Life Support Systems Operator- 1st shift

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a Life Support Systems Operator to monitor, repair, and maintain aquatic life support in our marine mammal environments, including aquariums, shark touch tank, and pools. This full-time role focuses on pumps, filters, piping, valves, and environmental systems to ensure safe habitats.

Ideal candidates will have a strong mechanical aptitude, experience with filtration and building management systems, and the willingness to work flexible shifts and on-call for

Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED is required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid Indiana driver's license with insurability by Zoo insurance.
• 6 months of aquatic animal experience in aquarium/zoo/museum/nature center/aquatic pet store setting.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, repair, and maintain pumps, filters, piping, valves, and environmental systems in the Life Support area.
• Document work activities and maintain daily logs of equipment performance.
• Assist in inventory and procurement for supplies, parts, and chemicals.
• Help plan and execute projects involving new equipment, upgrades, or refurbishment.
• Maintain safety and compliance, wear PPE, and operate equipment safely.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Filtration systems

Plumbing

Electrical

Pneumatic systems

Digital controls

HVAC experience

Building Management Systems

Education

High school diploma/GED

Tools

Honeywell Building Management System

Job description

While the Indianapolis Zoo is known for employing people who care for our animals, we also employ mechanics, plumbers, electricians, and maintenance technicians who work in our facilities department. We have an immediate opening for a Life Support Systems Operator. The Life Support department area monitors, repairs, and maintains the marine mammal living environments - including the aquariums, shark touch tank and dolphin pools, as well as the elephant, alligator, and crocodile ponds.

Ideal candidates are committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. The Life Support Systems Operator ensures the proper functioning of the pumps, filters, piping, valves, and all the environmental systems within the Zoo. This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, first shift position that will require some flexibility with working different shifts, weekends, and holidays on occasion, though we do try to provide one (1) weekend day off regularly.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma/GED.
• Applicants to be at least 18 years old
• Valid Indiana driver's license with a record insurable by the Zoo's insurance.
• 6 months of paid/unpaid aquatic animal experience in an aquarium/zoo/museum/nature center/aquatic pet store setting.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• AALSO Water Quality or Life Support Systems Level I within 12 months of hire.
• Open Water Diver within 12 months of hire
• Certified Pool Operator certification within 12 months of hire

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Mechanical aptitude, working familiarity with equipment including filtration systems, plumbing, electrical, pneumatic, and digital controls.
• HVAC background is highly desirable. Familiarity with Honeywell systems or other Building Management Systems is a plus!
• 1 year of paid LSS experience in an AZA accredited facility.
• AALSO Level I or higher certification's in LSS and/or WQ

Position Requirements and Experience include but are not limited to:

LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS EQUIPMENT

• Prior experience in Aquatic Life Support maintenance in a zoo, aquarium, water park, or equivalent facility highly desired.
• Documents all work activities of their assigned shift and maintain daily logs associated with all equipment and systems along with time accordingly.
• Assists as directed to maintain inventory and prepare purchase orders for supplies such as repair/replacement parts, hardware and some chemicals working with vendors for competitive pricing.
• Assists in the planning and the execution of related projects which may include installation of new equipment, replacements, upgrades, or refurbishment of existing equipment.

WATER QUALITY

• Understand and interpret water quality reports.
• Make recommendations for water chemistry adjustments as needed.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

• Must possess (or acquire within 12 months of date of hire) and maintain SCUBA, CPR/AED, and O2 certifications
• Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/ or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/ or in excess of 20 pounds constantly to transport objects.
• Ability to transport and move items, exerting at least 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/ or 50 pounds of force frequently.
• Must have the ability to ascend/ descend ladders, steps, and uneven terrain, while maintaining body equilibrium to perform various jobs.
• Must be able to safely operate department tools.
• Adheres to all safety policies and wears proper safety equipment (PPE) including dust masks, respirators, goggles, hearing protectors, and safety harness.
• Works around equipment that has a significant noise level.
• Safely operates a forklift to move materials and equipment. Obtains/maintains certification.
• Must be proficient or has the ability to learn to use a wide variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, small engines, and the capability to safely operate some heavy equipment such as forklift, scissor lift, etc.

COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION

• Must have the ability to detect, assess, identify, and observe surroundings to make sound judgments, along with the ability to communicate verbally, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a telephone and two-way radio.
• Has the availability to be on call for large scale emergencies; may be required to carry a pager on rotational schedule.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.