The National Aquarium · Maryland · posted today
Job Title: Instrumentation Analyst Posting Date: Job Department: Facilities Schedule: Full Time Job Type: On-site Location: 501 E Pratt St, Pier 3, Baltimore, MD 21202 JOB SUMMARY: The National Aquarium is seeking an Instrumentation Analyst. The analyst is responsible for ensuring reliable functioning of the instruments, sensors, and controls behind the aquarium's life support and facility infrastructure and the building automation systems. The role chooses, installs, calibrates, maintains, and troubleshoots water quality and building system sensors, instruments, and performs electrical work on motors, control panels, and related equipment. The role works directly with the Aquarium’s outside controls automation contractor and serves as point of contact and Aquarium advocate for the PLC and SCADA systems; it is also responsible for assessing industry trends and innovations in order to continue to upgrade critical life support and life safety monitoring. This position is part of the Facilities team and works closely with Life Support staff, Animal Care teams, and Project Managers. It plays a direct part in animal welfare by keeping critical systems monitored and operating, which includes responding to alarms and emergencies. The position is focused on instrumentation, but as part of the larger facilities team, is also expected to help with overall troubleshooting and maintenance of building systems as needed. This is an on-site, 5 day a week position, with 24/7 emergency response required when necessary. KEY REQUIREMENTS: Essential responsibilities include: Instrumentation & Controls • Troubleshoot sensors, wiring, monitoring probes, PLCs, and other controls and electrical equipment. • Make decisions on new equipment, systems, and monitoring needs and innovations, in collaboration with the Directors of Facilities and Life Support and the VP of Environmental Quality and Facilities. • Install, calibrate, and maintain process instruments across water and air systems, including pH, ORP, dissolved oxygen, conductivity/salinity, temperature, ozone, and flow, level, and pressure sensors • Assist the facilities and life support teams in maintaining valves, actuators, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and other equipment (to include HVAC and lighting) • Maintain up to date inventory of instrumentation and controls equipment, including installation and maintenance dates PLCs, SCADA, & Automation • Maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot PLC panels and controls wiring systems • Troubleshoot and make approved changes to PLC programming and HMI screens • Support the SCADA/building automation systems, including alarm setpoints, trending, historical data, and remote alarm notifications • Diagnose communication issues across industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, 4–20 mA, etc) • Work with our controls vendor and engineering staff on upgrades, new exhibit commissioning, and control system projects • Serve as point of contact for Johnson Controls and other current and future contractors on controls needs, issues, and upgrades • Stay up to date on industry trends and norms and research new equipment and processes Electrical • Perform minor electrical work, alongside aquarium electricians: replacing motors, contactors, relays, fuses, breakers, and control wiring • Troubleshoot 120/240/480V control and power circuits, motor control centers, and control panels using multimeters and other tools • Support backup power systems, including generator and UPS testing Operations & Reliability • Respond to life support and equipment alarms, including participation in an on-call needs for after-hours emergencies • Carry out preventive maintenance programs on sensors and instrumentation to reduce unplanned downtime on critical systems • Perform general maintenance or emergency troubleshooting on all aquarium systems as needed, as part of the facilities team • Keep accurate maintenance records, as-built drawings, and spare parts inventories • Collaborate with Life Support Operators, animal care, and water quality staff to support animal welfare and exhibit stability • Identify recurring failures and recommend improvements to system reliability, redundancy, and efficiency Safety & Compliance • Work safely around water, chemicals (ozone, sodium hypochlorite, acids/bases), and mechanical and electrical equipment • Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc flash, and confined space safety procedures • Follow all applicable OSHA, electrical, and chemical handling regulations and Aquarium safety programs PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Five years of hands on controls automation, water or air quality instrumentation, or electrical experience (aquarium, hospital, or water treatment plant experience preferred) • Experience programming SCADA systems • Strong communication and organization skills, with demonstrated experience and comfortability working across various types of work groups. • Demonstrated experience working with contractors. • Demonstrated ability to utilize asset tracking and work order systems • Practical skills in instrumentation and electronics as it relates to aquarium systems. • Excellent attention to detail and ability to work on small and delicate pieces of equipment. • Proven understanding of mechanical and electrical best safety practices. • Must be able to pass DOT physical requirements and drive National Aquarium vehicles according to the Insured Driver Policy. Valid driver’s license required. • Ability to perform hands-on repairs, climb stairs and ladders, detect visual and audible alarms, detect odors, and work in both indoor and outdoor environments. • Demonstrated ability to uphold workplace safety standards in industrial settings and in settings located around open water. TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION: Salary range ($45,000-$55,699 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, and six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available. ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. The National Aquarium has hosted over 60 million guests since it opened in 1981. Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to connect a global community of hopeful conservationists, united to restore our planet. How to Apply Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org or calling 410-576- 8532.
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