Life Support Systems Technician

Each year approximately 1.7 million people visit the Aquarium, making it consistently one of the leading attractions in the Southern California region. Beyond its world-class animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. Through these programs and a variety of multimedia experiences, the Aquarium provides opportunities to delve deeper into ocean science and learn more about our planet.

Life Support Systems Technician

• 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 Life Support Systems Technician’s Responsibilities Include:

• Provides continuous monitoring of all critical life support components
• Performs daily rounds inspections on all life support systems
• Performs preventive and emergency maintenance for all the life support systems and associated equipment as needed
• Performs routine life support activities such as filter back washes, system lineup changes, and water treatment
• Isolates, troubleshoots and coordinates the repair of faulty life support systems including pumps, ozone generation systems, aquarium system filtration, and LSS building controls equipment
• Provides support as needed with the construction and fabrication of new life support systems equipment and exhibits
• Communicates successfully with and assists members of the department and other departments within the aquarium as needed

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or the completion of a formal training program a plus (or equivalent experience)
• Previous aquatic animal life support experience in a private or public aquarium is highly desirable.
• Must have work experience in a related technical field, such as wastewater treatment or marine engineering.
• Must be able to work flexible hours (4-day workweek, including nights, weekends, and holidays in some rotations).

Knowledge, Skills, Traits for Success:

• Aquatic animal life support experience in an aquarium highly desirable
• Pipe fitting and fabrication skills are highly desirable
• Experience with centrifugal pump equipment fractional to 30 HP, sand filters, foam fractionators, UV sterilizers as well as heat exchangers is desirable
• Understanding of basic water chemistry and tools used to measure water quality required
• Must be highly computer literate with a strong understanding of MS windows
• Understanding of automation and building control systems desirable
• Must be a team-oriented individual with excellent oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of OSHA and Cal OSHA safety requirements is desirable

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to balance, bend, squat, climb, kneel, crawl, twist
• Ability to lift and carry up to 0-75lbs
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-100lbs
• Ability to work at a variety of heights
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Exposure to various in temperature, humidity or wetness
• Exposure to injury from animal
• Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
• Exposure to confined spaces
• Exposure to work in an industrial environment, including areas with low headroom, difficult access
• Ability to work around and use hazardous chemicals with proper PPE
• Use of special auditory, visual, and personal protective equipment
• Exposure to working with bio-hazards
• Aquarium habitats and open ocean environments

Interested & Qualified?

If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below. You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required by all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:

• You will complete a brief web application;
• You will attach or build your resume;
• You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.

Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration. If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks. If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise. Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!

Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.