Life Support Systems Operator, Level 1-2

POSITIONSUMMARY

The position reports tothe Manager of Life Support Systems & Water Quality. The LSS Operator isexpected to perform all duties of the daily LSS routine, including remote backwashesand system checks, equipment inspections, interpretation of exhibit parameters,as well as troubleshooting and correction of any parameters that are out ofrange. The LSS Operator is to assist in developing relevant SOPs and protocols,maintain and repair equipment, stock supplies, and aid the Mississippi AquariumAnimal Care departments with any issues as they relate to LSS. This positionwill provide regular coverage for select Water Quality duties, such as samplecollection or emergency testing. The position supports Facility Operations,Animal Care and Veterinary Services to provide the highest exhibit quality forthe animal collection and Mississippi Aquarium's guests.


REQuirements

Candidate must have an associate's degree in anaquarium-focused college program, a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry,marine biology or related field, or compensatory related field experience.Applicants should have experience in maintaining life support systems forclosed-system aquaria in a public aquarium or zoo setting. Ideally havefamiliarity with both small and large filtration systems. Experience caringfor, or working adjacent to, aquatic animals such as teleosts, elasmobranchs,and invertebrates is essential. Knowledge and proficiency with pumps, foamfractionators, plumbing, and disinfection / sterilization equipment is a must.Comprehensive knowledge of water quality parameters (fresh, brackish andmarine) and how common life support components impact these parameters, ishighly preferred. Lab awareness of basic water quality techniques, as theyrelate to zoos and aquariums, is a plus. Understanding of life supportautomation and its inner workings is a plus. AALSO certifications are adefinite plus.


ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Followestablished objectives, protocols, policies and operating procedures to ensurethe most successful and efficient LSS operations at Mississippi Aquarium.


2. Assistthe Facility Operations department in operations pertaining to the waterquality laboratory and the life support systems.

3. AssistFacility Operations and Animal Care teams by following a schedule andmaintaining communication for routine equipment repairs, equipment upgrades,and backwash scheduling.

4. AssistFacility Operations with saltwater make up via operating heavy machinery(crane, forklift).

5. Underthe supervision of the Manager of LSS/WQ, maintains equipment inventory for PVCstorage area and tool shop used to rebuild electric motors, followingregulatory guidelines and Mississippi Aquarium's internal safety standards.

6. Assistin basic WQ lab coverage, including basic spectrophotometry tests as needed.

7. AssistFacility Operations with routine consumables procurement and maintain withinbudgeted expenditures.


8. AssistFacility Operations with training and monitoring of interns and volunteers.

9. Communicateand maintain working relationships with guests, staff, supervisors, otherdepartments, suppliers, professional associations, and colleagues in relatedindustries. The desire to travel and present projects at conferences is a plus.

10. Reliabletransportation, the ability to engage with electronic communications, and theability to use a variety of power tools are required.

11. Participate in staffmeetings and provide input for improvements of the water quality lab, animalcare and life support operations.

12. Maintain awareness ofindustry-related activities, technology and trends. Maintain awareness of newlydeveloping husbandry practices as they relate to water quality and life supportsystems.

13. Undertake specialprojects and all other duties assigned by the Manager of LSS/WQ.

Team Requirements :
• Safety & Security - All Team Membersare required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and securitystandards.
• Attendance & Appearance - Tomaximize the guest's experience, all Team Members are required to adhere toMississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance anddress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoosand piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image.Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine thattattoos will need to be covered during your shift.
• Sales & Guest Services - Ourforward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needsof our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always befocused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guestvisitation.

• Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our organization. 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, steel-toed footwear.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands andwork environment described here are representative of those that must be met byan employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilitiesto perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job,the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger,handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climbstairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specificvision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision,color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weatherconditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment isusually moderate.


Note: Position will involve exposure toinclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animalspecies, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxicchemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment isrequired e.g., goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.