Maintenance Technician (Life Support/Water Quality)

Located in Tucson Mountain Park, just outside of Saguaro National Park (West), the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is ranked on TripAdvisor.com as one of the Top 10 Museums in the country and the #1 Tucson attraction. Unlike most museums, about 85% of the experience is outdoors!

The 98 acre Desert Museum is a fusion experience: zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum, and aquarium.

 21 interpreted acres with two miles of walking paths through various desert habitats
 230 animal species
 1,200 types of plants — 56,000 individual specimens
 One of the world’s most comprehensive regional mineral collections

The Desert Museum is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association and the American Association of Museums.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s General Collections Department is looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our team. The successful candidate will have extensive experience with saltwater and freshwater life support systems. The successful candidate must have the ability to maintain and/or repair LSS components including ozone generators, pumps and all types of filtration systems and will be responsible for performing water quality testing. Good knowledge of automated control systems is important. Must be adaptable, team orientated, a self-starter requiring little supervision, and able to manage time and resources effectively. The successful candidate is expected to continue to expand their proficiencies and acquire new skills in the maintenance field.

This is a Regular/Full-time/Non-Exempt/Bargaining Unit position. Wage Progression: Initial Step is currently $17.05/hour for the first year with annual increases based upon hire date and the bargaining unit agreement. Step 2 is $17.61; Step 3 is $18.18; Step 4 is $19.99; Step 5 is $20.59; Step 6 is $21.00; Step 7 is $ 21.85; Step 8 is $22.50/hour. Current benefits include ASDM paid life insurance and long-term disability plans. On a shared premium basis: PPO medical with HRA and a choice of two dental plans, an optional vision plan, additional voluntary life insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan. Active employees receive a complementary Desert Museum membership. Please note that relocation assistance is not available for this position.

SUMMARY
The Life Support/Water Quality Technician shall be responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of all aquatic animal Life Support Systems (LSS) that support Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s aquatic animal exhibits. This position will be responsible for monitoring all phases of aquarium exhibit water treatment processing, water quality, as well as equipment condition and making necessary changes or repairs as needed.

This position will frequently interface with other departments including, Living Collections, Maintenance, Veterinarians and animal keepers regarding water quality, LSS process equipment adjustments and needed repairs by performing the following duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
 Monitors LSS equipment and processes for normal operation and make changes as needed. Keeps record and modifies system operations.
 Performs preventative and corrective maintenance as needed to keep LSS equipment in excellent working condition and appearance.
 Recommends, orders and maintains the stock of required spare parts, tools, and test instruments.
 Understands and interprets water chemistry reports and results, recommends and carries out corrections.
 Perform and document water quality.
 Maintains LSS system logs and records as needed.
 Interfaces effectively with other departments to maintain the highest quality standards.
 Follows and maintains all safety policies and procedures.
 Maintains the highest standard of work area cleanliness at all times.
 Performs other duties as workload necessitates.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE
 Four year college degree or two year trade school degree is preferred.
 Must have a minimum of four years’ experience in aquatic animal life support systems or similar industrial processing plant work experience.
 Must have four years’ experience working with aquatic animals in closed aquarium systems.
 Must have a working knowledge of freshwater & seawater chemistry and how it pertains to aquatic animals.
 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 <120volts. 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 utilizing PVC, Copper and tubing.
 Must have above average computer skills. Experience with computer monitored system for alarms. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products is a must.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
 AALSO Certification Level 1 required, Level 2 is desired.
 Valid Arizona driver’s license (or ability to obtain) and satisfactory driving record required.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays, and be on call for emergencies.

APPLICATION PROCESS
This position was opened on October 13, 2017 and does not have a closing date. It is considered open until filled; however, it is highly recommended that all credentials be submitted for consideration as soon as possible. Applications must be completed and submitted online through ASDM’s Career page. https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=1747458

Please understand that if offered a position, you will, as a final condition of employment, be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and provide a 39-month DMV report. More information about our application process, current employment opportunities, and volunteer positions is available at http://www.desertmuseum.org/about/workopt.php

The above description reflects a general overview of the responsibilities and position requirements for this job classification. It is not intended to be a complete description of all duties and requirements that may be inherent in the position. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is an equal opportunity institution. The Museum does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or veteran status in its policies and procedures relating to recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment. No phone calls please. The Museum is a drug and alcohol free workplace and participates in E-Verify.