Life Support Operator (Full Time)

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is seeking a Life Support Operator (full time) to manage water quality across all life support systems—from pools to aquariums. You will backwash filters, monitor chemistry, and coordinate maintenance with the Life Support Curator to ensure safe habitats for animals and visitors.

The role requires hands-on technical skills, ability to lift 75 pounds, flexibility to work weekends and emergencies, and strong communication with animal care teams.

Qualifications

• AALSO Level 1 Life Support Operator certification preferred.
• SCUBA certification preferred.
• Previous experience with life support systems required.
• Knowledge of water chemistry and laboratory techniques.

Responsibilities

• Backwashing filters, water transfers, and pump basket maintenance for all pools and aquariums.
• Maintaining daily checklists for all life support systems.
• Following cleaning and preventive maintenance schedule for life support equipment.
• Performing equipment function checks and calibrations.
• Coordinating parts and supplies ordering with supervisor.
• Reporting maintenance issues and safety hazards to management.
• Helping create operational standards for systems.
• Establishing good working relationships with animal staff to ensure proper operation.

Skills

Computer skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

AALSO Level 1 Life Support Operator certification

SCUBA certification

Job description

LIFE SUPPORT OPERATOR (FULL TIME) DEPARTMENT Animal Care CLASSIFICATION Non-Exempt REPORTS TO Life Support Curator STARTING PAY $21.00/Hour

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under direction, the Life Support Operator performs routine work assignments involving the life support systems throughout the Zoo & Aquarium. This includes ensuring all systems are functioning properly and overseeing day-to-day operations to assure proper water quality, clarity and chemistry. Work areas include the Aquarium, polar bear pool, penguin building (2 penguin pools and multiple saltwater aquariums), sea lion pool, elephant pool, Stingray Bay, Missouri Department of Conservation aquarium, and otter exhibit.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties Percentage

• Backwashing filters, water transfers, and pump basket maintenance for all pools and aquariums.
• Maintaining daily checklists for all life support systems.
• Following cleaning and preventive maintenance schedule for all life support area equipment, including pumps, filters, instrumentation and ozone systems.
• Performing equipment function checks and calibrations.
• Working closely with supervisor to ensure timely ordering of parts, equipment and supplies, such as salt, chemicals and testing kits.
• Reporting maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to management.
• Helping to create operational standards for systems.
• Establishing good working relationships and communication with animal staff to ensure equipment and procedures are working properly.

50% Performs and records various water samples and testing and acts upon results, if necessary. 20% Works with supervisor to establish artificial saltwater creation timelines. 10% Performs most general maintenance work and equipment repair in life support areas. 10% Maintains and keeps proper records in all life support areas. 10%

*This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

*All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
  • AALSO Level 1 Life Support Operator certification preferred.
  • SCUBA certification preferred.
• EXPERIENCE:
  • Previous experience with and general knowledge of life support systems required.
  • Knowledge of water chemistry, proper laboratory and quarantine techniques.
  • Ability to perform repairs and general maintenance on various life support systems and equipment, such as sand filters, protein skimmers, water pumps, meters, generators, air pumps and ozone systems.
  • Knowledge of safety requirements and protocols required while working with life support systems.
  • Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required.
  • Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must have valid driver’s license.
  • Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
  • Must be able to lift 75 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment.
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and work in loud areas.
  • Must be able to tolerate stress and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, employees and the public.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and evening hours, in all weather extremes. May be required to report during emergency situations, such as power failure.
  • Must pass a background and drug screening.