Life Support Systems Keeper

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aquarium seeks an Aquarium Technician responsible for operating and maintaining vital life support systems for its aquatic exhibits. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, SCUBA certification, and experience in aquarium maintenance. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with diverse aquatic species and contribute to their care.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of aquatic animal life support experience.
• Experience in wastewater treatment is advantageous.
• Practical experience with life support systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain life support systems for aquatic exhibits.
• Conduct water quality testing and system adjustments.
• Respond to equipment alarms and perform preventive maintenance.

Skills

SCUBA Certification

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Biological Sciences

Job description

Department: Aquarium & Water’s Edge Pass Days: Tuesday and Wednesday

Reports To: Curator & Asst. Curator of Aquatic Life FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt Collective Bargaining

Purpose

This is an hourly, collective bargaining unit position responsible for daily monitoring, operating and maintaining in proper working order, pumps, filters, water levels, air flow, ozone generators and delivery mechanisms, and all other equipment vital to the operation of the Water’s Edge life support systems. Accountable for the safety and efficiency of the water changes, quick response to alarms, monitoring and maintaining water levels, airflow, ozone generators and other equipment.

Essential Job Functions

• Operates pumps, filters, ozone generators, and other life support equipment for all Water’s Edge exhibits.
• Understands the environmental needs for all animals maintained within Water’s Edge and ensures that all parameters are kept within expected limits.
• Coordinates with Water’s Edge staff to ensure scheduled and unscheduled water changes, transfers and backwash procedures are completed safely and efficiently.
• Mixes artificial seawater for all required systems and monitors reservoir levels. Transfers water to top off systems and for major water changes.
• Responds to life support system alarms, problems and equipment failure to control damage and to ensure the health of animals.
• Responsible for monitoring and maintaining water levels, air flow, ozone generators, and all other critical life support components and reporting any anomalies to Curatorial team.
• Monitors visually all ozone generators, pumps, filters, motors, blowers, chillers and heat exchangers in Water’s Edge and reports any equipment failures or anomalies to Curatorial team.
• Performs minor preventive and predictive maintenance tasks for all life support equipment and components (i.e. cleaning strainer baskets, cleaning ORP probes, etc.).
• Isolates, troubleshoots and coordinates the repair of faulty life support systems and equipment by ordering appropriate replacement parts as needed.
• Performs all appropriate water quality testing and makes system adjustments as needed.
• Maintains appropriate records, including equipment readings, test results, and daily activity logs.
• Writes all operating instructions for all new work procedures and update old ones for review by the Curatorial team.
• Maintains inventory of appropriate stock reagents necessary for dosing exhibits.
• Assists in the scheduling and implementation of monthly dive calendar, as well as communicating with dive volunteers and coordinating the filling of dive cylinders.
• Participates in diving and tending duties of cold-water dives for Water’s Edge exhibit and holding pools.
• Safely operates and maintains hydraulic scrubber apparatus.
• Assists with chemical and physical restraint of animals, along with animal transfers and transports.
• Answers questions, conducts tours for educational programs, public and private events.
• Participates in training programs at the zoo. Attends professional conferences and prepares and delivers professional papers or articles.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Other Functions

• Interfaces and communicates successfully with all aquarium and zoo staff.
• Performs secondary tasks to assist marine mammal staff and aquarium staff as needed.
• Provides support as needed with the design, construction and fabrication of new life support and exhibits.
• Provides support to Aquarists and Curatorial team with major exhibit maintenance.
  
  

Performance Factors

• Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and is seldom absent from work. Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.
• Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society.
• Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society. Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships.
• Provides excellent customer service in the areas of guest relations and park beautification:
• Answers visitor inquiries or finds someone who can;
• Is knowledgeable of location of exhibits, restrooms, concessions, rentals, etc.
• Disposes of litter and waste throughout the park and zoo facilities.
  
  

Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills

Bachelor's degree in engineering or the biological sciences and/or equivalent practical experience in a related technical field such as wastewater treatment; at least two years previous aquatic animal life support experience at an accredited private or public aquarium facility required.

Employee must be open water SCUBA certified and able to pass institutional exercises/skills with the approval of the Dive Safety Officer.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Must be able to work flexible hours covering all hours of the day all days of the week including holidays. Must be able to lift and carry 75 lbs. Must be able to work in an industrial type work environment and be able to safely use personal protective equipment such as respirators. Must be able to function in areas with low headroom, difficult access, ladders and heights. Must be able to perform physical activities such as walking, stooping, pushing, pulling, climbing, grasping, bending, crawling, carrying, handling dexterity, etc. Must be able to work around and use hazardous chemicals with proper personal protective equipment. Must be able to work in confined spaces with proper personal protective equipment.