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Life Support Systems Operator (Aquatics, Full-Time)
Job Location:
Job Location:
Jacksonville, FL - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
19 August 2026 (30 days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
16 November 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Life Support Systems Operator (Aquatics Full-Time)
Do you have hands-on experience maintaining and repairing water systems for aquatic life Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens seeks aFull-Time Life Support Operatorto maintain optimize and troubleshoot the aquaculture systems that support our aquatic and semi-aquatic species.
As a subject matter expert you will operate repair and maintain both manual and automated life support systems including recirculating aquaculture systems ozone generators backwash systems pumps filtration systems valves UV sterilizers HVAC systems and integrated water quality monitoring systems. You will work in freshwater and saltwater habitats including the 330000-gallon Manatee River aquarium within the Manatee Critical Care Center expansion.
You may perform aquatic husbandry duties to ensure optimal water quality including monitoring parameters managing fecal matter and minimizing interactions with species to maintain a healthy environment. Each day involves collaboration across teams precise water testing technical problem-solving and adjustments to optimize living conditions for aquatic life.
Apply your technical expertise to sustain life support systems that protect aquatic life inspire conservation and create memorable experiences for our guests.
Help us achieve our mission of Connecting communities with wildlife and wild places.
What you bring...
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- Two (2) years of experience in a similar role with water systems or a related field including operating recirculating aquaculture systems backwash systems integrated electronic water quality monitoring systems large-scale aquariums HVAC systems and general equipment maintenance.
- One (1) year of paid professional experience with aquatic animals of regulations for housing marine mammals including testing and monitoring parameters required by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
- Six (6) months experience applying mechanical and hand tools to diagnose repair and restore life support system components in operational environments that may includePVC plumbing techniques including solvent welding and threaded fitting repair.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to learn other programs to perform role; software ecosystem ( SketchUp GF Cloud Duo Grainger etc.)
- Availability to work a flexible schedule including extended hours evenings weekends and holidays based on operational needs.
- On-call schedule: The role also requires participation in a shared on-call rotation and the ability to respond to emergency maintenance situations within a reasonable and operationally necessary timeframe. Employees must beable to report onsite within 30 minutes when assigned on-call or when emergency response is required.
- Ability to maintain valid drivers license and clear driving record to drive organizational vehicles.
- Pre-Employment Requirements:Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings prior to their start with these requirements is mandatory to ensure the safety of staff animals and include:
- Verification of professional references.
- Employment history verification.
- Criminal background check.
- 5-panel drug test
- Non-DOT physical examination
Required certifications to obtain within one (1) year of hire:
- Life Support Level 1 or Water Quality Level 1 certification from Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO).
- Pool Operator certification.
- Open Water Diver certification.
A plus
- AALSO certification or equivalent experience.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to remain standing for extended periods.
- Ability to safely perform dive operations in varying water depths and temperatures while wearing standard scuba or surface-supplied equipment.
- Ability to swim and remain afloat as required to safely perform diving and underwater maintenance operations.
- Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor aquatic environments that may include wet humid or confined spaces.
- Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination sufficient to perform underwater inspection and maintenance tasks; includes fine motor skills for grasping turning and manipulating objects of varying size and weight.
- Ability to communicate effectively with team members during dive operations and respond appropriately to emergency situations as trained.
- Ability to lift carry and move objects up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as walking bending kneeling crouching crawling climbing reaching digging trenches to lay conduit or moving and lifting heavy objects.
- Visual acuity required for reading writing and observing surroundings; auditory acuity required for clear communication and situational awareness.
- Ability to operate motorized carts trucks and power tools safely and efficiently.
- Ability to quickly move hands and arms to grasp manipulate or assemble objects as required by system maintenance and equipment repair tasks.
- Ability to work from ladders scaffolds or elevated platforms to install maintain or repair electrical wiring equipment or fixtures.
- Ability to perform precise hand and finger movements to grasp manipulate or assemble small parts and components.
WORK CONDITIONS
- Exposure to various weather conditions including extreme heat sunlight cold rain snow and wind.
- Regular exposure to wet slippery and uneven surfaces in aquatic and maintenance areas.
- Exposure to water treatment chemicals (chlorine ozone acids bases) and mechanical hazards associated with pumps filters and pressurized systems.
- Potential exposure to allergens (dust animal dander pollen etc.) bloodborne pathogens zoonotic diseases and injuries from animals.
- Irregular work hours including evenings weekends and holidays are sometimes.
- Exposure to hazards such wildlife waste equipment loud noises chemicals and heights.
- May require working in confined spaces elevated areas or at heights using ladders scaffolds or platforms.
- Potential exposure to wildlife waste materials cleaning agents and biohazardous substances.
- Requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves respirators safety glasses hearing protection and dive gear as appropriate to the task.
- Work may involve proximity to water electrical systems and other hazards requiring strict adherence to established safety procedures.
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal state and local employment regulations
EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
Consider a career at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens where you can share your passion about the wonders of wildlife and plants with our community and guests. Join the innovative, award winning Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens family, ranked as a top twenty-five zoo in the USA by Trip Ad ... View more
