Under the direction of Project Management, the Aquatic Life Support Operator is responsible for maintaining the aquatic systems that create and sustain a livable environment for fish and other aquatic animals. This role requires a deep understanding of water chemistry, biology, and mechanical systems, as well as practical skills in maintenance and repair. The operator performs routine calibration of sensors, such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity, to ensure accurate measurements. They troubleshoot and fix issues with pumps, plumbing, and electrical components, ensuring proper function and operation of the life support equipment.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits), union position, which is subject to the successful completion of a probationary (or trial period) and the deduction of union dues.
The position is in the maintenance department. The candidate will perform work on aquatic features in a variety of animal areas as well as some non-animal aquatic features.

Essential Functions / Position Qualifications:
• Thorough knowledge of the operation, repair and maintenance of low pressure boilers, pumps, generators, HVAC, and other equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of the repair of electrical and mechanical fixtures and equipment.
• Ability to make a variety of skilled mechanical and electrical repairs; ability to read and interpret blueprints and wiring diagrams; ability to maintain routine records and to prepare reports.
• Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity; initiative and resourcefulness; good physical condition.
• First Class Stationary Engineer License required; City of Buffalo Chief Engineers license is preferable. CFC Universal Certification preferred.
• Understanding of computerized building management systems and digital controls preferred.
• Experience with pumps, filters, chlorinators, ozone generators with regard to large swimming pools or aquatic life support systems desired.
• This position may work both day shifts and/or night shifts. A shift premium differential of one dollar ($1.00) per hour will be added for all hours worked after 6pm.

Minimum starting pay for this role is $23.50. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

The Life Support Systems Technician is responsible for performing daily inspections of all life support systems and components and maintaining all equipment in working order. The individual will handle such tasks as filter backwashes, system lineup changes, seawater intake treatment, troubleshoot any faulty systems, and more. This position works a 4-day workweek, and all life support technicians rotate shifts to provide 24-hour coverage, 365 days of the year.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Career Development Pathway (CDP) program is a rich learning resource for interns and externs, enabling them to partner with the Aquarium in pursuit of our shared DEIA objectives and take our mission to the next level. Targeting underrepresented communities of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), the CDP will provide eligible college, undergraduate, and graduate students with meaningful work experience under the direction of an Aquarium mentor. The CDP program is outcomes-based, requiring a project report at the conclusion of the program, further documenting the participants’ growth along their developmental pathway.

Work under the mentorship of our life support designers and facility systems staff to develop an understanding of Aquarium water systems, controls, and mechanical engineering. Assist the design engineer in projects related to system design for new systems or exhibits, to include equipment specification and creating design drawings and models. Perform rounds on mechanical and life support systems and assist with troubleshooting and data collection. Complete a design and engineering project to contribute to the build of an upcoming aquarium system.

Disney is looking for candidates to join our Water Sciences team as a System Tech!
Your primary responsibility in this role is the operation of the Water Sciences water treatment systems and the monitoring of the water animal habitats. Performing checks on the systems components to ensure proper operations within design control ranges, interpret the data that is collected, and then troubleshoot and resolve system upset conditions. You will ensure adherence to strict water quality guidelines and set operational guidelines which is the basis of our aquatic animal health program.

You will report to the Water Sciences Operations Managers.

This is a Casual Temporary or Seasonal role with no guarantee of weekly working hours, as hours will fluctuate based on business needs.

The National Aquarium is seeking a passionate Facilities Technician-Plumber to join our team. This role will help keep all buildings, equipment, and grounds well-maintained, clean, and working in a first-class manner. They will also support the Life Support (LS) Department by performing daily inspections of all LS water transfer equipment. Additionally, this role assess, repairs, replaces, rebuilds and maintains all equipment as necessary. Advanced plumbing experience preferred.

The Habitat Production Manager is a hands-on manager of assigned habitat shop spaces, habitat shop staff, habitat fabrication projects, and associated budgets. The Habitat Production Manager must utilize leadership, communication, organization, and negotiation skills to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment, occasionally under pressure. The HPM must be well versed in state-of-the-art habitat design and production materials and methods to produce high quality habitat simulations that are aesthetically pleasing, functional, durable, and non-toxic to the aquarium’s display animal and plant collection(s). The HPM must be a highly focused and creative individual who consistently offers smart solutions, efficient workflow, and value. The HPM must also be a flexible team player who can assemble talented creative teams, motivate and unite staff, and deliver exceptional results on time and on budget. The HPM must have the ability to orchestrate the efforts of staff and contractors in a timely and efficient manner to advance projects to completion.

The Life Support Systems Technician is responsible for providing and maintaining the mechanical systems that support proper and healthy environments for the living collections. Additionally, the LSS Technician works closely with the Life Support Systems Manager and Water Laboratory Supervisor to ensure the highest quality of water and proper operation of the closed system exhibits within the Living Collections department.

About the Opportunity:
Reporting to the Automation Supervisor, the Automation Technician is responsible for the operation and maintenance of Building Management Systems (BMS) and Life Support Systems (LSS) automation systems, including hardware and software. This position will work directly with the Building Engineers, Electricians, Experience Engineering, and Aquatic Biology departments. This role works alongside other trades and academy departments as necessary coordinating maintenance and project priorities. We are looking for an entry level candidate who is interested in breaking into the field of controls. Candidates will be introduced to coding, low voltage electrical, HVAC, aquarium systems, and more.

Organizational Culture
Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We are committed to ensuring diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are intrinsic to Academy culture and operations, from recruitment and retention to science and advocacy.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. Please do not apply if you are not able to work onsite. Candidates are required to have up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment, absent qualifying exemptions in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals receiving a conditional offer of employment from the California Academy of Sciences will be provided the full text of the vaccination policy. The California Academy of Sciences is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace, to protect its employees, volunteers and guests.

About the Building Systems Department:
The Building Systems Department is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and improvements to the buildings Building Management System and aquarium Life Support Systems. The team operates under minimal supervision with projects and freedom to choose improvement projects. We invest heavily into learning and expanding our knowledge base, including conferences and training classes.