Help keep the Aquarium’s aquatic environments thriving by joining the Life Support Systems (LSS) team!
As a Life Support Systems Volunteer, you’ll support the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the systems that make life possible for our animals — from filtration to pumps and water quality. It’s a unique opportunity to work behind the scenes and gain hands-on experience with marine life support technology.
Volunteers should be mechanically inclined, team-oriented, and ready to dive into a hands-on, dynamic work environment.
Essential Functions
What does this position do?
- Participate in daily rounds inspections on all life support systems
- Train in the use and repair of life support systems equipment
- Learn system troubleshooting and help respond to operational issues as they arise
- Collaborate with staff in water quality and animal care to maintain healthy, functioning environments
Knowledge and Skills
Prerequisites
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Willingness to learn and take direction
- Mechanically inclined and comfortable with tools, fabrication, and plumbing tasks
- Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and with a team
- Comfortable working in wet, dirty, and industrial settings
- Experience with plumbing, water chemistry, or marine/wastewater systems is a plus
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist for extended periods
- Able to lift up to 75 lbs. and push/pull up to 100 lbs.
- Comfortable working at various heights and in confined spaces
- Good range of motion and manual dexterity required for hands-on equipment work
Mental Demands
The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to stay calm and focused in a fast-paced environment
- Comfortable taking initiative and solving problems independently
- Able to prioritize tasks and remain adaptable to changing situations
- Collaborative mindset and strong communication skills
- Willingness to engage in physical and technical challenges
Working Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work takes place in wet, industrial, and sometimes confined environments
- Exposure to chemicals (with appropriate PPE), machinery, and biological materials
- May involve interaction with live animals in a behind-the-scenes setting
- Volunteers should expect uneven surfaces, changing temperatures, exposure to sunlight, and frequent physical activity
Commitment and Shift Availability
- Minimum commitment: one weekly 5 hour shift for at least one year
- Although LSS operates 24/7, standard shifts are during the Aquarium’s operating hours, Monday – Friday. Volunteers can apply for updated shift times after at least 100 hours of service in the LSS field.
Training
- All volunteers must complete Aquarium 101 orientation
- On-the-job training provided by Life Support staff
- Ongoing mentorship and increased responsibilities over time
Application Closed at this Time
