Life Support Systems Technician (Union)

Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic and passionate about connecting people, animals, and conservation science to fight extinction. Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in all operations and shows respect for all wildlife.

Basic Function: The Life Support Systems (LSS) Technician is responsible to monitor and maintain all of Toronto Zoo’s aquatic animal LSS.  This position will monitor all phases of aquatic exhibit water treatment processing as well as equipment condition, and making necessary changes or repairs as needed. This position will work closely with other staff regarding water quality testing, LSS process equipment adjustments and needed repairs. This position will provide regular updates on processes, equipment status and needed repairs to the Utilities Supervisor and Facilities Maintenance Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Provide continuous monitoring of all critical life support components.
• Perform daily rounds inspections on all LSS and routine LSS activities such as filter backwashes, system lineup changes, and water treatment.
• In conjunction with the appropriate Facilities & Infrastructure staff, perform preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance for all the LSS and associated equipment.
• Isolate, troubleshoot, and coordinate the repair of faulty life support systems including pumps, ozone generation systems, aquarium system filtration, and LSS building controls equipment.
• Work closely with Wildlife Science staff to understand and care for our animals in an appropriate manner, and to make animal well-being a priority and show respect for all wildlife.
• Assist the Utilities Supervisor and Facilities Maintenance Manager in capital improvement, long term maintenance and exhibit enhancement projects as needed.
• Recommend and maintain the stock of required spare parts, tools, and test instruments.
• Monitor, record and modify system operation using the tools provided including the LSS computerized controls system.
• Maintain LSS system logs and records as needed. Interface effectively with other divisions to maintain the highest quality standards.
• Installation, maintenance, cleaning of all LSS equipment and exhibit lighting on a regular basis.
• Communicate with and assist other staff members as needed.
• Must adhere to all health and safety policies as outlined by the Zoo, including use of all proper PPE.
• Reports to the supervisor the absence of or any defect in any equipment or protective device that they are aware of and which may endanger themselves or another staff member.
• Reports to supervisor any contravention of the Ontario Health & Safety Act.
• Ensures all accidents and hazards are reported to supervisor immediately.
• Work in a safe manner at all times in compliance with Health & Safety, WHMIS and Toronto Zoo policies and procedures. Perform all duties in compliance with industry standards including AZA, Occupational Health & Safety Act, legislated regulations, and recommended equipment/manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Follows all branch instructions.
• Attends appropriate training courses as required.
• Other duties as allocated by Supervisor or their designate.

Qualifications:

• Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO) Level 3.
• Have a minimum of five (5) years firsthand experience in aquatic animal life support systems and/or similar work experience. Experience in a Zoo or aquarium setting is an asset.
• Completion of Grade 12 education.
• Must have the ability to repair LSS or similar industrial mechanical plant equipment including ozone generators, centrifugal pumps, heat exchangers, air compressors, automated control systems, and all types of filtration systems including sand filters and protein skimmers.
• Must have basic electrical knowledge with circuits & lighting up to 120VAC. Experience with electric valve actuators & motor starter/relay circuits is a plus.
• Must be proficient in use of proper test equipment, hand & power tools, and shop equipment.
• Must have experience pipe fitting and fabrication utilizing PVC, Copper, and tubing.
• Experience with pump equipment, sand filters, foam fractionators, UV sterilizers as well as heat exchangers is an asset.
• Preferred experience operating multicomputer networks with dynamic graphic-based user interfaces or human machine interfaces (HMI’s) including touch screens.
• Knowledge and previous experience in BAS controls and commercial equipment.
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be able to read LSS plans, P&ID drawings, schematics, and electrical plans.
• Must be able to read and utilize technical manuals.
• Must have working knowledge of Workplace Hazardous Information System (WHMIS) legislation, the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and Toronto Zoo Safety Policy.
• Must have a working knowledge of codes and regulations affecting their work.
• Must be able to withstand varying climatic conditions both indoors and outdoors.
• Must be able to work in a team environment with minimum supervision.
• Must possess unrestricted Class G Driver’s Licence valid in the Province of Ontario along with a good driving record.
• Must be capable of meeting the physical demands of the job including heights.
• Must be able and willing to work rotating shifts, weekends, and Holidays.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate may be required to provide a police reference check and/or driver’s abstract, at their own expense as a condition of employment. Candidates may be required to take a written and/or practical examination relevant to the position.

The Toronto Zoo values the importance of inclusive recruitment practices and strives to create a workplace that reflects and celebrates the rich diversity of our city.  Please let us know if you require specific accommodations to be in place before you begin the interview process.

The Toronto Zoo respects the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to model these principles in all that we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workforce where all employees feel respected, supported and valued. We strive to create an environment that represents the rich diversity of our guests and our community and encourage applications from all qualified individuals who can contribute to enhancing our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.  Applications are especially encouraged from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and women.

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