Provisional Life Support Systems Maintainer

Wildlife Conservation Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium seeks a Provisional Life Support Systems Maintainer in the Plant Engineering department to operate, monitor, and repair life support systems ensuring clean water and safe exhibits.

You will perform preventive maintenance, coordinate with animal and lab staff, document work, and comply with safety guidelines on complex aquatic installations. This is a safety-sensitive role requiring attention to detail and flexibility to work nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or GED is required.
• Three years’ experience in electrical or plumbing fields with at least six months in aquarium life support or similar industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of water process filtration components, compressors, ozone generators and pumps.
• Experience with maintenance of aquariums or life support systems preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Able to work nights, weekends and holidays as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Installs, operates, monitors and maintains life support equipment for exhibits and water features.
• Maintains water quality and filtration systems including ozone and chemicals.
• Performs preventive maintenance and repairs on life support equipment.
• Communicates with supervisors and staff; documents work orders and log sheets.
• Reads blueprints and technical manuals for LSS operations.
• Ensures safety of staff, animals and visitors per guidelines.

Skills

Electrical experience

Plumbing experience

Water treatment

Water quality testing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

Position Title: Provisional Life Support Systems Zoological Park Maintainer

Department: Plant Engineering

Location: New York Aquarium

Position Summary: The Provisional Life Support Systems (LSS) Maintainer is a technical, safety-sensitive, and essential position responsible for the safe operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of NYA’s fresh-water and seawater systems and other related work as required. This position is expected to perform high quality work in support of NYA’s mission to provide uninterrupted and optimal life support conditions for the living collection and excellent water clarity for the visitor experience.

Principal Responsibilities

• Installs, operates, monitors and ensures proper functioning of all equipment vital to the operation of animal exhibits, quarantine and holding and life support systems and exhibit water features (e.g. pumps, valves, filters, ozone generators, UV sterilizers, backwashes, generators).
• Maintains efficient operation of backwash recovery system and water reclamation in order to reclaim at least 95% on marine systems. Prepares and maintains saltwater batches and water transfers on large systems. Maintains proper water quality using sanitizers, ozone and other chemicals. Maintains proper water filtration for turbidity/clarity.
• Performs PM tasks and affects necessary repairs on all life-support related equipment including, but not limited to: freshwater and seawater pumps, filters, heat exchangers, valves, pressure regulators and automation equipment, low-voltage systems, ozone equipment, UV sterilizers, air prep units, blowers, building hardware, LSS plumbing, generators and other duties as deemed necessary to maintain life support operations.
• Communicates daily with supervisor, plant engineering staff, co-workers, animal staff, and laboratory staff with regard to LSS and water quality issues as they relate to animal health and exhibit function/appearance. Works closely with co-workers to ensure all scheduled and unscheduled water changes, transfers and tank-drop procedures are completed safely and efficiently.
• Assists in the design and installation of new filtration systems. Interprets blueprints and equipment drawings.
• Responsible for maintaining accurate records; generates work orders and daily log sheets in a neat and orderly fashion, uses computer, MS Office and MS Outlook.
• Performs various troubleshooting techniques related to system problems and/or malfunctions and responds to emergencies.
• Assures safety of self, animals, co-workers and visitors by observing safety guidelines around the animals, equipment, and vehicles.
• Utilizes chemical supply products and follows standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets and makes recommendations to curator staff on compliance related issues.
• Read, understand, and utilize technical manuals and data regarding LSS operations, methodology and equipment.

Qualification Requirements

• High school graduate or GED Required
• Three years’ experience in electrical or plumbing fields with a minimum of six months experience in fields, such as aquarium life support, aquaculture, commercial water treatment or similar industry that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of major water process filtration components and their application; assembly, operation and repair of reciprocating compressors, centrifugal compressors, ozone generators and centrifugal pumps; hydraulic systems as they relate to water process;
• Experience in the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and use of water quality testing equipment preferred.
• Valid driver's license
• Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays as assigned

Physical Requirements

• The position requires indoor work and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Tasks require manual dexterity and the ability to safely use tools and equipment, including but not limited to ladders, hand tools (saws, drills, sanders, wrenches, ratchets, screwdrivers) etc., power tools (battery-powered and electric), and pneumatic (air-powered) tools such as impact guns, torque tools, grinders (including angle grinders).
• Some tasks require climbing, kneeling, bending, reaching, stretching, navigating uneven terrain frequently
• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds on a regular basis with or without assistance
• Ability to climb and work from ladders up to 20ft in height. Salary: Hiring rate: $53,997 per annum 2-Year Incumbent rate: $66,347 per annum

Salary Range

53997.00