Life Support Technician I/II
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is seeking enthusiastic and motivated Life Support candidates to be part of our team that provides the world’s most engaging aquarium experience. Candidates will be part of a dynamic team that is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Aquarium’s 800,000-gallon aquatic life support systems. Duties and responsibilities will include the operation and maintenance of pumps, filters, fractionators, compressors, ozone generators, valve and piping systems, electronic control systems and laboratory equipment. Position will be filled at level 1 or 2 based on candidates’ qualifications and experience.
Life Support Technician II require a minimum combination of education and experience equivalent to 4 years in fields that utilize the required knowledge, skills and abilities associated with positions such as aquarium life support operator, water treatment plant operator, aquaculturist or maintenance worker in similar industry. Preferences include associates of applied science or bachelor’s degree in related field, Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator certification of Level 2 or higher, two years of full-time equivalent experience and experience training or leading staff.
Life Support Technician I require a minimum combination of education and experience equivalent to 2 years in fields that utilize the required knowledge, skills and abilities associated with positions such as aquarium life support operator, water treatment plant operator, aquaculture or maintenance worker in similar industry. Preferences include associates of applied science or bachelor’s degree in related field, Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator certification of Level 1 or water quality level 1, and experience maintaining life support equipment, experience with aquarium maintenance at a public facility or experience with pumps, compressors, or similar mechanical equipment.
For a detailed description and list of knowledge, skills and abilities required please see: https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=VBGOV&cws=37&rid=40444
Functions & Responsibilities
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Preferences:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and/or an Associates of Applied Science degree in Aquarium Science
Industry related certification or license, such as Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO), waterworks operator, wastewater operator, water distribution operator, National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), or similar
Experience operating life support systems in a public aquarium, aquaculture facility, water production/ distribution systems, or wastewater systems
Experience repairing/installing life support system components or similarly complex machinery
Experience working in exhibit or life support design
Experience with basic construction methods
Water quality experience
Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility
Education & Experience
Aquarium Life Support Technician I: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to two (2) years of experience in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with positions such as aquarium life support operator/technician, water treatment plant operator, aquaculturist, aquarist, exhibits technician, or maintenance worker in a similar facility.
Aquarium Life Support Technician II: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years’ experience in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with such positions as aquarium life support operator/technician, water treatment plant operator, aquaculturist, aquarist, exhibits technician, or maintenance worker in a similar facility.
Job Requirements
Working Conditions
Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employees supervisor based on position assigned. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to mandatory drug testing and annual exams. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination. Alpha I Status: Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status. Successful completion of a pre-employment physical.
Salary & Benefits
Aquarium Life Support Technician II - $45,300.90 - $70,216.40
