Life Support Systems Technician
If you love mechanical work and marine life, and if you thrive in an environment where no two days are the same, here’s your chance to have it all with a career as a Life Support Systems Technician at Aquarium at the Boardwalk.
Reporting to our Director of Life Support Systems, the Life Support Technician is a key member of our team with primary responsibility for maintaining and repairing marine aquatic life support systems in both the 46,000-square-foot-aquarium attraction and nearby 10,000-square-foot quarantine facility. This includes pumps, piping, filtration, disinfection processes, and control systems for 300,000+ gallons of saltwater.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
• Work with the Life Support Systems leadership, and Husbandry Department to establish and maintain environments supporting the health and well-being of all animals in the collection.
• Repair Life Support Systems. This includes water filters, ozone generation and treatment, chlorine dosing equipment, UV sterilization, foam fractionators and associated control systems.
• Repair pumps, filters, valves, and actuators.
• Provide adequate amounts of prepared saltwater for all animal enclosures.
• Participate in LSS preventative maintenance program, including monitoring all filtration systems and water parameters.
• Maintain operational data logs on all water systems.
• Assist staff and visitors as needed in a pleasant, professional, and courteous manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
• 1+ year experience in one or several of the following fields: aquariums, filtration, aquatic animal care, mechanics, disinfection, pumps, plumbing, automation systems, ozone, water treatment.
• Previous experience with large-scale aquatic life support and filtration systems in a zoo, aquarium, or similar setting is a strong plus.
• Knowledge of automated controls, pneumatics, electro-mechanical and electro-optical devices and methods is preferred.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematic drawings, diagrams, P&ID’s and make necessary corrections and changes.
• Good computer and professional communication skills, and the ability to operate all required Microsoft office and building controls equipment.
• Ability to interact in a positive and timely manner with colleagues, vendors, and guests.
• Ability to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to be on call 24 hours a day as part of a departmental on call rotation.
• Basic knowledge of saltwater chemistry.
• Basic plumbing, mechanical, and electrical skills.
• Basic swimming ability.
• High-school diploma. Four-year college degree or two-year trade school degree is preferred.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
• High degree of attention and concentration to read and interpret designs, specifications, and schematic drawings.
• Walking/standing approximately 50% of time; sitting approximately 20% of time; lifting up to 80 lbs. approximately 10% of time; stooping, forward bending and crouching approximately 20% of time. Climbing stairs and ladders daily.
• Ability to perform essential job functions in an outside environment unprotected from severe weather conditions, on construction sites where hazardous materials and activities generally require special precautions, in mechanical equipment rooms where spaces are small and tight, and in an office environment with climate-control and good lighting.
• Ability to operate computers and other general office equipment, as well as tools used for maintenance, construction and repair.
• Ability to verbally communicate with employees, distributors, and technical professionals in person and via telephone.
• Ability to operate office equipment including computers and to read written instructions, blueprints and other documentation.
Salary & Benefits
•Annual bonus up to 10% of salary based on Living Our Core Values.
•Paid vacation & sick time.
•Medical insurance: Company pays 100% of employee’s premium.
•Option to add family members to insurance.
•Affordable vision and dental insurance available.
•401(k) Plan with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 4% (after 1 Yr. employment)
•Personal development: Up to $1,500 per year to experience and learn new things (Explore!).
•$10,000 life insurance policy & long-term disability insurance fully paid by the company.
