Animal Life Support Tech I
We seek a dedicated individual who will take direction and receive support from the Maintenance Supervisor and Animal Life Support Lead and assist in maintaining all aspects of the Life Support and Maintenance Department at Newport Aquarium. Responsibilities will include a multitude of maintenance work including aquatic life support, water quality, closed system operations, plumbing, painting, carpentry, and other facility maintenance. The priorities for this position include attention to animal health, exhibit excellence, and visitor experience.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Daily visual/physical monitoring of husbandry operated systems, engineering operated systems and facility security. Any problems are to be reported to Level 2 or 3 Life Support Techs
- Learn from Level 2 and 3 Life Support Tech’s and contractor’s actions that will alleviate problems that allow systems to run optimally. Assist them with routine and preventative maintenance of equipment, visual inspection of equipment to detect malfunctions or need for repair/adjustment, cleaning of clogged system strainer baskets and changing dirty filters
- Routine backwashing of individual systems when filter differentials reach undesired pressures or when water lab requires water chemistry problems to be alleviated. This includes logging each backwash and water change in water lab log notes. Any system malfunction that influences water quality is to be reported to the water lab and noted
- Record data onto flowsheets at specified intervals. This includes all changes and updates pertaining to new/added equipment. Data may include temperature of water, system water levels, filter and overall flow rates, ORP, ozone system, air blower pressure, Monitor unit operation and chiller unit operation. Any noted differences/problems are to be adjusted immediately or reported to a supervisor.
- Mixing salt recipe according to water lab calculations. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Maintain saltwater throughout the building by monitoring levels. Keep Level 2 and 3 informed of usage.
- Records all operations and maintenance actions taken during shift in appropriate logbook.
- Assist Facilities maintenance/Husbandry staff when needed.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Two (2) years previous experience in a related area preferred
- Sound knowledge of the materials and techniques used in this field
- Knowledge of carpentry, painting, plumbing, and/or electric is a plus. Must be able to lift 50 pounds
- Understanding of Life Support System (LSS) theory and operation
- Current Scuba certification highly desired
- Excellent observation and communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that generate and sustain a positive team atmosphere and professional environment for all
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies when needed
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
- Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and background checks.
- Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop, work in wet and slippery conditions
- Ability to work in all weather conditions
- Physical strength, including the ability to lift 50 pounds
Working Conditions
Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, slippery conditions, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g. goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.
Salary & Benefits
- 40 sick hours, 40 personal hours, 8 Holidays, and 80 Vacation Hours annually
- Profit Sharing and 401K Plan with company match
- Free entrance for you and your dependents which extends to most Herschend Enterprises’ properties
- Earn 1 General Admission complimentary ticket, that you can give to anyone, per pay period
- Discounts at Sharky’s Café, Sweet Dreams Candy Company, and the gift shop
- Discounted tickets and annual passes for friends and family
- Training and development
