Aquarium Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Life Support Systems Operator, Level 1 - 2
Department: Facility Operations - Life Support &Water Quality
Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Direct Report: Managerof Life Support & Water Quality
POSITION SUMMARY
Opened in 2020, MississippiAquarium is a nonprofit aquarium located on the gulf coast of Mississippi,between New Orleans and Pensacola, taking pride in both the diversity of theanimal collection and the aquarium staff. This role is a newly created positionto ensure LSS operations maintain efficiency after six years of growth. Thisposition will be established as either an entry-tier Level 1 employee, orintermediate-tier Level 2 employee, depending on the experience and backgroundof the applicant.
The LSS Operator isexpected to perform the duties of the daily scheduled LSS routine, helping tomaintain almost one million gallons of water across habitats for mammals,elasmobranchs and teleosts, invertebrates and corals, reptiles and amphibians,and birds. This includes backwashes and system checks, equipment inspections,interpretation of exhibit parameters, as well as troubleshooting and correctionof any parameters that are out of range. Aside from daily operations, the LSSOperator is to assist in maintaining and repairing LSS equipment, responding toLSS outages and emergencies, planning repairs and upgrades, and aiding theMississippi Aquarium Animal Care departments with any habitat issues as theyrelate to LSS. This position will also provide as-needed coverage for selectWater Quality duties, such as sample collection or emergency testing, andcollaborate with the Water Quality lab regularly. The position supportsFacility Operations, Animal Care and Veterinary Services to provide the highestexhibit quality for the animal collection and Mississippi Aquarium's guests.
To see some of theconservation projects that the Life Support department has provided supporttowards, click the following link: Research & Conservation at Mississippi Aquarium
Functions andresponsibilities
1. Followestablished objectives, protocols, policies and operating procedures to ensurethe most successful and efficient LSS operations at Mississippi Aquarium.
2. OperateLSS software (RCK Controls, Metasys) to perform daily scheduled habitatmaintenance tasks like backwashes and moving water through a reclamation andrecycling system.
3. Maintainhigh internal operational standards in accordance with AZA, AAMPA, and otherregulatory organizations.
4. Assistthe Facility Operations department in tasks pertaining to the water qualitylaboratory and life support systems.
5. Workindependently as a self-starter and also be a communicative team player duringlarge projects.
6. AssistFacility Operations and Animal Care teams by using effective communication regardingroutine equipment repairs, habitat upgrades, emergency responses, and preventativemaintenance.
7. Assistwith saltwater mixing and wastewater recovery, through a multi-stage waterreclamation system, via operating heavy machinery such as a crane and forklift.
8. Underthe supervision of the Manager of LSS/WQ, occasionally assist with inventoryfor PVC storage area and the tool shop used to rebuild LSS equipment.
9. Assistteammates and LSS/WQ manager in troubleshooting and diagnosing LSS, habitat,and LSS software issues for equipment throughout the aquarium.
10. Assist in basic WQ labcoverage, including basic spectrophotometry tests as requested.
11. Assist FacilityOperations with scheduled projects as they relate to LSS and aquarium grounds.
12. Use a variety of handand power tools to fix various components of animal habitats and LSS equipment.
13. Assist LSS/WQ withtraining and monitoring of interns, students, and volunteers.
14. Communicate andmaintain working relationships with guests, staff, supervisors, otherdepartments, suppliers, professional associations, and colleagues in relatedindustries. The desire to travel and present projects, on behalf of MississippiAquarium, at conferences is a plus.
15. Participate in staffmeetings and provide input for improvements of the water quality lab, animalcare teams and life support operations.
16. Maintain awareness of aquariumindustry-related technology, trends, and husbandry practices as can be appliedto LSS and WQ.
17. Undertakespecial projects and all other duties assigned by the Manager of LSS/WQ,including imagery fabrication, exhibit design, and ground-up systemconstruction.
Skillsand experience
• Candidatemust have an associate's degree in an aquarium-focused college program, or abachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, marine biology or related field. Compensatoryrelated field experience for an equivalent number of years is acceptable inlieu of a degree.
• Applicantsshould have experience in operating life support system equipment for recirculatingsystems in a public aquarium or other zoological setting.
• Familiaritywith both small and large filtration concepts for aquatic habitats.
• Experiencecaring for, or working husbandry knowledge for aquatic animals, such asteleosts, elasmobranchs, and invertebrates, is essential.
• Knowledgeand proficiency with troubleshooting pumps, foam fractionators, plumbing, anddisinfection / sterilization equipment is a must.
• Experiencewith utilizing LSS software is a plus.
• Interestin exhibit design and aesthetics, and how LSS can be integrated.
• Comprehensiveknowledge of water quality parameters (fresh, brackish and marine) and howcommon life support components impact these parameters, is highly preferred.
• Familiaritywith regulatory guidelines for marine mammals is a plus.
• Awarenessof basic water quality techniques, as they relate to zoos and aquariums, is aplus.
• AALSOcertifications are a definite plus.
JOBREQUIREMENTS
• Abilityto work indoors and outdoors, in loud indoor environments and harsh outdoorenvironments. Exposure to rain, high UV index, chemicals, extreme heat, andextreme cold. Using ladders, steps, and doorways in and around tight spaces,low areas, and areas with hazardous footing. Candidate must be able to operatehandheld power tools, operate personal radios for communication, read signageand electronic meters effectively, and navigate independently while in theseconditions.
• Abilityto respond and communicate remotely via electronic devices, via phone, text, orother electronic messaging. Knowledge of Microsoft software programs is a plus.
• Candidatemust be able to use ladders and stairs to reach remote back-of-house areas,while carrying tools and equipment.
• Candidatemust be able to carry a minimum of 50lbs into low or cramped spaces.
• Candidatemust have reliable personal transportation and a state-issued driver's license.Candidate must be able to travel to work during inclement weather.
TEAM REQUIREMENTS:
• Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhereto all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
• Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest'sexperience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquariumstandard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies asit relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos, dyed hair, and piercings areallowed, but must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image.Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine iftattoos will need to be covered during your shift.
• Sales & Guest Services - Listening to, and understanding theneeds of, our guests both internal and external is essential. To that end, wemust always be focused on the guest experience.

• 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 are vital to our organization.
• Team Safety - 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, and steel-toed footwear

• SALARY AND BENEFITS:
• • Hourly range,commensurate with experience: $17.50 - $23.00 per hour
• 26 PTO days a year, toutilize at employee's discretion for holidays, illness, etc.
• 401k plan offered
• Yearly uniform stipend
• Employer-provided covered parking
• Medical, dental, vision insurance offered with low-cost employee portion
• Group term lifeinsurance, short term disability & long-term disability policies providedat employer cost
• Low-cost optional supplemental voluntary insurance coverage offered at employee expense