Life Support Systems Operator, Level 1-2

POSITION SUMMARY

The position reports to the Manager of Life Support Systems & Water Quality. The LSS Operator is expected to perform all duties of the daily LSS routine, including remote backwashes and system checks, equipment inspections, interpretation of exhibit parameters, as well as troubleshooting and correction of any parameters that are out of range. The LSS Operator is to assist in developing relevant SOPs and protocols, maintain and repair equipment, stock supplies, and aid the Mississippi Aquarium Animal Care departments with any issues as they relate to LSS. This position will provide regular coverage for select Water Quality duties, such as sample collection or emergency testing. 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.  

REQuirements

Candidate must have an associate’s degree in an aquarium-focused college program, a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, marine biology or related field, or compensatory related field experience. Applicants should have experience in maintaining life support systems for closed-system aquaria in a public aquarium or zoo setting. Ideally have familiarity with both small and large filtration systems. Experience caring for, or working adjacent to, aquatic animals such as teleosts, elasmobranchs, and invertebrates is essential. Knowledge and proficiency with pumps, foam fractionators, plumbing, and disinfection / sterilization equipment is a must. Comprehensive knowledge of water quality parameters (fresh, brackish and marine) and how common life support components impact these parameters, is highly preferred. Lab awareness of basic water quality techniques, as they relate to zoos and aquariums, is a plus. Understanding of life support automation and its inner workings is a plus. AALSO certifications are a definite plus.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

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

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

3.    Assist Facility Operations and Animal Care teams by following a schedule and maintaining communication for routine equipment repairs, equipment upgrades, and backwash scheduling.

4.    Assist Facility Operations with saltwater make up via operating heavy machinery (crane, forklift).

5.    Under the supervision of the Manager of LSS/WQ, maintains equipment inventory for PVC storage area and tool shop used to rebuild electric motors, following regulatory guidelines and Mississippi Aquarium’s internal safety standards.

6.    Assist in basic WQ lab coverage, including basic spectrophotometry tests as needed.

7.    Assist Facility Operations with routine consumables procurement and maintain within budgeted expenditures. 

8.    Assist Facility Operations with training and monitoring of interns and volunteers.

9.    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 at conferences is a plus.

10.  Reliable transportation, the ability to engage with electronic communications, and the ability to use a variety of power tools are required.

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

12.  Maintain awareness of industry-related activities, technology and trends. Maintain awareness of newly developing husbandry practices as they relate to water quality and life support systems.

13.  Undertake special projects and all other duties assigned by the Manager of LSS/WQ.

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 and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift. 

·         Sales & Guest Services- Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guest visitation. 

• 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 is vital to our organization. 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, steel-toed footwear.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, 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.