Life Support Systems Technician
Aquarium of the Pacific //
Long Beach, CA //
Apply by: October 9, 2024
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.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- 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
Other Duties & Responsibilities
- 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).
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- 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
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
- 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
Working Conditions
- 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
Salary & Benefits
Salary: Minimum starting pay for this role is $23.50
Minimum starting pay for this role is $23.50. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.
