National Marine Aquarium Life Support Systems Engineer

Ocean Conservation Trust; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental conservation organization in Devon is seeking a Life Support Systems Engineer to maintain the critical infrastructure of its aquarium. You will ensure compliance with safety regulations, provide emergency support, and work closely with engineering teams. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical and electrical engineering skills, along with the ability to adapt and learn. This role offers a dynamic work environment that requires flexibility in hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum NVQ3 in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Good skills in pumps, fans, HVAC, heat exchangers, and pipework.
• Experience with building and plant maintenance safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain life support systems and building services.
• Repair critical life support systems and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Provide out-of-hours emergency response service.

Skills

Mechanical engineering skills

Electrical engineering skills

Fault-finding skills

IT skills (MS Office)

Education

NVQ3 in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering

Tools

Building services software

Job description

Overview

Do you want to be part of the team responsible for keeping one of the Southwest's top tourist attractions running smoothly and efficiently? The National Marine Aquarium at Plymouth is owned and run by the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT), an organisation that focusses on habitat restoration and behaviour change. We are recruiting a Life Support Systems Engineer to work within the National Marine Aquarium, maintaining livestock and building services.

This is an interesting and varied engineering role, certainly not your average 9 to 5.

Responsibilities include upkeep and repair of critical life support systems, 3 phase motors and pumps, electrical installation and repair, HVAC and building maintenance, as well as fault finding and problem solving. You will be a qualified and experienced engineer with a positive attitude and capacity for learning. Full training in aquatic systems will be provided. We are considering both electrical and mechanical biased for this role.

Primary Objectives

To deliver the Ocean Conservation Trust's (OCT) Mission of 'Connecting us with our Ocean' by way of the operation and maintenance of Life Support Systems (LSS) and building services. Ensure all systems are operated and maintained in accordance with statutory regulations and company policy. Maintain service provision within Service Level Agreements. Ensure all areas of the National Marine Aquarium (NMA) site are fit for purpose and maintained to a high standard expected by NMA customers, clients and staff. To adhere to the Core Values of the OCT which are: Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Inclusion and Engagement.

General Responsibilities

• To assist other Engineers, the Engineering Manager & Head of Asset Transformation and Net Zero in ensuring that the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and all related legislation (including environmental) are adhered to.
• Ensure that the NMA site is maintained with a high level of focus on public safety.
• To provide an out-of-hours emergency response service (on-call rota) and ensure actions are communicated to the Engineering Manager and Engineering team.
• The operation and maintenance of the main life support systems (LSS) for aquarium livestock.
• PPMs and Reactive Maintenance of building services for the aquarium, restaurant, gift shop, catering outlets and learning centre.
• Work with the Engineering and Husbandry Teams to ensure that water quality to all life support systems is maintained within SLAs and coordinate activities.
• Assist other Engineers, the Engineering Manager & Head of Asset Transformation and Net Zero by carrying out delegated tasks to ensure that the NMA buildings, estate and facilities are maintained cost effectively to a high standard via technical systems, regular site inspections and both planned and reactive maintenance throughout the facility.
• Assist other Engineers, the Engineering Manager & Head of Asset Transformation and Net Zero in ensuring that all equipment is maintained in good working order in accordance with maintenance schedules and manufacturers' O&M manuals.
• Respond to ad-hoc technical support and assistance to other departments as required.
• Supervision of external contractors, providing technical advice and assistance as necessary, ensuring adherence to Health & Safety legislation.
• Undertake training as deemed appropriate to your role.
• Adhere to safe and responsible practices in line with the company Health & Safety policy and legislation, and promote the employer's best interest.
• Adopt a flexible approach to working hours to ensure the viability of NMA operations, including varied shift patterns.
• Provide assistance to co-workers as required.
• Carry out other activities as appropriate on instruction of the Engineering Manager, Head of Asset Transformation and Net Zero, CEO or other Senior Managers.
• Provide support to and mentor Apprentice Engineers in employment.

Duty Engineer

• To undertake the role of Duty Engineer on an agreed rota system as directed by the Engineering Manager and to be within mobile data or wi-fi coverage and within 30 minutes of the NMA whilst on Duty Engineer. Flexibility with Duty Engineer shifts to ensure coverage during holidays and sickness.
• To closely follow Duty Engineering responsibilities and lone working procedures during any out-of-hours emergency call-out.
• To act as Emergency Evacuation Officer in the event of an emergency warning signal or evacuation.

Qualifications and Experience

• Ideally be qualified to a minimum of NVQ3 in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, time served 3-year apprenticeship or equivalent.
• Good mechanical engineering skills i.e. pumps, fans, HVAC, heat exchangers, pipework and fittings, pneumatics.
• Good electrical engineering skills i.e. supply and distribution, 12, 24, 230 & 415V, sensors, probes, relays, contactors and control systems.
• Good multi-discipline fault-finding and emergency correction skills.
• A good level of IT skills to encompass MS Office packages and specific building services software.
• A good appreciation of H&S requirements associated with building and plant maintenance.
• Varied additional qualifications and experience such as Work at Height, Confined Space, Electricity at Work, 18th Edition, L8, F-Gas Regs.