Life Support Technician- (Full-Time)

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Follow all policies and procedures of Frost Science Museum and Biological Programs.
• Adhere to all federal and state guidelines, regulations, and laws.
• Perform regular mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Supervised operation of all LSS.
• Conduct rounds of all filtration areas to inspect pumps, motors, ozone generators, chillers, boilers, and other related LSS equipment.
• Water testing using correct lab practices and procedures.
• Supervised addition of chemicals to LSS.
• Maintain communication with Supervisors and other disciplines within the Life Support Team and Animal Husbandry Department.
• Use computers for communication, LSS monitoring/operation, reference, and reports/logs.
• Use of radio-based communication equipment.
• Keep records and inventory.
• Aid in animal medical procedures and animal moves and transport operations.
• Participate in back-of-house educational lectures and conduct tours of LSS spaces as assigned.
• Participate in the inter- and intra-departmental cross-training program.
• Clean back-up areas including scrubbing, mopping, vacuuming water and pest control.
• Participate in system design and fabrication in keeping with animal behavior and biological needs.
• Participate in and present at workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs and tours.
• Respond to life-support and animal-related emergencies, at times after hours.
• Provide back-up support to other departments as needed.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ensure that goals for an excellent visitor experience are met and maintained.
• Coordinate daily activities through effective communication with staff and volunteers.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of life support systems and water quality parameters for aquatic species.
• Knowledge of life support automation control hardware and software.
• Experience with METASYS preferred.
• Keen observation skills and highly detail-oriented with adept problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot problems.
• Ability to decide when to act independently and when to seek consultation of curatorial staff.
• Ability to mentor and train new interns, volunteers and staff.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional business relationships with co-workers, volunteer staff, interns, colleagues at other facilities, and outside vendors.
• Willingness to work with chemicals (PPE provided) and follow MSDS/SDS.
• Skill in organizing resources and maintaining priorities.
• Skill in database management.
• Ability to construct and operate aquatic Life Support Systems, including plumbing and carpentry.
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical repair work.
• Ability to use hand and power tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively to implement Museum and departmental goals.
• Ability to manage and impart information to a range of clientele, staff members and/or media sources.
• Ability to follow laws and regulations relating to the care of wildlife in accordance with the Museum and industry best practices.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials using basic computer skills in Word, Excel, internet navigation, e-mail, and spreadsheet programs.
• Able to work well with supervisors and staff.

Education And/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or technical degree in a related field is desirable.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant previous experience in life support operation at an aquarium or zoo through volunteer work, internships or a full-time position (work in an AZA accredited facility is preferred).
• Previous experience with Johnson Controls Metasys systems is highly desirable.
• Driver’s license or ability to get one.

Physical Demands

• Sit.
• Use hands to handle, or feel.
• Talk and hear.
• Stand and walk for prolonged periods of time.
• Climb and reach with hands and arms.
• Lift and/or move from to 50 to 70 pounds.
• Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Work in high and low/ places.

Work Environment

• Both indoors and in outdoor settings.
• Outdoor work is subject to temperatures up to 100 degrees, rain, humidity, and sun.
• The pump room environment has a high noise level (PPE Provided).