National Marine Aquarium Life Support Systems Engineer

Ocean Conservation Trust; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization in Plymouth seeks a Life Support Systems Engineer responsible for maintaining and operating vital systems within the aquarium. This role offers training in aquatic systems and involves both mechanical and electrical engineering tasks. Candidates must live within a 30-minute commute and be prepared for a varied shift pattern including weekends.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Staff discount

Continuous training

Excellent working environment

Qualifications

• Qualified in NVQ3 or equivalent in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering.
• Strong mechanical and electrical engineering skills required.
• Must understand health and safety requirements for maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate life support systems for aquarium livestock.
• Provide out-of-hours emergency response.
• Supervise external contractors and ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Mechanical engineering skills

Electrical engineering skills

Multi-discipline fault-finding skills

IT skills

Education

NVQ3 in Mechanical & Electrical Engineering or equivalent

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 focuses 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. Duties 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’ll need to 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. Electricals will need to have detailed understanding of electrical control panels and control systems, domestic/commercial wiring as well as 3 phase motors. Mechanicals will need to be proficient with pneumatic and manual valves and mechanical seals.

Working pattern and location

You’ll work a 3 day on, 3 day off shift pattern, 07:00 to 18:00 including weekends and bank holidays. The engineering team provide out-of-hours emergency response services, which means it’s essential you live within a 30-minute commute of the aquarium.

Salary and benefits

We offer a competitive salary, continuous training, company pension scheme, life assurance, staff discount and an excellent working environment.

How to apply

For more information about the role, please see the job description posted below. To apply: Please email your full CV with a covering letter setting out your experience and suitability for the role. There is no closing date for this vacancy. Potential candidates are advised to forward their application as early as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once a suitable candidate is found.

Eligibility and inclusion

In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility. The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit, however we particularly welcome applications from groups currently under represented in the workforce. Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.

Job Description - Life Support Systems Engineer

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 - Duties

• 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.
• PPM’s 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 ensure close coordination of 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 and when required.
• The 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.
• At all times to behave in a safe and responsible manner in accordance with the company Health & Safety policy and the requirements of Health & Safety legislation relating to your responsibilities and to promote and act in the employer’s best interest.
• To adopt a flexible approach to working hours to ensure the viability of NMA operations. This includes varied shift patterns
• To provide assistance to co-workers as required.
• To carry out other activities as appropriate on the instruction of the Engineering Manager, Head of Asset Transformation and Net Zero, CEO or other Senior Managers.
• Provide support to and mentor any 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 mins of the NMA whilst Duty Engineer. Flexibility with Duty Engineer shifts to ensure coverage during periods of 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, HVCA, 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 i.e. Work at Height, Confined Space, Electricity at Work, 18th Edition, L8, F-Gas Regs