Aquarium Life Support Technician at the Key West Aquarium

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Position Summary

The Life Support Systems Technician manages maintains repairs designs and installs water support systems for the aquariums animals exhibits water features and water quality. Provides a consistent flow of communication with all of the aquariums team members establishing a positive teamwork environment in meeting designated water quality parameters. Assures accurate communication with vendors for product and material ordering.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive pay and paid training: $25 per hour
• All FT Employees are eligible for paid vacation time as well as company sponsored health and wellness plans
• All FT PT and Seasonal employees are eligible for: paid sick time 401K plan with company matching* fun and upbeat work environment with various award and recognition celebrations throughout the year First Stop Health - 24 hr. access to doctor by phone or computer for employee and their dependents (Employer pays 100%) discounts in retail stores and free admission to all company attractions

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Requirements:

Essential Functions

• Follows and upholds the aquariums life support systems (LSS) objectives protocols policies maintenance schedules and operating procedures to ensure the most professional effective efficient and successful animal exhibits and related aquarium functions.
• Operates monitors and maintains the aquariums LSS equipment including but not limited to pumps chillers filters and piping systems. Including conducting daily visual inspections. Maintenance also includes backwashing filters water changes temperature monitoring and addition of chemicals to improve water quality.
• Performs preventative and corrective maintenance as needed to keep LSS equipment in excellent working condition and appearance.
• Participate in aquarium duties including but not limited to set-up and breakdown of exhibits cleaning and maintenance of exhibits which could include being partially or fully submerged under water.
• Maintain schedules for preventative maintenance and database log for repairs replacements and rebuilds for both in house maintenance and outside vendors. Participate in the making of recommendations for equipment replacements or replacements or rebuilds.
• Monitors maintains and enters data in the LSS database logs for day-to-day operations and maintenance of life support systems related to aquarium operations and distributer reports.
• Provides a consistent flow of communication with all of the aquariums team members to effectively plan for the water quality needs of the animals. Establishing a positive teamwork environment and problem resolution.
• Conducts water quality testing including but not limited to chlorine salinity pH coordinates and other necessary testing requirements.
• Obeys and enforces safety policies and procedures. Report safety hazards to management immediately.

Additional Functions

• Assist with moving the animals and assist the aquarist team with loading of supplies.
• Always maintains the highest standard of work area cleanliness.
• Pick up and deliver supplies as needed.
• Ability to work flexible shifts and respond to after hours life support system emergencies.
• Pass annual MVR checks.

Required Knowledge Skills and Experience

• High degree of self-motivation and ability to work independently or as a team within the scope of the established rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of filtration components and their applications
• Knowledge of construction operation and repair of centrifugal pumps heat exchangers air compressors automated control systems filtration systems sand filters and protein skimmers.
• Knowledge of plumbing practices materials and tools as they relate to the trade.
• Knowledge of basic electrical and its application as well as repair techniques on electronic equipment controls on life support equipment.
• Knowledge of how to oil grease clean and replace motors bearings and other frictional wearing surface.
• Ability to conduct backwashing vacuuming filter maintenance and temperature monitoring related to aquarium systems.

Preferred Knowledge Skills and Experience

• 2-year trade school degree or certification in plumbing and electrical or equivalent work experience.
• 3-year experience in aquatic animal life support systems or similar industrial process plant work experience.