Aquaculture Service Engineer

The Organization

As an independent research organization, the Morgridge Institute for Research explores uncharted scientific territory to discover tomorrow’s cures. In affiliation with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we support researchers who take a fearless approach to advancing human health in emerging fields such as virology, advanced multi-scale fluorescence and electron microscopy, metabolism and regenerative biology. Through public programming, we work to inspire scientific curiosity in everyday life.

The Opportunity:

The Morgridge Institute for Research maintains an Aquatics Research Center utilized by multiple labs to study fish for the advancement of human health. This facility and others throughout Wisconsin use specialized recirculating aquaculture systems to house and care for different fish species. This position will work to ensure this equipment operates efficiently and reliably to support fish health and research. This is a full-time position that requires working in-person at multiple sites. The primary location for the position is the Morgridge Institute.

Duties include:

• Coordinate and perform preventative maintenance and repairs to aquatics equipment operated by the Morgridge Institute.
• Order and maintain inventory of replacement parts for emergencies, repairs, and system maintenance.
• Research options and work with vendors to secure competitively priced components.
• Work with Aquatics Research Center Director to establish working relationship with other aquatics facilities within Wisconsin. This includes but is not limited performing repairs, equipment retrofits, preventative maintenance, consulting on equipment operations, and emergency response.
• Ensure biosecurity measures are taken and followed when working in other facilities and traveling between facilities.
• Train the Morgridge husbandry staff on system maintenance and repairs when reasonable. Husbandry staff will act as a backup for this position during time off or emergencies.
• This position will function as a backup to husbandry staff during time off or emergencies in which facility is short staffed.
• Work with Director to identify operational deficiencies and/or damaged equipment to optimize fish welfare.
• Coordinate with managers/directors/researchers to schedule equipment maintenance and repairs while understanding and accounting for fish health.
• Keep detailed records of time and expenses incurred so they can be invoiced, paid, and/or tracked to support operations and strategic planning.
• Participate in an internship program and/or workshops to teach basic plumbing, mechanical, and aquaculture maintenance skills in a safe and educational environment.
• Participate in community outreach and support efforts with Aquatics Research Center Director and staff.
• Assist in promoting a clean, organized, and safe working environment for all.
• Other miscellaneous duties as required.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be considered and may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.

Education and Experience

• HS diploma with at least 10 years of relevant work experience working with aquaculture systems, including zebrafish specific systems from the major vendors, including at least 2 years being in a supervisor or manager role.
  OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline with at least 6 years of relevant experience working with aquaculture systems, including zebrafish specific systems from the major vendors.
  OR
• Master’s degree in a science or engineering discipline with at least 4 years of relevant experience working with aquaculture systems, including zebrafish specific systems from the major vendors.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Specific experience working with zebrafish recirculating aquaculture systems.
• Experience with automated aquaculture equipment and components.
• Advanced troubleshooting skills to resolve complex electrical, mechanical, and plumbing challenges.
• Strong ability to exercise independent judgment with minimal direction.
• Ability and willingness to train others.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with others during emergencies and high stress scenarios.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Performing electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work in and around a wet laboratory environment.
• Must be able to lift items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Working in environment containing fish waste, algae, and aquaculture effluents.
• Working with hazardous cleaning agents and detergents.