Life Support System Technician
Children's Aquarium Dallas //
Dallas, TX //
Apply by: November 30, 2024
The Life Support Systems (LSS) Maintainer is a technical, safety-sensitive, and essential position responsible for the safe operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of CAD’s fresh-water and seawater systems and other related work as required. This position is expected to perform high quality work in support of CAD’s mission to provide uninterrupted and optimal life support conditions for the living collection and excellent water clarity for the visitor experience.
In addition to managing the LSS systems, this position will be responsible for organizing and managing the daily maintenance and repair of structural features, fixtures, furnishings, and operating systems of the assigned facilities. This position will follow and implement preventive maintenance schedules for the following: structural features and figures; parking areas, walkways, and other access areas; mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, emergency systems; other operating systems and equipment.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- -Installs, operates, monitors and ensures proper functioning of all equipment vital to the operation of animal exhibits, quarantine and holding and life support systems and exhibit water features (e.g. pumps, valves, filters, ozone generators, UV sterilizers, backwashes, generators).
- Maintains efficient operation of backwash recovery system and water reclamation in order to reclaim at least 95% on marine systems. Prepares and maintains saltwater batches and water transfers on large systems. Maintains proper water quality using sanitizers, ozone and other chemicals. Maintains proper water filtration for turbidity/clarity.
- Performs PM tasks and affects necessary repairs on all life-support related equipment including, but not limited to: freshwater and seawater pumps, filters, heat exchangers, valves, pressure regulators and automation equipment, low-voltage systems, ozone equipment, UV sterilizers, air prep units, blowers, building hardware, LSS plumbing, generators and other duties as deemed necessary to maintain life support operations.
- Recommending and maintaining the stock of required spare parts, tools, and test instruments.
- Communicates daily with supervisor, plant engineering staff, co-workers, animal staff, and laboratory staff with regard to LSS and water quality issues as they relate to animal health and exhibit function/appearance. Works closely with co-workers to ensure all scheduled and unscheduled water changes, transfers and tank-drop procedures are completed safely and efficiently.
- Assists in the design and installation of new filtration systems. Interprets blueprints and equipment drawings.
- Daily monitors and interprets water chemistry parameters of the pools to ensure water quality and clarity standards are met. Utilizes and calibrates water quality analysis equipment to monitor vital parameters. Water quality analysis equipment includes ion probes, spectrophotometers, pH meters, conductivity meters, commercial test kits, etc. Parameters monitored include residual ozone, bromine and chlorine levels; pH; dissolved oxygen; ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels; hardness; salinity; coliforms.
- Assists in the mixing of artificial seawater.
- Responsible for maintaining accurate records; generates work orders and daily log sheets in a neat and orderly fashion, uses computer, MS Office and MS Outlook.
- Performs various troubleshooting techniques related to system problems and/or malfunctions and responds to emergencies.
- Assures safety of self, animals, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines around the animals, equipment, and vehicles.
- Utilizes chemical supply products and follows standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets and makes recommendations to curator staff on compliance related issues.
- Read, understand, and utilize technical manuals and data regarding LSS operations, methodology and equipment.
- Monitor and analyze trends; recognize issues and respond per established protocols. Assist with conducting and interpreting water quality tests and analyze data and assist with corrections as needed.
- Assist with upgrading and/or installing life support systems in exhibits. May assist in exhibit design, construction, assembly, maintenance, and repair, including but not limited to, fiberglass and concrete décor; waterproofing materials and treatments; and acrylic.
- Research and suggest upgrades, visitor enhancements, and changes to exhibit and life support systems to senior staff.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
- Maintain the preventative maintenance program of all designated equipment through the manufacturers’ scheduled maintenance for all equipment.
- Identify and record all maintenance performed to equipment according to approved protocols and procedures. Maintain up-to-date records on maintenance activities.
- Perform inspections, preventative maintenance, routine upkeep, cleaning and repair of all facility equipment.
- Assist in emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals or company property.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Must be able to regularly work weekends, holidays. Must be able to work nights/ after normal work shifts as needed.
- Position is considered “Essential/Mandatory Staff” and required to work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
- Must have the ability to perform strenuous physical work with alertness to surroundings in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments with or without an accommodation.
- Must be able to work alone without supervision.
- Ability to adhere to OSHA standards and proper use of personal protective equipment.
- Excellent time management skills preferred.
Education & Experience
- High school graduate or GED Required
- Two years’ or more experience in electrical or plumbing fields with a minimum of six months experience in fields, such as aquarium life support, aquaculture, commercial water treatment or similar industry that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Experience in the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and use of water quality testing equipment preferred.
Job Requirements
Salary & Benefits
Salary: Starting at $20 per hour
