Life Support Systems Operator, Level 1-2

Position Title:            Life Support Systems Operator, Level 1 – 2

Department:             Facility Operations – Life Support & Water Quality

Classification:           Full-time, Non-Exempt

Direct Report:            Manager of Life Support & Water Quality

POSITION SUMMARY

Opened in 2020, Mississippi Aquarium is a nonprofit aquarium located on the gulf coast of Mississippi, between New Orleans and Pensacola, taking pride in both the diversity of the animal collection and the aquarium staff. This role is a newly created position to ensure LSS operations maintain efficiency after six years of growth. This position will be established as either an entry-tier Level 1 employee, or intermediate-tier Level 2 employee, depending on the experience and background of the applicant.

The LSS Operator is expected to perform the duties of the daily scheduled LSS routine, helping to maintain almost one million gallons of water across habitats for mammals, elasmobranchs and teleosts, invertebrates and corals, reptiles and amphibians, and birds. This includes backwashes and system checks, equipment inspections, interpretation of exhibit parameters, as well as troubleshooting and correction of any parameters that are out of range. Aside from daily operations, the LSS Operator is to assist in maintaining and repairing LSS equipment, responding to LSS outages and emergencies, planning repairs and upgrades, and aiding the Mississippi Aquarium Animal Care departments with any habitat issues as they relate to LSS. This position will also provide as-needed coverage for select Water Quality duties, such as sample collection or emergency testing, and collaborate with the Water Quality lab regularly. The position supports Facility Operations, Animal Care and Veterinary Services to provide the highest exhibit quality for the animal collection and Mississippi Aquarium’s guests.

To see some of the conservation projects that the Life Support department has provided support towards, click the following link: Research & Conservation at Mississippi Aquarium

Functions and responsibilities

1.     Follow established objectives, protocols, policies and operating procedures to ensure the most successful and efficient LSS operations at Mississippi Aquarium.

2.     Operate LSS software (RCK Controls, Metasys) to perform daily scheduled habitat maintenance tasks like backwashes and moving water through a reclamation and recycling system.

3.     Maintain high internal operational standards in accordance with AZA, AAMPA, and other regulatory organizations.

4.     Assist the Facility Operations department in tasks pertaining to the water quality laboratory and life support systems.

5.     Work independently as a self-starter and also be a communicative team player during large projects.

6.     Assist Facility Operations and Animal Care teams by using effective communication regarding routine equipment repairs, habitat upgrades, emergency responses, and preventative maintenance.

7.     Assist with saltwater mixing and wastewater recovery, through a multi-stage water reclamation system, via operating heavy machinery such as a crane and forklift.

8.     Under the supervision of the Manager of LSS/WQ, occasionally assist with inventory for PVC storage area and the tool shop used to rebuild LSS equipment.

9.     Assist teammates and LSS/WQ manager in troubleshooting and diagnosing LSS, habitat, and LSS software issues for equipment throughout the aquarium.

10.  Assist in basic WQ lab coverage, including basic spectrophotometry tests as requested.

11.  Assist Facility Operations with scheduled projects as they relate to LSS and aquarium grounds. 

12.  Use a variety of hand and power tools to fix various components of animal habitats and LSS equipment.

13.  Assist LSS/WQ with training and monitoring of interns, students, and volunteers.

14.  Communicate and maintain working relationships with guests, staff, supervisors, other departments, suppliers, professional associations, and colleagues in related industries. The desire to travel and present projects, on behalf of Mississippi Aquarium, at conferences is a plus.

 15.  Participate in staff meetings and provide input for improvements of the water quality lab, animal care teams and life support operations.

 16.  Maintain awareness of aquarium industry-related technology, trends, and husbandry practices as can be applied to LSS and WQ.

 17.   Undertake special projects and all other duties assigned by the Manager of LSS/WQ, including imagery fabrication, exhibit design, and ground-up system construction.

 Skills and experience

·        Candidate must have an associate’s degree in an aquarium-focused college program, or a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, marine biology or related field. Compensatory related field experience for an equivalent number of years is acceptable in lieu of a degree.

·        Applicants should have experience in operating life support system equipment for recirculating systems in a public aquarium or other zoological setting.

·        Familiarity with both small and large filtration concepts for aquatic habitats.

·        Experience caring for, or working husbandry knowledge for aquatic animals, such as teleosts, elasmobranchs, and invertebrates, is essential.

·        Knowledge and proficiency with troubleshooting pumps, foam fractionators, plumbing, and disinfection / sterilization equipment is a must.

·        Experience with utilizing LSS software is a plus.

·        Interest in exhibit design and aesthetics, and how LSS can be integrated.

·        Comprehensive knowledge of water quality parameters (fresh, brackish and marine) and how common life support components impact these parameters, is highly preferred.

·        Familiarity with regulatory guidelines for marine mammals is a plus.

·        Awareness of basic water quality techniques, as they relate to zoos and aquariums, is a plus.

·        AALSO certifications are a definite plus.

 JOB REQUIREMENTS 

·       Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in loud indoor environments and harsh outdoor environments. Exposure to rain, high UV index, chemicals, extreme heat, and extreme cold. Using ladders, steps, and doorways in and around tight spaces, low areas, and areas with hazardous footing. Candidate must be able to operate handheld power tools, operate personal radios for communication, read signage and electronic meters effectively, and navigate independently while in these conditions.

·        Ability to respond and communicate remotely via electronic devices, via phone, text, or other electronic messaging. Knowledge of Microsoft software programs is a plus.

·        Candidate must be able to use ladders and stairs to reach remote back-of-house areas, while carrying tools and equipment.

·        Candidate must be able to carry a minimum of 50lbs into low or cramped spaces.

·        Candidate must have reliable personal transportation and a state-issued driver’s license. Candidate must be able to travel to work during inclement weather. 

TEAM REQUIREMENTS:

·         Safety & Security- All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.

·         Attendance & Appearance- To maximize the guest’s experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality.Tattoos, dyed hair, and piercings are allowed, but must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine if tattoos will need to be covered during your shift. 

·         Sales & Guest Services- Listening to, and understanding the needs of, our guests both internal and external is essential. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience. 

• Team Partnership- All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness are vital to our organization. 
• Team Safety - Consistent and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) included, but not limited to, a fitted respirator, eye and ear protection, gloves, hard hat, harness, and steel-toed footwear

·       SALARY AND BENEFITS:

·        ·        Hourly range, commensurate with experience: $17.50 - $23.00 per hour

·        26 PTO days a year, to utilize at employee’s discretion for holidays, illness, etc.

 ·        401k plan offered

 ·        Yearly uniform stipend

 ·        Employer-provided covered parking

 ·       Medical, dental, vision insurance offered with low-cost employee portion

·        Group term life insurance, short term disability & long-term disability policies provided at employer cost

 ·       Low-cost optional supplemental voluntary insurance coverage offered at employee expense