Senior Technician - Life Support Systems

Sea Research Foundation • Mystic, CT

2d • $32 - $38

About The Position

The Senior Life Support Systems Technician works in Mystic Aquarium’s Environmental Quality / Life Support department and is responsible for the daily operation, monitoring, maintenance, and repair of primary and ancillary aquatic life support equipment. The role helps ensure the highest standard of care for the aquarium’s animal collection. Working with the Manager of Life Support Systems, the technician helps monitor, preserve, and modify water treatment processes; install new equipment and process components; and identify and acquire critical equipment, components, supplies, and consumables.

The position serves as a lead for life support technicians and assistant technicians, developing approaches to resolve system issues and completing assignments independently or with minimal supervision. It collaborates with animal care and other aquarium staff, contractors, and vendors. The technician also helps develop and implement systems and standard operating procedures with the Manager’s approval, maintains effective communication and customer service, and complies with aquarium, regulatory, industry, and safety standards.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The role requires flexibility to work after hours, weekends, and holidays, availability for emergencies, and the ability to adjust work schedules. Work takes place primarily indoors, with occasional outdoor exposure and work in varied environmental, physical, and potentially hazardous conditions. The job description notes employment is at-will and that reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of hands-on experience operating life support systems and/or other mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated workmanship in plumbing, primarily PVC, and maintenance of pumps, filters, valves, and ancillary equipment.
• Experience with chemistry in aquatic animal systems.
• Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO) Level 1 Life Support Certification, or ability to become certified within 1 year of employment.
• SCUBA certification or ability to pass a swim test.
• Experience with tools and power tools, machinery, and heavy equipment operation, including forklifts.
• General knowledge of electrical systems and control applications.
• Ability to interpret technical and mechanical drawings and schematics, including P&IDs, blueprints, and diagrams.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Valid driver's license that must be maintained.
• Ability to lift 75 pounds, maneuver in confined and elevated locations, and work in varied environmental conditions, including rain, snow, and heat.
• Situational awareness, good physical conditioning, and excellent hand-eye coordination.
• Willingness and flexibility to work after hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to frequently move, operate, inspect, and position equipment; walk consistently; and perform some standing or sitting.
• Ability to perform duties involving frequent communication and hearing, varied vision and focus demands, and occasional ladder use, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Ability to work safely around the stated environmental and occupational exposures, including confined areas, electrical hazards, explosive materials, fumes, dust, gases, temperature changes, wet conditions, noise, heights, mechanical hazards, solvents, acids, corrosives, and cleaning agents.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline preferred.
• AALSO Level 2 Life Support Certification preferred.
• Level 1 Water Quality Certification preferred.
• TRACKS experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair aquatic life support equipment, including filters, pumps, protein fractionators, ultraviolet sterilizers, ozone generators and monitors, chemical dosing equipment, heat exchangers, water treatment controls, and process instrumentation.
• Keep equipment and associated areas clean and well maintained.
• Serve as a lead to life support technicians and assistant technicians, developing courses of action to resolve system issues and completing assignments efficiently and effectively.
• Work cross-functionally with Zoological Operations staff, including the Manager of Water Quality, Water Quality Technicians, animal husbandry staff, the Dive Safety Officer, veterinarians, and outside contractors and vendors.
• Help develop and implement systems and standard operating procedures with approval from the Manager of Life Support Systems.
• Provide service to guests and internal customers at or above expectations, and maintain effective written and verbal communications with respectful conduct.
• Comply with Mystic Aquarium standards, state and federal regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Move and distribute controlled materials and chemicals in accordance with SDS and PPE protocols and safety recommendations.
• Arrive on time and ready to work, remain available for emergencies, and adjust work schedules as needed to fulfill responsibilities.
• Use and maintain supplied personal protective equipment, report unsafe conditions, and maintain working knowledge of facility-wide and department-specific safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Supplemental accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, long-term disability, and life insurance are available.
• Short-term disability and basic life and AD&D are provided to full-time employees by the Aquarium.
• 401(k).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed