Job Description

Title: Life Support Systems Maintainer
Reports To: Life Support Manager
Position Managed: M/A
Department: Plant Engineer
Location: New York Aquarium
Employment Type: Union, Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Salary: $53,997

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Position Summary:
The Life Support Systems (LSS) Maintainer is a technical, safety-sensitive, and essential position responsible for the safe operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of NYA’s fresh-water and seawater systems and other related work as required. This position is expected to perform high-quality work in support of NYA’s mission to provide uninterrupted and optimal life support conditions for the living collection and excellent water clarity for the visitor experience.

Principal Responsibilities:

Installs, operates, monitors, and ensures proper functioning of all equipment vital to the operation of animal exhibits, quarantine and holding, and life support systems and exhibit water features (e.g., pumps, valves, filters, ozone generators, UV sterilizers, backwashes, generators).
Maintains efficient operation of backwash recovery system and water reclamation in order to reclaim at least 95% on marine systems.
Prepares and maintains saltwater batches and water transfers on large systems. Maintains proper water quality using sanitizers, ozone, and other chemicals.
Maintains proper water filtration for turbidity/clarity.
Performs PM tasks and affects necessary repairs on all life-support related equipment including, but not limited to: freshwater and seawater pumps, filters, heat exchangers, valves, pressure regulators and automation equipment, low-voltage systems, ozone equipment, UV sterilizers, air prep units, blowers, building hardware, LSS plumbing, generators and other duties as deemed necessary to maintain life support operations.
Communicates daily with supervisor, plant engineering staff, co-workers, animal staff, and laboratory staff with regard to LSS and water quality issues as they relate to animal health and exhibit function/appearance.
Works closely with co-workers to ensure all scheduled and unscheduled water changes, transfers, and tank-drop procedures are completed safely and efficiently.
Assists in the design and installation of new filtration systems. Interprets blueprints and equipment drawings.
Responsible for maintaining accurate records; generates work orders and daily log sheets in a neat and orderly fashion; uses a computer, MS Office, and MS Outlook.
Performs various troubleshooting techniques related to system problems and/or malfunctions and responds to emergencies.
Assures safety of self, animals, co-workers, and visitors by observing safety guidelines around the animals, equipment, and vehicles.
Utilizes chemical supply products and follows standardized usage guidelines and safety information as set by the Material Data Sheets and makes recommendations to curator staff on compliance-related issues.
Reads, understands, and utilizes technical manuals and data regarding LSS operations, methodology, and equipment.

Qualification Requirements

High school graduate or GED Required
(3) years of xperience in electrical or plumbing fields with a minimum of six months experience in fields, such as aquarium life support, aquaculture, commercial water treatment or similar industry that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Demonstrated working knowledge of major water process filtration components and their application; assembly, operation and repair of reciprocating compressors, centrifugal compressors, ozone generators and centrifugal pumps; hydraulic systems as they relate to water process;
Experience in the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and use of water quality testing equipment preferred.
Valid driver's license
Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays as assigned

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to climb and work from ladders up to 20ft in height.
Ability to work indoors, outdoors and in all weather conditions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer:
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.

Salary Range

53,997

Wildlife Conservation Society

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