Life Support Engineer

National Aquarium; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 24,300 - 31,326; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Four weeks paid time off

Health care after 30 days

401(k) plan participation with employer match

Family membership package

Job summary

The National Aquarium is looking for a Life Support Engineer to manage daily operations of life support systems, including monitoring water levels and maintaining filters. This role requires mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, engaging with both engineering and animal care staff.

Applicants should have knowledge of water systems, be physically capable, and possess basic mechanical and swimming skills. The position offers a competitive hourly wage and excellent benefits including paid time off and health care after 30 days of employment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of water filtration, water chemistry, aquarium keeping and related support equipment preferred.
• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Safely climb ladders.
• Work in small spaces.

Responsibilities

• Monitor life support equipment for large exhibit systems.
• Perform daily operations including maintaining water levels and filters.
• Document log sheets and computer entries.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Skills

Water filtration knowledge

Water chemistry understanding

Basic mechanical skills

Logical problem-solving

Microsoft Office Suite proficiency

Swimming skills

Tools

Metasys

Job description

Job Title: Life Support Engineer

Posting Date: June 2026

Job Department: Life Support

Schedule: Full Time

Job Type: On-site

Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202

Job Summary

The National Aquarium is seeking a Life Support Engineer (LSE) to perform daily operations and monitor life support equipment for the large exhibit systems throughout the aquarium facility. Responsible for monitoring and maintaining water levels, back washing large sand filters, monitoring/adjusting air flow and ozone generator adjustments and all other equipment vital to the operation of life support systems as directed by the Manager, Life Support or Director of Life Support.

Key Requirements

• Operates life support systems for the large aquarium exhibits: Atlantic Coral Reef, Open Ocean, Black Tip Reef, Australia and the Marine Mammal exhibit
  • Operation of large sand filters, including back washes
  • Perform water transfers between Pier 3 and Pier 4 buildings
  • Monitor water levels in the exhibits and top off as needed
  • Monitor and adjust tank temperatures per protocols
  • Receive salt deliveries, and prepare raw saltwater for aquarium use
  • Daily visual inspections of filter readings, valve positions, flow rates, and pressure differentials
  • Maintain daily log sheet documentation
  • Monitor readings and trends in Metasys (software used by LS); recognize issues and respond per protocols established by Director of Life Support.
  • Inspect ozone generators, pumps, motors, blowers, chillers, etc and report problems to Sr. Engineer and/or Director of Life Support.
  • Measure salinity and residual oxidant levels as directed by the lab or engineers
  • Understand principles of biological, mechanical and chemical filtration
  • Manage the daily applied dose adjustments for ozone use in the Marine Mammal exhibit as directed by Manager, Life Support and/or Director of Life Support
• Reporting
  • Daily documentation of log sheets, computer entries as directed by Manager, Life Support
  • Update Ozone Distribution List with daily status of the Marine Mammal pool adjustments
  • Contact designated Animal Care staff of important updates that affect their exhibits
• Safety/Hazardous Materials
  • Complies with all safety protocols established by National Aquarium
• Interacts with LS engineers, Animal Care Programs staff (Aquarists, Marine Mammal Trainers, Curators) on a daily basis
• Able to apply logic to tracing pipelines, basic mechanical skills and equipment maintenance.
• Demonstrate complex problem‑solving skills and the ability to remain calm and professional during emergency procedures
• Support company mission.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of water filtration, water chemistry, aquarium keeping and related support equipment preferred.
• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Safely climb ladders
• Work in small spaces
• Basic swimming skills
• Basic mechanical aptitude and logical problem‑solving skills
• Proficient with commonly used software in Microsoft Office Suite, and Metasys as applied to National Aquarium life support

Total Compensation

Hourly range ($17.64-22.74) with hours worked over 40 in a week eligible for overtime, premium pay for National Aquarium recognized holidays, and shift differential for overnight shifts. National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full‑time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.

National Aquarium is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes a diverse workforce. The organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of any of the aforementioned characteristics in all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, separation, and general treatment during time of employment.