LSS Operations Management

• Leads the LSS function with support from the Engineering Manager, ensuring consistent staff coverage of LSS functions across the Aquarium campus.
• Oversees the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of pumps, filters, ozone and UV disinfection, heat exchangers, automated controls, and other equipment associated with LSS water treatment systems, ensuring optimal operations of LSS systems.
• Implements, maintains and performs preventive maintenance programs to ensure equipment and system reliability and longevity.
• Leads LSS projects and assists team members and other departments with related work as needed.
• Serves as primary on-call response for after-hours LSS emergencies.

Training & Staff Management

• Manages and mentors LSS staff through training, onboarding, evaluation of performance, coaching support and staff development. Ensure direct reports are well trained, high performing and aligned with the Aquarium’s S.A.L.I.S.H. values.
• Mentors, supports and advocates for staff; fosters an environment where team members’ overall wellbeing is supported.
• Conducts regular staff meetings to review ongoing work, set priorities, schedule and assign work, and ensure alignment with departmental and Aquarium-wide initiatives.
• Provide LSS-specific training to technicians to enhance their technical skills and knowledge of LSS systems (Controls and Electronics, Liquid and Gas Circulation, Filtration, Temperature Control, Disinfection, Habitat Construction, Plumbing, Water Quality).
• Foster a culture of teamwork, continuous learning, and professional growth, providing mentorship and training to ensure staff growth.
• Crosstrain and collaborate across the Facilities and Animal Care teams as needed to ensure cohesive operations.
• Participates in both managerial and technical professional development opportunities.
• Learns and stays up to date on relevant environmental health and safety, animal welfare and other regulatory compliance standards as they relate to the LSS function in order to promote safe and compliant operations within the team.

Administrative and Project Management

• Oversees procurement for life support system equipment and supplies, including maintaining an inventory of critical spare parts, chemicals, and system components.
• Ensures proper LSS recordkeeping and documentation of system performance, water quality metrics, maintenance activities, etc. utilizing Aquarium systems (CMMS, Tracks, etc.) to promote organized and timely reporting for decision-making and compliance needs.
• Manage LSS-related projects, ensuring completion within scope, budget, and timeline.
• Advocate for system improvements and work with the Engineering Manager to implement upgrades.
• Works with and manages vendors and contractors as needed ensuring quality work and compliance with Aquarium policies.
• Collaborate with the Animal Care and Water Quality teams to enhance operational sustainability and efficiency.
• Safety, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
• Ensure adherence to safety requirement protocols, environmental regulations, and animal welfare standards related to life support operations.
• Serves on the Aquarium’s Emergency Response Team. Participates in both preparedness drills and emergency response. Responsible for coordinating and executing LSS-related emergency response preparedness.
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for system maintenance, emergency responses, and operational best practices.
• Coordinate with the Aquarium’s Safety team to conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with local, state, and national regulatory requirements.
• Other duties as assigned as appropriate to level and scope of the role.