Life Support Systems Technician

Job Posting

Life Support Systems Technician

Department: Facilities & Operations

Reports to: Life Support System Supervisor

Status: Full-time, hourly, benefitted position

Hours of Work: Standard Tuesday-Saturday workweek, 6:30am-3pm. Occasional need for weekend or after-hours work as related to events and other projects.

Position Overview

The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for a Life Support Systems Technician (LSS Tech II or Senior Tech, depending on knowledge, skill and experience) to join the Engineering team in the Facilities and Operations department. LSS Technicians are responsible for the operation, maintenance, design or repair (depending on level of role) and optimization of aquatic life support systems to ensure they function efficiently, sustainably and in alignment with the Aquarium's standards for animal welfare and safety. Reporting to the LSS Supervisor, this role supports the structural integrity of habitats, contributes to system improvements and capital projects, and plays a key role in maintaining exhibit health through proper water quality and mechanical system performance.


The position requires strong technical skills, the ability to work independently, and the ability to collaborate closely with Animal Care, Water Quality, Facilities and Operations teams. LSS Technicians also participate in on-call overnight monitoring and emergency response to animal health-dependent systems. Through this work, this position plays a vital role in supporting the health of aquatic life and the overall mission of the Aquarium.


All positions at the Aquarium support and advance our SALISH Values ( S ustainable, A we-Inspiring, L earning and Improving, I nclusive Community, S cientific Integrity, H onoring Place). As a part of our values, the Aquarium is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We adopted a DEI strategic plan and Regenerative Plan. We envision a future in which ocean and coastal communities survive and thrive, where we can meet the needs of the present while building more resilient and equitable systems for the future.


The engineering team has 7 people when fully staffed. In addition to a manager, supervisor and associate building engineer, the team has 4 life support systems staff. LSS technicians are evaluated based on knowledge, skills, abilities and experience to determine role level: LSS Tech I, II, or Senior.


Key functions: These represent a portion of responsibilities. Please see the Aquarium website for full job descriptions for the Life Support Systems Technician II and Senior Life Support Systems Technician.

• System Operations & Maintenance
• System Support & Improvements
• Project Implementation (Senior Techs)
• Safety & Compliance
• Training & Development

Essential Functions

• Knowledge of industry animal welfare, safety, and other regulatory compliance standards (such as OSHA).
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively in a team environment. Multilingual and multicultural communication skills and experience are preferred.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the Aquarium's Mission and Values, including Regenerative and Equity work.
• Commitment to sustainability and regenerative practices.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities across departments. Consistently and proactively communicate, track, and organize work to keep self on track and others in the loop.
• Ability to adapt to change and work effectively in evolving or uncertain environments.
• Highly observant and comfortable performing repetitive manual tasks
• The following training/certifications are provided by the Aquarium and must be successfully completed in first 180 days of employment (and maintained thereafter)
  • Scissor and Articulated Boom Lift Training
  • Forklift Training
  • Ladder Safety Training
  • Confined Space Training
  • Woodshop Safety Training
  • CPR Training
  • Respirator Fit Test Training
  • Fall Protection Training
  • Valid Washington State Driver's License (training and certification are not provided by the Aquarium)
• All Aquarium staff and volunteers are expected to participate in advancing and integrating into their work Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in alignment with our S.A.L.I.S.H. Values.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The skills and abilities listed below may be demonstrated through a combination of relevant cultural and community programs, jobs, internships, volunteer experience, and/or formal or informal education. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.

LSS Tech II specific requirements:

• Combination of 3 years' experience in engineering, marine biology, aquaculture, facilities operations or a related field. Preference for a minimum of 2 years of that experience in LSS operations in an aquarium, zoo, or aquatic research facility.
• General technical proficiency in water filtration, chemical treatment, and aquatic system operations, repair, and maintenance.
• General knowledge in the operation and maintenance of LSS control systems.
• Working knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems or other related maintenance recordkeeping.
• Working knowledge of how to safely use power and hand tools.
• Basic understanding of how to read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications.

Senior LSS Technician specific requirements:

• Combination of 4 years of experience in engineering, marine biology, aquaculture, facilities operations or a related field. Preference for a minimum of 3 years of that experience in LSS operations in an aquarium, zoo, or aquatic research facility.
• Strong technical expertise in water filtration, chemical treatment, and aquatic system mechanics. Example: demonstrated experience in designing or safely modifying LSS systems that require expertise in 4 out the 8 following specialties: controls and electronics, liquid and gas circulation, filtration, temperature control, disinfection, habitat construction, plumbing, and water quality.
• General knowledge of animal husbandry requirements in an Aquarium operation, including water quality needs.
• Experience with CMMS platforms and/or other similar preventive maintenance programs.
• General knowledge of building mechanical systems, their operations, and their interconnectedness with LSS systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications

Working Conditions:

• Work takes place in both office and mechanical/industrial environments, including confined spaces, rooftops, and over water.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel, and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• Required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
• Frequently required to lift 50 pounds and may be required to "team lift" heavier weights.
• The vision requirements include ability to adjust focus, peripheral vision, and close vision.
• Able to work at heights (i.e. ladders and use of aerial lifts).
• Exposure to outside weather conditions and noise from machinery and visitors when the Aquarium is busy.
• Must be able and willing to safely use a scissor lift and other power equipment to complete responsibilities.
• Occasional flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Exposure to noise, chemicals, and biohazards in certain work areas, with appropriate safety measures in place.

Salary and benefits: LSS Technician II's are hired between $27.00 and $30.00/hour, and the Senior LSS Technicians are hired between $30.00 and $37.00/hour Dependent on experience. Candidates will be assessed through the hiring process based on their knowledge, skills and abilities.


Please include salary expectations in your application materials. Full-time staff are eligible for the Seattle Aquarium's comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental, an employer-funded health reimbursement account, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, 403b retirement fund with employer match, access to a subsidized ORCA pass, a Seattle Aquarium Family Plus membership and generous paid time off.


How to apply : The Seattle Aquarium is committed to expanding a diverse, equitable, and inclusive conservation movement. We are invested in building an Aquarium with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, languages, cultural ways of knowing, and life experiences. We know research shows that society has conditioned communities of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other marginalized candidates to more frequently not apply to a job because they don't feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed even if they are qualified. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.


Interested candidates should upload a résumé to our online application to be considered. Application review will begin immediately.


SeattleAquarium.org/careers


Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this job by emailing us at View email address on click.appcast.io

Note : If offered the position, candidates must pass a background check. Conviction record is not an automatic disqualifier; we are a second chance employer.


About the Seattle Aquarium : The Seattle Aquarium is a respected authority on Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and the world's one ocean. Our team increases awareness and drives the change needed to preserve and protect our marine environment by providing excellent care and wellbeing for over 5,000 animals to create an inspiring visitor experience, offer engaging daytime and evening events, conservation education programs for people of all ages and backgrounds, community outreach to marginalized populations, research that advances understanding of animals in our care and their counterparts in the wild, advocacy and policy work, an award-winning volunteer program, high-impact marketing and communications, and more.


Our values, developed in conjunction with our staff, include commitments to adopting and promoting sustainable practices, creating awe-inspiring experiences, constantly learning and improving, fostering an inclusive community, maintaining scientific credibility through evidence-based practices and honoring our unique place by using our location and history as a lens for larger understanding.


Proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, we're among the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. by attendance, and we welcome over 1 million people each year guided by our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment. Learn more at SeattleAquarium.org.


Tuesday through Saturday: 6:30AM to 3PM