Animal Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Full Time Hourly Technicians Mystic, CT, Mystic, CT, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1581

Department: Environmental Quality / Life Support

Reports to: Manager of Life Support Systems

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Job Overview: Environmental Quality provides internal services to Mystic Aquarium’s animal care teams, and a positive, can-do attitude and teamwork-focused work ethic are always required. The Senior Life Support Systems Technician is responsible for the daily operations, monitoring, maintenance, and repair of primary and ancillary aquatic life support system equipment, ensuring the highest standard of care for Mystic Aquarium’s animal collection. This role assists the Manager of Life Support Systems in monitoring, preserving, and modifying existing water treatment processes; installing new equipment and process components; and identifying and acquiring critical equipment, components, supplies, and consumables.

Primary Functions:

• Life Support System Operations and Maintenance
• 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.
• Perform duties in variable environmental and physical conditions.

Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Serve as lead to life support technicians and assistant technicians, developing courses of action to resolve life support system issues while working independently or with minimal supervision, 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, and veterinarians, as well as outside contractors and vendors, to facilitate the highest degree of animal care and welfare.
• Develop and implement systems and standard operating procedures with approval by the Manager of Life Support Systems. Compliance, Communication, and Reliability.
• Consistently provide guests and internal customers service at or above expectations.
• Maintain effective and thorough written and verbal communications, exhibiting respectful behavior in all interactions.
• Demonstrate compliance with Mystic Aquarium’s standards, state and federal regulatory requirements, and industry standard.
• Move and distribute controlled materials and chemicals, adhering to SDS and PPE protocols and safety recommendations.
• Arrive for shift on time and ready to work; be available for emergencies and able to adjust work schedule to fulfill responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Safety and Security:

• Work in a safe manner at all times, properly using and maintaining all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied for protection from recognized hazards.
• Report any unsafe conditions promptly.
• Maintain a working knowledge of facility-wide and department-specific safety procedures, including emergency evacuation, lockdown procedures, and fire extinguisher use.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in a related discipline preferred; 3 years of hands‑on experience operating life support systems and/or other mechanical systems is required, with a demonstrated history of outstanding workmanship in plumbing (PVC primarily), maintenance of pumps, filters, valves, and ancillary equipment, and experience with chemistry in aquatic animal systems.
• Certifications: Must possess Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO) Level 1 Life Support Certification or have the ability to become certified within 1 year of employment; Level 2 Life Support Certification and Level 1 Water Quality Certification preferred. SCUBA certification or the ability to pass a swim test is required.
• Technical and Mechanical Skills: Experience with tools/power tools, machinery, and heavy equipment (forklift) operation; general knowledge of electrical systems and control applications; ability to interpret technical/mechanical drawings and schematics (P&IDs, blueprints, diagrams).
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office applications required; TRACKS experience preferred.
• Licensure: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Physical Capability: Physically demanding role requiring the ability to lift 75 lbs., maneuver in confining and lofty locations, and work within a variety of environmental conditions (rain, snow, heat); situational awareness, good body conditioning, and excellent hand‑eye coordination are required.
• Flexibility and Availability: Must be willing and flexible to work after hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical Demands: This role requires the ability to move equipment and operate, inspect, and position equipment frequently, along with consistent walking and some standing or sitting. The position demands frequent communication, hearing, and close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth‑perception vision, as well as frequent focus adjustment, and involves occasional ladder use and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Employees regularly work indoors and are occasionally exposed to outdoor conditions, cold, heat, confined areas, electrical hazards, explosive materials, fumes, dusts, and gases, along with some exposure to temperature changes, wet conditions, noise, high places, and mechanical hazards. Some exposure to solvents, acids, corrosives, and cleaning agents should also be expected. The role involves frequent collaboration with others, some guest contact, and occasional use of driving, computers, and telephones as part of routine duties.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Employment with this organization is at-will, meaning either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable laws. This organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of this position. This position may require background checks and reference verification as part of the hiring process.

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