Life Support Systems Technician
Position: Supervisor, Operations/ Life Support Systems (LSS)
Reports to: Assistant Director of Facilities
Position Managed: No direct reports but interacts and may oversee outside contractors, consultants, and other service providers, coordinates with Animal Dept. & oversee Operation Dept. staff on weekend.
Location: Bronx Zoo
Department: Facilities and Operations
Scope: Based at Bronx Zoo
Position Type: Full Time
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Work closely with animal department managers, and Operations Department management to develop and implement all standard operating and prevent maintenance procedures for the life support systems and/or control systems.
- Perform all operational responsibilities of life support as needed.
- Maintain and repair pumps, filters, ozonation and all other equipment relevant to aquatic life support.
- Work closely with Animal Department staff in planning, layout, purchasing and implementation of projects related to aquatic life support systems.
- Monitor & maintain manual & automated chemical systems used to control sanitary standards of NYC regulated Cooling Towers.
- Maintain proper operation of the cooling towers by cleaning and conducting preventive maintenance to mechanical and electrical components.
- Keep up to date water quality logs and associated documentation per the NYC Department of Health in regard to Cooling Towers and regulated inspections.
- Supervise and provide Supervisory functions over Operations Department staff on weekends.
- Respond to and address work requests from the Animal Departments.
- Respond to emergencies and communicate such situations with Management.
- Assist the Operations Department in carrying out Capital Projects, infrastructure upgrades and maintenance tasks.
- Document and maintain records of mechanical systems operations, implementation, maintenance and problems.
- Record water quality and other data such as temperatures, pressures, equipment, hours/days of operation, water levels, flow, ORP, pH, ozone and other parameters as directed.
- Visually inspect equipment at regular intervals to detect malfunctions or need for repair, adjustment or lubrication. Adjust controls as necessary to bring systems into recommended operating ranges.
- Work closely with Animal Department staff to ensure an adequate inventory of supplies and materials for uninterrupted operation and maintenance of aquatic life support systems.
- Provide training as needed to other WCS personnel on physical, biological and mechanical aspects of the aquatic life support systems, and/or aquatic animals in his/her care.
- Work weekends, holidays and/or nights, as necessary, to maintain life support systems.
- “Call-ins” at these times may also occur on an emergency basis.
- Abide by the policies and practices of the Wildlife Conservation Society and assist in activities intended to maximize the quality of the visitor experience.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Must have the ability to diagnose and repair LSS equipment including pumps, heat exchangers, air compressors, control systems, and all types of filtrations equipment.
- Must be proficient in the use of test equipment, hand tools, and shop equipment.
- Must be proficient in pipe fitting utilizing PVC, FRP & tubing.
- Must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate well in both written and oral reports; a proficiency in computer applications and software such as MS Office (incl. Excel), etc., and the ability to design and manipulate spreadsheets.
- Preferred experience in Plumbing expertise, biological filtration systems and/or controls, mechanical systems, fluid handling/pumping/filtering, chlorine systems, air compressors, ozone generating equipment.
- AALSO certification
Education & Experience
Possess a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biology or related field, or equivalent or associate’s degree with 4 years’ experience in an aquarium/zoo or water treatment plant/industrial systems operations capacity; OR relevant combination of education and experience.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
The physical demands include but are not limited to the use of a Keyboard, 10-key, Mouse, and Telephone Use, Handwriting, Sitting, Standing, Crouching, Kneeling, Bending, Walking, Stair Climbing, minimal Driving, and Lifting up to 50lbs.
