Aquarium Life Support Systems Technician

Ontario Trillium Foundation; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 PTO days

401k plan

Uniform stipend

Employer parking

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Mississippi Aquarium is seeking a Life Support Systems (LSS) Operator to manage daily habitat maintenance for multiple aquatic environments. The role includes running LSS software, backwashes, water flow management, and assisting with lab duties and emergency responses, under the Manager of LSS/WQ.

You will support Facility Operations and Animal Care, perform equipment repairs, assist with saltwater mixing, and participate in system upgrades.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in aquarium-focused program or related field.
• Public aquarium life support system experience preferred.
• Understanding of filtration concepts for aquatic habitats.
• Experience with aquatic animal care or husbandry.
• Knowledge of pumps, foam fractionators, plumbing and disinfection.
• LSS software experience is a plus.
• Interest in exhibit design and aesthetics.
• Knowledge of water quality across fresh, brackish and marine.
• Marine mammal regulatory familiarity a plus.
• Awareness of aquarium water quality practices a plus.
• AALSO certifications are a definite plus.

Responsibilities

• Follow objectives, protocols and procedures for efficient LSS operations.
• Operate LSS software to perform daily habitat maintenance tasks.
• Maintain standards per AZA, AAMPA and other regulators.
• Assist Facility Ops with water quality lab and LSS duties.
• Work independently and as part of a project team.
• Communicate about repairs, upgrades and maintenance with teams.
• Assist with saltwater mixing and wastewater recovery using multi-stage system.
• Assist in inventory for PVC storage and tool shop.
• Troubleshoot LSS, habitat and software issues across equipment.
• Support basic WQ lab duties including spectrophotometry tests.
• Participate in projects related to LSS and aquarium grounds.
• Use hand and power tools for habitat and LSS equipment maintenance.
• Assist training of interns, students and volunteers.
• Maintain guest and staff relationships; travel to present projects is a plus.
• Attend staff meetings and suggest improvements.
• Keep up with aquarium industry tech and best practices.
• Undertake special projects including imagery, exhibit design and system construction.

Skills

Associate degree

Biology degree

Life Support

Water quality

Pump troubleshooting

LSS software

Exhibit design

Animal husbandry

AALSO certs

Education

Associate degree in aquarium program

Bachelor's degree in biology

Tools

RCK Controls

Metasys

Power tools

Job description

Mississippi Aquarium is seeking a Life Support Systems (LSS) Operator to manage daily habitat maintenance for multiple aquatic environments. The role includes running LSS software, backwashes, water flow management, and assisting with lab duties and emergency responses, under the Manager of LSS/WQ.

You will support Facility Operations and Animal Care, perform equipment repairs, assist with saltwater mixing, and participate in system upgrades.