Aquatic Life Support Technician

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens seeks a Full-Time Life Support Operator to maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot the aquaculture systems supporting our aquatic and semi-aquatic species. The role involves operating both manual and automated life support equipment and ensuring top water quality across freshwater and saltwater habitats, including the 330,000-gallon Manatee River aquarium.

You will collaborate with teams, perform routine testing, and respond to maintenance needs, with on-call rotations

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of experience in a similar role with water systems or a related field, including operating recirculating aquaculture systems, backwash systems, integrated electronic water quality monitoring systems, large-scale aquariums, HVAC systems, and general equipment maintenance.
• One year of paid professional experience with aquatic animals regulations for housing marine mammals, including testing and monitoring parameters required by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
• Six months experience applying mechanical and hand tools to diagnose, repair, and restore life support system components in operational environments, including PVC plumbing techniques, solvent welding and threaded fitting repair.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to learn other programs to perform role; software ecosystem (SketchUp, GF Cloud, Duo, Grainger, etc.).
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on operational needs.
• On-call schedule involvement and ability to respond to emergency maintenance within required timeframe.
• Pre-Employment Requirements and Certifications: Life Support Level 1 or Water Quality Level 1 (AALSO), Pool Operator, Open Water Diver, AALSO certification or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot aquaculture systems that support aquatic and semi-aquatic species.
• Operate, repair, and maintain both manual and automated life support systems, including recirculating aquaculture systems, ozone generators, backwash systems, pumps, filtration systems, valves, UV sterilizers, HVAC systems, and water quality monitoring systems.
• Work with freshwater and saltwater habitats, including the 330,000-gallon Manatee River aquarium within the expansion.
• Perform aquatic husbandry duties to ensure water quality and health of species; monitor parameters and minimize interactions where needed.
• Collaborate across teams daily, conduct precise water testing, solve technical problems, and adjust systems to optimize living conditions.

Skills

Hands-on water systems maintenance

Microsoft Office proficiency

Flexible schedule

Tools

SketchUp

GF Cloud

Duo

Grainger

Job description

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens seeks a Full-Time Life Support Operator to maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot the aquaculture systems supporting our aquatic and semi-aquatic species. The role involves operating both manual and automated life support equipment and ensuring top water quality across freshwater and saltwater habitats, including the 330,000-gallon Manatee River aquarium.

You will collaborate with teams, perform routine testing, and respond to maintenance needs, with on-call rotations