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
