Life Support and Facility Operations Technician
The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for a Life Support and Facility Operations Technician to join the facilities operations team. The technician provides support and technical expertise for a variety of operations and maintenance/repair activities related to complex building and animal life support systems and equipment. This position coordinates work with internal teams and contractors as part of our day-to-day operations. The engineering team works to find ways to reduce energy consumption or to use it more efficiently, in support of our Regenerative program initiatives.
Responsibilities include effectively communicating across departments, collaborating in a team setting, coping with change, and operating at times in environments of uncertainty, utilizing sound analysis, good judgment when solving complex problems, and demonstrating a willingness to learn new methods and approaches to challenges. The Life Support and Facility Operations Technician is expected to respond to emergencies on an as needed basis.
All positions at the Aquarium support our SALISH Values (Sustainable, Awe-Inspiring, Learning and Improving, Inclusive Community, Scientific Integrity, Honoring Place). As a part of our values, the Aquarium is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We adopted a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategic plan and Regenerative Plan. We envision a future in which ocean and coastal communities survive and thrive, where we can meet the needs of the present while building more resilient and equitable systems for the future.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
Operate, maintain, and repair Aquarium life support systems (LSS).
Assist with operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems at the direction of the Aquarium Engineer, as assigned through computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Assist contractors, schedule, and oversee vendors working on Aquarium grounds. Act as point of contact for contractors or other internal and external work teams in the absence of the Aquarium Engineer.
Perform daily rounds and routine mechanical installations and repairs; monitor animal life support systems, building energy management systems, safety and security systems and other mechanical systems. Maintain records and logs. Communicate issues in a timely and effective manner and help to resolve as needed.
Troubleshoot facilities equipment and systems and anticipate the impact these repairs will have on associated systems.
Proactively communicate any issues of concern that may arise during your shift to the appropriate staff. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Assist with other repairs to the building and to habitats as needed. May require working with wood, drywall, paint, metal, concrete, etc.
Organize, store and inventory parts, fittings and supplies in service areas. Create purchase requests when necessary.
Discuss and coordinate work with the facilities team. Monitor the various institutional calendars to forecast and avoid conflicts with assigned work.
Respond to emergencies as needed to take immediate and corrective action including major systems failures and alarms in times of emergency.
Participate in regular trainings related to safety or improving the technician’s skill level. Remain current in trainings and techniques that ensure the well-being and safety of animals, employees and the visiting public. Includes attending Aquarium sponsored trainings such as CPR, First Aid, Zoonosis, etc.
Uphold Seattle Aquarium’s S.A.L.I.S.H values, to foster an inclusive community for staff, guests, and all who engage with the maintenance team. All Aquarium staff and volunteers are expected to participate in advancing and integrating into their work Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in alignment with our daily work.
Perform other related duties as required as appropriate for level of position.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Demonstrates an understanding of the Aquarium’s Mission and Values, including Regenerative and Equity work.
General knowledge of and willingness to learn about:
Building mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, including HVAC, and how to operate and troubleshoot them.
How to use safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) for working in an industrial facility. This job works with and around tools (hand and power), mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, hydraulics, and chemicals.
General knowledge/awareness of federal, state, and local building codes and statutes pertaining to facilities operation.
Ability to convey information clearly, concisely, and proactively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Multilingual and multicultural communication skills and experience are preferred.
Ability to operate and maintain a variety of power tools and equipment.
Ability to work safely around water with the appropriate PPE (at times from a rowboat) as needed.
Ability to read and interpret technical documents, for example standard operating procedures, manuals, safety protocols, blueprints, schematics, datasheets and piping and instrumentation diagrams
Working knowledge of MS Office Suite, and possess the ability to learn other job-specific software systems to perform work duties
Strong organizational and time management skills; the ability to prioritize, allocate and monitor workload; using sound judgment to address problems and discrepancies.
Education & Experience
The skills and abilities listed below may be demonstrated through a combination of relevant cultural and community programs, jobs, internships, volunteer experience, and/or formal or informal education. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.
We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education in order to meet minimum requirements.
STARs (workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes) are encouraged to apply; a 4-year degree is not required for this role.
Must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a building engineering, mechanical and/or technical field.
Job Requirements
Working Conditions
Regularly required to use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl, adjust focus, peripheral vision and close vision.
At times required to lift up to 50 pounds of mechanical equipment and may be required to “team lift” heavier weights.
Work in confined spaces, at heights (i.e. roof and use of aerial lifts), near and over water, with biohazards and chemicals, etc., while using the appropriate personal protective equipment.
Work around animals with exposure to potentially dangerous animals, with potential exposure to zoonotic disease.
Safely operate scissor lift, boom lift, and other machinery to complete responsibilities.
Work occurs in all areas of all Aquarium facilities (indoor and outdoor), and at times in extreme environmental conditions.
Work schedules which normally includes weekend day per work week and occasional federal holidays. With notice, may be required to work any shift for special events and other business needs.
At times, be on call for emergency response.
