Life Support System and Water Quality Technician

the Greensboro Science Center•Greensboro, NC

3d•$40,000 - $48,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) is hiring an advanced-level Life Support System and Water Quality Technician for its Aquatics Department. This role reports directly to the Aquatics Curator and will be an integral part of the design and building of a new Biodome/ARCC complex. The GSC features a 68,000 sq ft AZA and AAM-accredited science museum, a 33,000 sq ft aquarium with diverse exhibits, and a 22-acre zoo. The position offers opportunities to work with a diverse animal collection, support conservation projects, and pursue research grants. The technician will perform general maintenance for Life Support Systems (LSS) and water quality testing for the aquarium and zoo, with limited supervision. Responsibilities include daily water quality testing, assisting with saltwater making, and repairing LSS. The technician will also serve as a resource for Aquarists/Keepers, Interns, and Volunteers. Candidates should expect to work 40 hours a week, potentially including weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts. This is a non-exempt position and may require work during inclement weather events.

Requirements

Demonstrated understanding of basic aquarium-related water quality parameters and water chemistry (e.g., temperature, pH, salinity, DO, total residual oxidant, nitrogenous compounds, etc.) and their relationships to LSS.
Ability to troubleshoot life support systems including: pumps, ozone generators, rapid sand filters, cartridge filters, and other essential systems.
General knowledge of plumbing with an understanding of theories, designs, and techniques.
Skilled in general construction, troubleshooting mechanical systems, and the safe use of required tools.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
Ability to enter animal areas and perform physical work (including lifting objects up to 60 lbs.) with extended standing, stooping, kneeling, climbing, carrying, etc.
Must be well organized, have keen observation skills, and good human relations skills.
Ability to make decisions and work independently.
Ability to work in a high public area.
Successful completion of a background check.
Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Availability for facility emergencies, including storm response.
Associate’s Degree from an accredited college specializing in Zoo and Aquaria programming OR: High school diploma or equivalent, preferably from a technical school
Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter is required.

Nice To Haves

AALSO certifications are a plus.
SCUBA certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

Maintains live exhibits through daily inspections, operations, and routine maintenance of life support equipment, including but not limited to: ozone generators, oxygen generators, compressors, pumps, drum filters, high rate sand filters, and associated equipment.
Performs water quality tests on systems and works with staff to address problems that may arise.
Perform inspections, preventative maintenance, routine upkeep, cleaning, and repair of all life support equipment.
Record and maintain inventory of all pump and filtration equipment and related supplies.
Perform major component replacement and emergency repair work as needed (i.e., valves, gauges, pumps, motors, piping, and media replacement).
Participate in the design, installation, and maintenance of closed systems, heater/chiller equipment, filtration systems, and pump equipment.
Identify and record all maintenance performed on LSS equipment according to approved protocols and procedures.
Perform laboratory and tank-side analyses of system water; techniques utilized include spectrophotometry, titration, coliform testing, and use of handheld meters.
Perform data entry and maintenance of water quality databases.
Maintain department chemical inventory, including chemical inventory database and Safety Data Sheet files.
Work in conjunction with Aquarists to ensure proper water chemistry and conditions exist for the living collection.
Assist with care of support buildings and common work spaces as well as departmental equipment and supplies.
Assist with establishing protocols of assigned spaces.
Respond as essential personnel for facility emergencies, including severe weather.
Ensure compliance with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality, state, and federal rules and regulations, and compliance with all company policy and procedure documents.