care of the freshwater and saltwater aquarium systems.
• Assists water quality technician with water quality analyses.
• Keeps support areas clean, organized, and safe .
• Builds knowledge of water chemistry and aquatic animal biology.
• Learns how abiotic factors affect the animals on exhibit.
• Ensures guest satisfaction by delivering exceptional guest experiences and service.
• Complies with all standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to daily operations and safety.
• Consistent and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) included but not limited to a fitted respirator, eye and ear protection, gloves, hard hat, harness, steel-toed footwear.
• Promotes conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks
• Undertakes special projects as assigned.

Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to work a full 8 hours shift, at least 2 days per week, for 17 weeks.
• Ability to perform physically demanding job duties daily.
• Daily interaction with fellow team members and the public.
• Excellent observation and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that sustain a positive and professional environment.
• A valid driver’s license and ability to travel to and from work.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and possible late hours.
• Ability to find and secure housing for the duration of the Internship.
• Ability to work with and around various fish and crustaceans.

Education & Experience

• 18 years of age or older.
• Enrolled in or recent graduate of a college program in biology, marine biology, or another related field.
• Previous animal care experience or LSS familiarity, such as volunteering at an animal shelter, or completing other animal care Internships, or working in college-level aquaculture labs.
• Applicants should consider themselves hardworking, dedicated, and reliable.

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 occasionally 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. The employee must occasionally 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.

Salary & Benefits