Life Support Systems Operator, Level 1-2

Mississippi Aquarium • Gulfport, MS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Mississippi Aquarium, a nonprofit aquarium located on the gulf coast of Mississippi, is seeking a Life Support Systems Operator (LSS Operator) to ensure the efficiency of its life support operations. This is a newly created position, established as either an entry-tier Level 1 or intermediate-tier Level 2 employee, depending on applicant experience. The LSS Operator will perform daily LSS routines, maintaining nearly one million gallons of water across diverse habitats. Responsibilities include backwashes, system checks, equipment inspections, interpreting exhibit parameters, and troubleshooting out-of-range conditions. The role also involves maintaining and repairing LSS equipment, responding to outages and emergencies, planning repairs and upgrades, and assisting Animal Care departments with habitat issues related to LSS. Additionally, the position will provide as-needed coverage for Water Quality duties, such as sample collection and emergency testing, and collaborate regularly with the Water Quality lab. This role supports Facility Operations, Animal Care, and Veterinary Services to ensure the highest exhibit quality for the animal collection and guests.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in an aquarium-focused college program, or a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, marine biology, or related field. Compensatory related field experience for an equivalent number of years is acceptable in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in operating life support system equipment for recirculating systems in a public aquarium or other zoological setting.
• Familiarity with both small and large filtration concepts for aquatic habitats.
• Experience caring for, or working husbandry knowledge for aquatic animals, such as teleosts, elasmobranchs, and invertebrates, is essential.
• Knowledge and proficiency with troubleshooting pumps, foam fractionators, plumbing, and disinfection / sterilization equipment is a must.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in loud indoor environments and harsh outdoor environments.
• Exposure to rain, high UV index, chemicals, extreme heat, and extreme cold.
• Ability to use ladders, steps, and doorways in and around tight spaces, low areas, and areas with hazardous footing.
• Must be able to operate handheld power tools, operate personal radios for communication, read signage and electronic meters effectively, and navigate independently while in these conditions.
• Ability to respond and communicate remotely via electronic devices, via phone, text, or other electronic messaging.
• Must be able to use ladders and stairs to reach remote back-of-house areas, while carrying tools and equipment.
• Must be able to carry a minimum of 50lbs into low or cramped spaces.
• Must have reliable personal transportation and a state-issued driver’s license.
• Must be able to travel to work during inclement weather.
• Adherence to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
• Adherence to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies.
• Listening to, and understanding the needs of, guests both internal and external is essential.
• Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness are vital.
• Consistent and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) included, but not limited to, a fitted respirator, eye and ear protection, gloves, hard hat, harness, and steel-toed footwear.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with utilizing LSS software is a plus.
• Interest in exhibit design and aesthetics, and how LSS can be integrated.
• Comprehensive knowledge of water quality parameters (fresh, brackish and marine) and how common life support components impact these parameters, is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with regulatory guidelines for marine mammals is a plus.
• Awareness of basic water quality techniques, as they relate to zoos and aquariums, is a plus.
• AALSO certifications are a definite plus.
• Knowledge of Microsoft software programs is a plus.
• The desire to travel and present projects, on behalf of Mississippi Aquarium, at conferences is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Follow established objectives, protocols, policies, and operating procedures to ensure the most successful and efficient LSS operations.
• Operate LSS software (RCK Controls, Metasys) to perform daily scheduled habitat maintenance tasks like backwashes and moving water through a reclamation and recycling system.
• Maintain high internal operational standards in accordance with AZA, AAMPA, and other regulatory organizations.
• Assist the Facility Operations department in tasks pertaining to the water quality laboratory and life support systems.
• Work independently as a self-starter and be a communicative team player during large projects.
• Assist Facility Operations and Animal Care teams by using effective communication regarding routine equipment repairs, habitat upgrades, emergency responses, and preventative maintenance.
• Assist with saltwater mixing and wastewater recovery, through a multi-stage water reclamation system, via operating heavy machinery such as a crane and forklift.
• Under the supervision of the Manager of LSS/WQ, occasionally assist with inventory for PVC storage area and the tool shop used to rebuild LSS equipment.
• Assist teammates and LSS/WQ manager in troubleshooting and diagnosing LSS, habitat, and LSS software issues for equipment throughout the aquarium.
• Assist in basic WQ lab coverage, including basic spectrophotometry tests as requested.
• Assist Facility Operations with scheduled projects as they relate to LSS and aquarium grounds.
• Use a variety of hand and power tools to fix various components of animal habitats and LSS equipment.
• Assist LSS/WQ with training and monitoring of interns, students, and volunteers.
• Communicate and maintain working relationships with guests, staff, supervisors, other departments, suppliers, professional associations, and colleagues in related industries.
• Participate in staff meetings and provide input for improvements of the water quality lab, animal care teams, and life support operations.
• Maintain awareness of aquarium industry-related technology, trends, and husbandry practices as can be applied to LSS and WQ.
• Undertake special projects and all other duties assigned by the Manager of LSS/WQ, including imagery fabrication, exhibit design, and ground-up system construction.

Benefits

• 26 PTO days a year, to utilize at employee’s discretion for holidays, illness, etc.
• 401k plan offered
• Yearly uniform stipend
• Employer-provided covered parking
• Medical, dental, vision insurance offered with low-cost employee portion
• Group term life insurance, short term disability & long-term disability policies provided at employer cost
• Low-cost optional supplemental voluntary insurance coverage offered at employee expense

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree