Life Support & Facility Operations Technician

The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for a Life Support and Facility Operations Technician to join the Facilities team. This position provides essential services, support, and technical expertise for a variety of maintenance/repair activities and coordinates work with skilled crafts and with other departmental work units under the supervision of the Aquarium engineer. Responsibilities include being dependable and accountable across all assigned tasks; effectively communicating across departments; collaborating in team settings; coping with change and operating at times in environments of uncertainty; utilizing sound analysis, good judgment and experience when solving complex problems; and demonstrating a willingness to learn new methods and approaches to challenges. The life support and facility operations technician is expected to respond to emergencies on an as-needed basis. 

Key functions: 

General knowledge of:  

• Building MEP systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc.) and how to operate and troubleshoot them.
• Safety and PPE requirements for working in an industrial facility. Includes working with and around tools (hand and power), mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, hydraulics, and chemicals.
• Federal, state, and local building codes and statues pertaining to facilities operation.
• Operate and maintain a variety of power tools and equipment.
• Ability to work around water (at times from a rowboat) as needed.
• Read and interpret all related operating procedures, manuals, and safety protocols.
• Read blueprints, schematics, datasheets and piping and instrumentation diagrams.
• Ability to travel throughout the Aquarium Campus as needed, including travel to offsite facility

Working conditions:

• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk or hear. 
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl, adjust focus, peripheral vision, and close vision.
• Frequently required to lift to 50 pounds and may be required to “team lift” heavier weights. 
• Work in confined spaces, at heights (i.e. roof and use of aerial lifts), with biohazards, chemicals, over water and occasionally in watercraft. 
• Must be able to swim. 
• Work around animals with exposure to potentially dangerous animals, and their feces/diseases. 
• Safely use scissor lift and other power equipment to complete responsibilities. 
• Exposure to outside weather conditions and noise from machinery and visitors when Aquarium is busy.  
• Work schedules which include one or more weekend days per work week and holidays. With notice, may be required to work any shift for special events and other business needs.  
• At times, be on call for emergencies. 

Experience Required

• A degree/professional certifications in any life science or mechanical/technical field required. BS degree preferred. We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education to meet minimum requirements.
• Must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a building engineering, mechanical and/or technical field. Preference given to those with aquarium or like facility experience.
• Possess a Washington State Driver’s License or obtain one within 60 days of hire.

Further Comments

Pay is dependent on experience. Please include salary expectations in your materials. Full-time staff are eligible for the Seattle Aquarium’s comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental, an employer-funded health reimbursement account, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, 403b retirement fund with employer match, access to a subsidized ORCA pass, a Seattle Aquarium Family Plus membership and generous paid time off.