JOB POSTINGS

Our growing network is always looking for passionate people who want to make a difference. This jobs list is constantly changing and growing, so be sure to check in periodically to see if there’s a job for you.

Systems Operator I

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission.  We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:  Under general supervision, responsible for the operation, quality control, troubleshooting, repairs, and basic maintenance relating to the Aquarium’s 25 million gallons per day seawater system, the associated mechanical plant, the building HVAC system, and the associated equipment and infrastructure in support of maintaining animal life support and environmental systems; monitor a computer-based control system for life support and HVAC systems and assist in operational engineering decisions based on analysis of the data; perform other duties as required.

Core Activities:                                                                                                    

  • Troubleshoot and repair critical water and facility systems, including but not limited to life support equipment, chillers, and boilers, filtration systems, valves, drains, heat exchangers, pumps, motors, fractionators, ozone systems, exotic treatment systems, UV sterilizers, HVAC system, an internal desalination plant, and seawater lines.
  • Analyze data provided by the controls system, meters, the laboratory, or other Animal Care staff, to troubleshoot water quality, flow, or other system problems or out-of-range parameters.
  • Implement engineering decisions on operation and/or repair of life support based on data provided by controls system or from Animal Care or other Operations staff.
  • Monitor real-time water quality and system trends provided by a computer-based controls system and respond to alarms or out-of-range trends
  • Provide routine maintenance on critical water and facility systems and equipment, including mechanical preventative maintenance, raw seawater line pigging, and chemical additions to the desalination plant.
  • Collaborate with Applied Water Science and other departments to recommend solutions for required changes to life support systems based on analyses of water quality data, system trends, animal observations, regulatory and water discharge requirements, and water flow needs.
  • Based on established equipment operating ranges, and meter and gauge readings, adjust or override automatic controls to optimize equipment parameters as needed.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aquarium Science, Engineering, or related field OR advanced certifications in facilities engineering or automated controls OR equivalent experience in water treatment plant operations, power plant operations, water systems operations, or aquariums
  • Understanding of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration as it applies to aquarium systems
  • Knowledge of automated controls, pneumatics, electro-mechanical and electro-optical devices
  • Strong troubleshooting skills on mechanical / electro-mechanical systems Ability and willingness to learn through on-the-job training
  • Experience in plumbing and electrical design, assembly, and maintenance
  • Experience working with HVAC systems
  • Familiarity with general industrial, electrical, and public building safety procedures
  • Familiarity with industrial equipment operation/maintenance and stationary engineering practices
  • Familiarity with OSHA safety guidelines
  • Familiarity with three-phase 480V electrical systems and components
  • Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification
  • Ability to prioritize work while multi-tasking, without immediate supervision
  • Ability to analyze data quickly and translate data into operational decisions
  • Ability to perform both as a team player and as a responsible individual when working alone
  • Ability to work with a safety-first mindset
  • Ability to work within, and maintain, Monterey Bay Aquarium’s policies and values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

  • Truck with liftgate, hoists, pulleys, lifts, building machinery, hand and shop tools
  • Walking up to several miles, climbing ladders, climbing machinery, accessing roofs, reaching, pushing, pulling
  • Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs.; chemical bags, motors, filter-sand bags, equipment
  • Main aquarium, basement, mechanical rooms, service areas, outdoors, pumphouse, confined spaces, roof, boats