Life Support Systems Technician
The Life Support Systems Technician I is responsible for performing daily inspections of all life support systems and components and maintaining all equipment in working order. The individual will handle such tasks as filter back washes, system lineup changes, seawater intake treatment, troubleshoot any faulty systems, and more. This position works a 4-day workweek, and all life support technicians rotate shifts to provide 24-hour coverage, 365 days of the year.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
Provides continuous monitoring of all critical life support components
Performs daily rounds inspections on all life support systems
Performs preventive and emergency maintenance for all the life support systems and associated equipment as needed
Performs routine life support activities such as filter back washes, system lineup changes, and water treatment
Isolates, troubleshoots and coordinates the repair of faulty life support systems including pumps, ozone generation systems, aquarium system filtration, and LSS building controls equipment
Provides support as needed with the construction and fabrication of new life support systems equipment and exhibits
Communicates successfully with and assists members of the department and other departments within the aquarium as needed
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Aquatic animal life support experience in an aquarium highly desirable
Pipe fitting and fabrication skills are highly desirable
Experience with centrifugal pump equipment fractional to 30 HP, sand filters, foam fractionators, UV sterilizers as well as heat exchangers is desirable
Understanding of basic water chemistry and tools used to measure water quality required
Must be highly computer literate with a strong understanding of MS windows
Understanding of automation and building control systems desirable
Must be a team-oriented individual with excellent oral and written communication skills
Knowledge of OSHA and Cal OSHA safety requirements is desirable
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or the completion of a formal training program a plus (or equivalent experience)
Previous aquatic animal life support experience in a private or public aquarium is highly desirable.
Must have work experience in a related technical field, such as wastewater treatment or marine engineering.
Must be able to work flexible hours (4-day workweek, including nights, weekends, and holidays in some rotations).
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time
Ability to balance, bend, squat, climb, kneel, crawl, twist
Ability to lift and carry up to 0-75lbs
Ability to pull and push up to 0-100lbs
Ability to work at a variety of heights
Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills
Working Conditions
Exposure to various in temperature, humidity or wetness
Exposure to injury from animal
Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
Exposure to confined spaces
Exposure to work in an industrial environment, including areas with low headroom, difficult access
Ability to work around and use hazardous chemicals with proper PPE
Use of special auditory, visual, and personal protective equipment
Exposure to working with bio-hazards
Aquarium habitats and open ocean environments
