Curator Aquarium System Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Senior Life Support Systems Technician (Sea Lions)

Department: Sea Lions

Reports To: Curator of Carnivores and Hoofstock

Location: Audubon Zoo

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Date Revised: August 2024

Position Type: Full-Time; Non-exempt

Who We Are 

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do

Senior Life Support Systems Technician (Sea Lions) is responsible for the daily monitoring of the Audubon Zoo Sea lion LSS system, and ensuring all LSS systems, water quality operations and equipment, laboratory equipment and exhibit remain operational within legal compliance and industry best practices. This position requires an advanced knowledge of the mechanical and chemical components of marine mammal LSS/WQ care in all areas of the Sea Lion exhibit. Reporting to the Curator of Carnivores and Hoofstock, the Senior LSS Technician will make continuous improvements to the Sea Lion LSS and WQ protocols and procedures. They will coordinate the instruction of these processes, protocols, and procedures to area Sea Lion Keepers to ensure there is adequate coverage of systems and testing. The Senior LSS Specialist must be able to communicate effectively with members of Animal management, the veterinary staff, to ensure continued compliance with all USDA/APHIS regulations and AZA requirements for marine mammal life support systems and water quality. 

Day to Day Responsibilities

•    Daily oversight of LSS operations to ensure completion of assigned tasks.

•    Provide mentoring/coaching to Sea Lion area keepers to develop both practical and technical skills for area LSS/WQ coverage. 

•    Ensure compliance with established LSS and WQ policies and procedures.

•    Develop and write standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Sea lion LSS and WQ for curatorial approval.

•    When requested, perform procurement tasks while maintaining financial responsibility.

•    Assist the Curator of Carnivores and Hoofstock in setting and tracking departmental budget for LSS/WQ equipment and repairs.

•    Assist curatorial staff by providing observational and researched-based data for continuous improvements.

•    Ensure completion of routine (daily, weekly, monthly) LSS and WQ analytical work.

•    Ensure completion of any LSS related repairs and preventative maintenance.

•    Function as a subject matter expert for Animal staff in daily operations and requirements of life support and WQ.

•    Maintain knowledge of LSS and exhibit maintenance tasks and routines to identify and troubleshoot problems.

•    Maintain knowledge of water chemistry, water quality parameters, and water quality analyses to identify and troubleshoot problems.

•    Maintain basic knowledge of ideal environmental parameters.

•    Maintain knowledge of plumbing and construction as it pertains to the function of the sea lion exhibit life support systems.

•    Perform mathematical calculations varying from basic life support and water quality needs.

•    Serve as liaison between Animal staff, facilities staff, construction staff and outside contractors.

•    Have the ability to recognize deficiencies in these areas and relay possible solutions to curatorial staff to correct these issues.

•    Have an advanced working knowledge of USDA/APHIS, USFW, safety and hazardous material regulations, and any other city, state, and federal requirements.

•    Assist veterinarian and animal staff with recognizing animal health concerns and prescribed treatments.

•    Participate in educational opportunities regarding life support and water quality.

•    Participate in training and daily oversight of Sea Lion keepers and oversight as it pertains to LSS/WQ operations

•    Knowledge and ability to execute responsibilities in the event of an animal escape or emergency. Able to direct less experienced staff to perform as needed.

•    Participate in executing welfare assessments. Work with the curatorial team and area keepers to seek ways to improve the wellbeing of animals in your care.

Additional/Overall Skills:

•    Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

•    Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.

•    Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.

•    Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.

•    The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Must Haves:

•    Bachelor of Science degree in biology or related field from a recognized, accredited institution, or equivilent experience.

•    Minimum five (5) years of paid experience in a zoological facility or public aquarium, aquaculture or mariculture facility, aquatics research/environmental laboratory, water treatment facility, or similar industry is required. 

•    AZA accredited public aquarium facility is preferred.

•    Care of zoological exhibits with a primary focus on marine mammals.

•    Advanced plumbing, construction, and animal enclosure work.

•    Installing, repairing, and replacing mechanical equipment such as pumps, filters, piping systems, motors, compressors, etc.

•    WQ analysis, data interpretation, and/or method development.

•    Possess a valid driver’s license.   

Nice-to-Haves:

•    Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO) Life Support and/or Water Quality certification is a plus.

•    National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) Certified Pool Operator (CPO) is a plus.

•    Forklift driving certification considered an asset.

•    Experience at AZA accredited public facility is preferred

•    SCUBA certification is preferred

•    First Aid/ CPR is preferred

•    Previous firearms experience and willingness to serve on Zoo Weapons Team

•    Expierence in handling of sea lions for husbandry procedures, as needed

Physical Requirements: 

•    Continuous standing, walking, lifting, bending, and twisting. 

•    Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects weighing over 50 pounds, often repeatedly. 

•    Regularly climbing ladders and operating heavy machinery. 

•    Sustained manual dexterity and coordination. 

•    Physical stamina for long shifts involving repetitive or strenuous tasks. 

•    Primarily outdoor environments or industrial settings. 

•    Frequent exposure to heat, cold, dust, fumes, or loud noises. 

•    Exposure to potential hazards such as heavy machinery, moving vehicles, or electrical equipment.