Life Support Systems Technician
California Science Center Foundation //
Los Angeles, California //
Apply by: November 1, 2024
The Life Support Systems Technician is responsible for maintaining the mechanical systems that support proper and healthy environments for the living collections. Additionally, the Life Support Systems Technician works closely with the Life Support Systems Supervisor, the Water Laboratory Supervisor, and the Life Support Systems Manager to ensure the highest quality of animal welfare through the operation of the closed system exhibits and stringently upholding safe water quality parameters within the Living Collections department.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Work closely with Life Support Systems Manager, Life Support Systems Supervisor, and Water Laboratory Supervisor to provide complete coordination of aquatic life support system functions.
- Perform inspections, preventative maintenance, routine upkeep, cleaning, and repair of all life support equipment.
- Perform water quality testing including the collection, analyzing, and recording of water samples using proven laboratory techniques for closed saltwater and freshwater aquatic systems.
- Effectively operate and interface with automated life support system control software.
- Contribute to the design of life support systems for aquatic and terrestrial animals including temporary tanks and modifications of existing systems or future additions, as necessary.
- Maintain precise and accurate logs and records.
- Understand and follow all safety policies and procedures with the ability to adhere to OSHA and Cal OSHA standards and proper use of personal protective equipment in an aquarium and lab environment.
- Work closely and communicate clearly with a diverse staff of employees and volunteers within the Living Collections
- Department, as well as inter-departmentally within the California Science Center.
- Required to carry the California Science Center radio and cell phone, responding as necessary while on duty.
- Perform other duties as required.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
GOOD CANDIDATES HAVE:
- Experience operating, maintaining, and building life support systems for marine and freshwater systems.
- Experience and knowledge of pumps, filters, fractionators, UV sterilizers, heat exchangers, ozone systems and automated control equipment.
- Basic knowledge of water chemistry sampling and analysis.
- Must be able to work in an industrial work environment including confined spaces, areas with low headroom and difficult access, and with hazardous chemicals.
- Has well rounded computer skills working with MS Office programs such as Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook.
- Must be able to work weekends (Saturday & Sunday), holidays, and have a flexible schedule.
- Ability to lift, pull, shift, push 50 pounds and work outside in varying weather conditions.
- Attention to detail and great overall workplace cleanliness is mandatory.
- Technical writing skills, effective oral communication, and problem solving skills are essential.
- Ability to work productively and accurately with diverse staff and/or volunteers.
- Ability to work both independently and in team settings.
- Ability to time manage well so that all maintenance is performed routinely and in an organized manner.
GREAT CANDIDATES ALSO HAVE:
- BS/BA degree in related field with 1+ years experience or 3+ years combination of experience and training in similar role.
- 1+ years of experience working within an AZA-accredited aquarium or comparable institution.
- Experience designing aquatic systems to house animals.
- Knowledge of and ability to adhere/enforce OSHA and Cal OSHA standards and proper use of personal protective equipment in an aquarium and lab environment.
- Prior water laboratory experience in an academic or professional setting.
- Experience utilizing Smartsheets computer software efficiently.
- Must have at least 20 logged dives, Openwater Scuba Diver Certification with the ability to pass annual dive physical requirements to maintain active diver status with the California Science Center, and current first aid, O2, and AED certifications.
- Experience diving in both open-ocean and aquarium setting.
Job Requirements
Salary & Benefits
Salary: $24.25 - 26.25 / Hour