Life Support Systems Operator – Level 1/2 (Growth Role)

Mississippi Aquarium; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan offered

26 PTO days a year

Yearly uniform stipend

Employer-provided parking

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Job summary

Mississippi Aquarium seeks a Life Support Systems Operator, Level 1–2, to manage daily LSS routines for multi-habitat water systems and assist in water quality lab duties. The role supports Facility Operations, Animal Care, and Veterinary services to maintain optimal exhibit conditions.

Open to entry-level Level 1 or intermediate Level 2 candidates with relevant education in biology or marine science, and a willingness to operate heavy equipment and perform preventative maintenance.

Qualifications

• ,Associate or bachelor degree in biology, chemistry, marine biology, or related field.
• Experience operating life support system equipment for public aquariums.
• Familiar with filtration concepts for aquatic habitats.
• Experience caring for aquatic animals (teleosts, elasmobranchs, invertebrates).
• Knowledge troubleshooting pumps, foam fractionators, plumbing, disinfection equipment.
• Experience with LSS software is a plus.
• Interest in exhibit design and LSS integration.
• Knowledge of water quality parameters (fresh, brackish, marine).
• AALSO certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Follow established objectives, protocols, policies to ensure efficient LSS operations.
• Operate LSS software to perform daily habitat maintenance tasks.
• Maintain high internal standards per AZA, AAMPA, and regulatory bodies.
• Assist Facility Operations with water quality lab duties and LSS tasks.
• Work independently and in project teams on large initiatives.
• Coordinate repairs, preventive maintenance, and outages of LSS equipment.
• Assist with saltwater mixing and wastewater recovery.
• Assist inventory for LSS tools and PVC storage.

Skills

LSS equipment operation

Water quality knowledge

Pumps & plumbing

Animal care experience

LSS software

Regulatory guidelines

Exhibit design interest

Water quality parameters

Education

Associate degree in aquarium program

Bachelor’s in biology/chemistry/marine biology

Tools

RCK Controls

Metasys

Job description

Mississippi Aquarium seeks a Life Support Systems Operator, Level 1–2, to manage daily LSS routines for multi-habitat water systems and assist in water quality lab duties. The role supports Facility Operations, Animal Care, and Veterinary services to maintain optimal exhibit conditions.

Open to entry-level Level 1 or intermediate Level 2 candidates with relevant education in biology or marine science, and a willingness to operate heavy equipment and perform preventative maintenance.