Life Support Systems Manager (Full Time) - Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

SUMMARY:

The Life Support System Manger oversees the daily operation and management of the life support systems of the aquarium at Frost Science. These complex systems require experience with water quality systems and with water chemistry analysis techniques. Thorough understanding and ability to troubleshoot complex water treatment and filtration systems is necessary along with automation of these systems. This position will be required to operate and service aquarium water chillers, ozone systems, plumbing, PVC piping applications, pumps, motors and filtration equipment. They will manage the life support staff and ensure the life support operations run in tandem with husbandry operations. Selected candidate must be available to work any of the seven days of the week, including weekends, holidays and nights.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages assigned Life Support staff, including the selection, training, development, counseling, and appraisal of assigned employees.
• Oversees and participates in the operation and maintenance of the LSS systems.
• Operates, monitors and maintains the associated equipment (pumps, chillers, ozone generators, filters, and piping systems).
• Writes and tests emergency procedures for life support systems.
• Supervises and participates in plumbing activities to support the aquatic exhibits.
• Maintains the life support systems for the animals in the collection.
• Operates and manages life support automation.
• Works closely with husbandry and facilities team (vets, curators, engineers, plumbers, etc.) to effectively plan for water quality needs for the animals.
• Maintains accurate records, and distributes reports.
• Keeps current with certifications necessary for the operation of the life support systems.
• Maintains communication with husbandry team, facilities team and others regarding maintenance for each system.
• Completes all animal care, exhibit maintenance and improvements without disruption or minimal impact to visitors or the visitor experience.
• Works closely with Life Support staff to troubleshoot water system problems, and jointly develops solutions, and implements them.
• Understands and follows AZA standards.
• Assists with purchasing and inventory as part of an assigned budget.
• Maintains knowledge of industry innovations and new techniques through professional meetings and conferences, trade journals, and regular communication with professional colleagues.
• Participates in exhibit and facility planning, research and design.
• Adheres to all museum and department policies and practices.
• Serve in on-call capacity for after hour’s emergencies and monitoring.
• Manages external contractors when needed to maintain life support system.
• Participates in other aspects of the husbandry operation when needed such as exhibit cleaning, food preparation and water quality testing.
• Exemplifies the highest standard of work ethics.
• Practices great customer service.
• Other duties as assigned or required.
• Oversee and perform regular mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Conduct rounds of all filtration areas to inspect pumps, motors, ozone generators, chillers, boilers, and other related LSS equipment.
• Basic water testing using correct lab practices and procedures (as needed).
• Supervises addition of chemicals to LSS.
• Assist in review and in development of aquatic exhibit designs and life support systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of:
  • Water quality systems
  • Water chemistry analysis techniques
  • Aquarium life support systems Regulatory and membership agencies and regulations (USDA, USFWS, AZA, AALSO, etc.)
  • Plumbing of piping, valves, filtration systems, etc.
  • Repair and maintenance of pumps and associated life support equipment
  • Basic electrical installation and troubleshooting techniques
  • Exhibit design and maintenance desirable
  • Experience installing and plumbing life support systems
  • Effective leadership skills
  • Automated life support systems and maintenance techniques
  • Vacuuming, filter maintenance, and temperature monitoring
  • Johnson Controls Metasys experience highly desirable.
• Ability to:
  • Manage support staff in a diverse environment
  • Monitor and administer budgets
  • Prepare and makes presentations
  • Communicate effectively (verbal and written)
  • To decide when to act independently on behalf of department and when to seek consultation from the Curator of Animal Husbandry or VP of Animal Husbandry.
  • To problem solve and troubleshoot problems.
  • Construct and operate aquatic Life Support Systems, including plumbing and carpentry.
  • To respond to after-hours alarms and animal or life support issues.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Biological or Environmental Science or Engineering
• 5 years of life support experience at an aquarium or zoo, or water park.
• SCUBA certified preferred.
• AALSO Level 2 certification or higher preferred.
• Driver’s license or ability to get one.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee is required to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time, along with climbing and reaching with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move from to 50 to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Must be able to work in high and low/ places.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those as employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work is performed both indoors and in outdoor settings. Outdoor work subject to temperatures up to 100 degrees, rain, humidity and sun. Work will also be conducted on a boat with the same outdoor conditions already listed. Pump room environment has high noise level (PPE Provided).

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Level 2 background clearance as defined by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
• Drug screening as part of the Drug Free Workplace Programs