Aquatic Life Support Technician - Systems & Dive

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens seeks a Full-Time Life Support Operator to maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot aquatic life support systems supporting both freshwater and saltwater habitats, including the 330,000-gallon Manatee River aquarium. The role requires hands-on experience with recirculating systems, ozone, UV, filtration, pumps, HVAC, and water quality monitoring.

You will perform aquatic husbandry duties and ensure optimal water quality, collaborating across teams, performing

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a similar role with water systems or related field.
• One year of paid professional experience with aquatic animals and regulations under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
• Six months experience using mechanical/hand tools to diagnose, repair, and restore life support components.

Responsibilities

• Operate, repair, and maintain life support systems including recirculating aquaculture systems, ozone, backwash, pumps, filtration, valves, UV sterilizers, HVAC, and water quality monitoring.
• Monitor parameters and perform precise water testing to maintain optimal conditions for aquatic life.
• Collaborate with teams, trouble-shoot issues, and perform preventive maintenance; respond to emergencies on on-call rotations.

Skills

Water systems maintenance

Aquatic life knowledge

Mechanical aptitude

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

SketchUp

GF Cloud

Duo

Grainger

Job description

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens seeks a Full-Time Life Support Operator to maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot aquatic life support systems supporting both freshwater and saltwater habitats, including the 330,000-gallon Manatee River aquarium. The role requires hands-on experience with recirculating systems, ozone, UV, filtration, pumps, HVAC, and water quality monitoring.

You will perform aquatic husbandry duties and ensure optimal water quality, collaborating across teams, performing