•Maintain all aquarium LSS in the best working order possible. Work with the Curator of Aquatic Systems to prioritize appropriately with consideration of consequences.
•Maintains compliance with AZA standards through detailed records and logs of the AON LSS operations and maintenance.
•Assist with repairs, installation, and maintenance of life support controls and monitoring systems to ensure proper operation and to prevent equipment failure.
•Performs daily operation/maintenance of ozone generators, compressors, and associated peripheral equipment.
•Maintain water quality logs and follow scheduled LSS maintenance.
•Ensures proper functioning of all equipment vital to the operation of animal habitat water quality and life support systems and exhibit water features.
•Communicates daily with zoological management, Curator of Aquatic Systems and Director of Animal Care with regard to LSS and water quality issues as they relate to animal health and exhibit function/appearance.
•Work closely to monitor and maintain nitrogen cycling in new and empty tanks, and to ensure all scheduled and unscheduled water changes, transfers and system-drop procedures are completed safely and efficiently. This may include but is not limited to monitoring and performing the following analyses: salinity, pH, temperature, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, copper, sulfate, ORP, hardiness alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, turbidity, chlorine, and other parameters as assigned by the Curator of Aquatic Systems.
•Prepares and maintains salt water batches and water transfers on large systems.
•Performs minor service and repairs to LSS equipment/systems including but not limited to water pumps, ozone equipment, meters/monitors/probes/sensors and associated calibrations, air blowers, and air prep units, water towers and vessels, water chillers and heat exchangers, valves, LSS plumbing, filters, and generators.
•Troubleshoots water chemistry problems by recommending and adding chemicals, and synthetic seawater as needed to maintain appropriate levels and responds to life support system alarms.
•Maintains accurate records of water quality testing and life support reading/activities and generates recommendations (e.g. repairs, purchases, supplies) based on the information.
•Coordinates with and assists Facilities Department with major repairs; preventative maintenance service; and, on water quality and life support equipment.
•Maintains an inventory of back up LSS equipment, parts and supplies to facilitate regular preventative maintenance service and minor repairs.
•Attends meetings and participates in developmental seminars (e.g. remains current on job skills) and workshops as required.
•Provide input to zoological management and Curator of Aquatic Systems on all aspects (e.g. water quality, safety, life support systems).
•Establishes and maintains contacts with other LSS professionals.
•Provides leadership to the zoological department on life support issues as required.
•Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
•Must be on-call for LSS emergencies.
•Strive at all times to build and maintain a cooperative attitude and working relationship with all departments.
•Provide support and assistance during special events and fundraisers at the Aquarium of Niagara.