Life Support Engineer

John Ball Zoo; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan option

Dental & Vision for employees & family

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

12 Full weeks of parental leave

FREE Premium Zoo membership

401k matching

Job summary

John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Life Support Engineer to maintain and repair animal and non-animal aquatic life support systems, monitor water quality, and participate in the design of upgrades.

This hourly, union-based position starts at $21.12 per hour with higher steps based on skill; candidates should hold a natural science degree and have life support experience, preferably AZA-informed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural science, biology, zoology, or related field preferred.
• At least three years of professional experience in life support in a Zoo or aquarium setting, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Professional certification from Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO) strongly preferred.
• Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo.
• Ability to interact positively with a wide array of individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Sufficient interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills.
• Ability to read and comprehend blueprints, building drawings, instructions, material safety data sheets, and other safety information required for proper performance of the work.
• Operating knowledge of life support systems required.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of AZA standards associated with life support system management.
• Ability to work evening and/or weekend hours, as required.
• Flexing work hours may be needed periodically throughout the year.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair life support systems for animal and non-animal aquatic exhibits.
• Monitor and manage water quality.
• Assist in designing new or upgraded life support systems.
• Promote water conservation at the Zoo and suggest enhancements.
• Collaborate on standardized life support system processes.
• Read and interpret blueprints and safety documentation.
• Interact professionally with staff and guests as needed.

Skills

Water quality monitoring

Life support systems operation

Blueprint reading

Interpersonal skills

Safety documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural science, biology, zoology, or related field

Tools

AALSO certification

Job description

Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, the Life Support Engineer assists with maintaining and repairing both animal and non-animal aquatic systems and their associated water quality here at the John Ball Zoo. The position will also facilitate and participate in the design of new and upgraded life support systems.

This is an hourly, union-based position. The step 1 pay starts out at $21.12 per hour. Higher pay steps are based on skill level.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LIFE SUPPORT ENGINEER AT JBZ

The Life Support Systems Specialist assists with maintaining both animal and non-animal aquatic systems at the Zoo. This includes all aspects of daily operation, maintenance and repair of life support equipment, creation and management of standardized systems, collaborate on water quality, clarity and chemistry of aquatic exhibits and any equipment associated with that monitoring and management. The position will also facilitate and participate in design of new and upgraded life support systems at the Zoo. They also will promote water conservation at the Zoo and recommending enhancements where possible.

Qualifications For a Life Support Engineer At Jbz

• Bachelor’s degree in natural science, biology, zoology, or related field preferred
• At least three years of professional experience in life support in a Zoo or aquarium setting, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Professional certification from Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO) strongly preferred
• Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo
• Ability to interact positively with a wide array of individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
• Sufficient interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills
• Ability to read and comprehend blueprints, building drawings, instructions, material safety data sheets, and other safety information required for proper performance of the work
• Operating knowledge of life support systems required
• Strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of AZA standards associated with life support system management
• Ability to work evening and/or weekend hours, as required
• Flexing work hours may be needed periodically throughout the year

Who We Are

At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who are able to experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species that represent the beautiful wildlife living in our world! We are passionate about our mission focused on education and conservation but know that our 400+ employees guided by our core values accomplish this mission. Our core values are:

• Conservation
• Education
• Community
• Celebrate
• Compassion

Benefits At Jbz

We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes FREE:

• Medical plan option
• Dental & Vision for employees & family
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 12 Full weeks of parental leave

Additional Benefits

We offer 9 days of personal time, generous vacation time and 11 paid Holidays each year. We offer a 4% match and 3% employer contribution to your 401k, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet your and your family's needs, and a FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.

John Ball Zoo is a drug‑free workplace under federal regulations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.