Life Support Systems Technician II na Seattle Aquarium

Life Support System Technician II

Title: Life Support System Technician II           Reports to: Life Support System Supervisor

Status:   Non-exempt Date:  

Position description: 

The Life Support Systems (LSS) Technician II at the Seattle Aquarium is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, and optimization of aquatic life support systems to ensure they function efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with the Aquarium’s standards for animal welfare and safety. Reporting to the LSS Supervisor, this role supports the structural integrity of habitats, contributes to system improvements and capital projects, and plays a key role in maintaining exhibit health through proper water quality and mechanical system performance. The position requires strong technical skills, the ability to work independently, and the ability to collaborate closely with Animal Care, Water Quality, Facilities, and Operations teams. The LSS Technician II also participates in on-call overnight monitoring and emergency response for animal health-dependent systems. Through this work, this position plays a vital part in supporting the health of aquatic life and the overall mission of the Aquarium.

All positions at the Aquarium support and advance our SALISH Values (Sustainable, Awe-Inspiring, Learning and Improving, Inclusive Community, Scientific Integrity, Honoring Place). As a part of our values, the Aquarium is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We adopted a DEI strategic plan and Regenerative Plan. We envision a future in which ocean and coastal communities survive and thrive, where we can meet the needs of the present while building more resilient and equitable systems for the future. 
 
Primary Responsibilities

Operations & Maintenance

• Independently conduct routine inspections and maintenance of pumps, filters, ozone/UV systems, and plumbing components.
• Assist with troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues in LSS operations, including diagnosing the root cause of complex interconnected equipment malfunctions.
• Perform water quality testing and respond to system adjustments as needed.
• Perform preventive maintenance (PMs) and facility rounds, and maintain accurate logs and records of system performance and maintenance activities.
• Document maintenance activities and system performance in CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).

System Support & Improvements

• Assist in installing and upgrading LSS components.
• Provide recommendations for improving system efficiency and reliability.
• Work alongside LSS team and/or contractors on repairs and modifications. Occasionally oversee the work of contractors.
• Occasionally lead complex LSS change/improvement projects with supervisory oversight.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety protocols and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
• Participate, and at times lead, emergency response actions related to LSS failures.
• Maintain accurate system logs and records to create records of equipment functionality and health.
• All Aquarium staff and volunteers are expected to participate in advancing and integrating into their work Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in alignment with our values.
• Other duties as assigned that are relevant to the scope and level of the role.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The qualifications below may be demonstrated through a combination of professional experience, education, and training:

• Combination of 3 years’ experience in engineering, marine biology, aquaculture, facilities operations or a related field. Preference for a minimum of 2 years of that experience in LSS operations in an aquarium, zoo, or aquatic research facility.
• General technical proficiency in water filtration, chemical treatment, and aquatic system operations, repair, and maintenance.
• General knowledge in the operation and maintenance of LSS control systems.
• Working knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems or other related maintenance recordkeeping.
• Knowledge of industry animal welfare, safety, and other regulatory compliance standards (such as OSHA).
• Working knowledge on how to effectively use power and hand tools safely.
• Basic understanding of how to read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively in a team environment. Multilingual and multicultural communication skills and experience are preferred.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the Aquarium’s Mission and Values, including Regenerative and Equity work. 
• Commitment to sustainability and regenerative practices.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities across departments. Consistently and proactively communicate, track, and organize work to keep self on track and others in the loop.
• Ability to cope with change, and operating at times in environments of uncertainty
• Highly observant and willing to do repetitive manual tasks

• The following training/certifications are provided by the Aquarium and must be successfully completed in the first 180 days of employment (and maintained thereafter)
  1. Scissor and Articulated Boom Lift Training
  2. Forklift Training
  3. Ladder Safety Training
  4. Confined Space Training
  5. Woodshop Safety Training
  6. CPR Training
  7. Respirator Fit Test Training
  8. Fall Protection Training
  9. Valid Washington State Driver’s License (training and certification are not provided by the Aquarium)

Working conditions: 

• Work takes place in both office and mechanical/industrial environments, including confined spaces, rooftops, and over water.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel, and talk or hear. 
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms. 
• Required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. 
• Frequently required to lift 50 pounds and may be required to “team lift” heavier weights. 
• The vision requirements include ability to adjust focus, peripheral vision, and close vision. 
• Able to work at heights (i.e. ladders and use of aerial lifts). 
• Exposure to outside weather conditions and noise from machinery and visitors when the Aquarium is busy. 
• Must be able and willing to safely use a scissor lift and other power equipment to complete responsibilities.
• Occasional flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Exposure to noise, chemicals, and biohazards in certain work areas, with appropriate safety measures in place.

Salary and benefits: $27.80 - $29.50 per hour. Full-time staff are eligible for the Seattle Aquarium’s comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental, an employer-funded health reimbursement account, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, 403b retirement fund with employer match, access to a subsidized ORCA pass, a Seattle Aquarium Family Plus membership and generous paid time off.
 

How to apply: The Seattle Aquarium is committed to expanding a diverse, equitable, and inclusive conservation movement. We are invested in building an Aquarium with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, languages, cultural ways of knowing, and life experiences. We know research shows that society has conditioned communities of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other marginalized candidates to more frequently not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed even if they are qualified. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you. 

Interested candidates should upload a résumé to our online application to be considered. Application review will begin immediately.   

SeattleAquarium.org/careers  

Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this job by emailing us at [email protected].  

Note: If offered the position, candidates must pass a background check. Conviction record is not an automatic disqualifier; we are a second chance employer.  

About the Seattle Aquarium:  

The Seattle Aquarium is a respected authority on Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and the world’s one ocean. Our passionate staff increases awareness and drives the change needed to preserve and protect our marine environment by providing an inspiring visitor experience, engaging daytime and evening events, conservation education programs for people of all ages and backgrounds, community outreach to marginalized populations, research that advances understanding of animals in our care and their counterparts in the wild, advocacy and policy work, an award-winning volunteer program, high-impact marketing and communications, and more.   

Our values, developed in conjunction with our staff, include commitments to adopting and promoting sustainable practices, creating awe-inspiring experiences, constantly learning and improving, fostering an inclusive community, maintaining scientific credibility through evidence-based practices and honoring our unique place by using our location and history as a lens for larger understanding.   

Proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, we’re among the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. by attendance, and we welcome over 850,000 people each year. Guided by our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, we’re working to substantially increase our conservation impact by expanding our campus with a new building, the Ocean Pavilion. Learn more at SeattleAquarium.org.  

Timeline: 

We anticipate the following recruiting schedule for those candidates who are selected for consideration. The following dates are preliminary and subject to change. We will work with candidates to set interview dates. If hired, relocation assistance is not available.  

• Application deadline: Open until filled. 
• Priority given to applications received by September 15.
• Interviews completed in October.
• Start date: November 2025.