Senior Life Support and Water Quality Specialist (ARCC)
Under limited supervision, play a leadership role in the operation, quality assurance, troubleshooting, repairs, maintenance, and monitoring of water and mechanical systems at the MBA Animal Research and Care Center (ARCC); responsible for water quality laboratory analyses, design of new life support systems, quality control and assurance, and operation of life support, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), specialty equipment, filtration, and water quality sensors in order to maintain and optimize water flow and water quality at the facility; access and monitor computerized control system during work and off hours to provide 24/7 coverage of the life support; performs other duties as required.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
Acts as team lead in troubleshooting and repair of critical water and mechanical plants associated with an offsite live animal holding and quarantine facility incorporating 350,000 gallons of semi-closed seawater systems; systems include pumps, pressure sand filters, ozone systems, protein fractionators, ultraviolet sterilizers, drum filters, bag filters, carbon filters, air blowers, air compressors, boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, and HVAC with cooling tower
Design new system modifications or new life support systems to improve system functioning or water parameters, based on the computer-based control system data, animal health needs, water flow needs, fluid dynamics, or regulatory requirements
Analyze water quality data results and flow data and recommend life support changes based on the analysis
Develop preventative maintenance schedules and operational protocols for life support, mechanical plant, HVAC, and water quality equipment.
Write and implement Quality Assurance and Quality Control protocols and laboratory processes and maintain laboratory SOPs.
Perform water quality laboratory analyses of ARCC systems using handheld and bench-top instrumentation and laboratory wet chemistry techniques.
Act as team lead in preventative maintenance on water and mechanical plants, to include pumps, pressure sand filters, ozone systems, protein fractionators, ultraviolet sterilizers, drum filters, bag filters, carbon filters, air blowers, air compressors, boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, and HVAC with cooling tower
Train and mentor new staff, interns, volunteers, and outside researchers.
Respond to after-hours water systems and life support alarms, providing 24-hour facility alarm coverage 365 days per year
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Excellent mechanical skills
Excellent laboratory skills
Problem solving skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Experience in plumbing and electrical design, assembly, and maintenance
Advanced knowledge of aquariums (home or commercial) and design/function of aquatic life support system components
Advanced knowledge of life support system equipment operation and maintenance
Advanced knowledge of automated controls, pneumatics, electro-mechanical and electro-optical devices
Practical knowledge of techniques and instrumentation used in analytical seawater chemistry and microbiology
Practical skills with hand and power tools used for light fabrication and mechanical maintenance
Familiarity with OSHA safety guidelines
Familiarity with three-phase 480V electrical systems and components
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification
Ability to prioritize work while multi-tasking, without immediate supervision
Ability to analyze data quickly and translate data into operational decisions
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Demonstrated ability to train and teach other staff
Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
Education & Experience
Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Biological Science, Hydrology, or Chemistry OR equivalent combination of education, training and experience
6+ years experience operating and maintaining a facility incorporating aquatic animal life support systems
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
Sitting, standing, walking several miles, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, reaching, pulling, pushing
Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs, to include bags and large fish (tuna)
Forklift, van, hand and shop tools, power tools, laboratory tools (pipettes, spectrophotometer, etc), pullies, lifts, fine tools for instrumentation work
Working Conditions
Quarantine facility, mechanical rooms, outdoors, confined spaces, roofs, office, animal care spaces
This is our off-site animal holding and quarantine facility, 10 miles north of the main Aquarium
