Aquarist/Life Support Systems Specialist

Tanganyika Wildlife Park • Goddard, KS

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Tanganyika Wildlife Park is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Aquarist / Life Support Systems Technician to support the daily care of aquatic animals and the operation, maintenance, and improvement of life support systems (LSS). This position plays a critical role in ensuring optimal water quality, animal health, and exhibit presentation while maintaining safe and reliable life support infrastructure. This role will be responsible for bringing a new aquarium and touch tank area online including setting up water quality lab and assisting in acquiring animals.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years experience as aquarist/life support professional.
• Hands-on experience with aquatic animal care and/or life support systems
• Knowledge of water chemistry and aquatic filtration systems
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort working with pumps, plumbing, and tools
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and emergency call-ins
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in wet, confined, or outdoor environments

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in a zoo, aquarium, or aquaculture facility
• Experience with marine systems, large-volume filtration, or automated controls
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Zoology, or a related field

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for aquatic animals, including feeding, behavioral observation, cleaning, and enrichment
• Monitor animal health and promptly report concerns to veterinary team.
• Execute animal moves, acclimations, and introductions
• Monitor Water Quality
• Maintain accurate animal care and water quality records
• Operate, monitor, and maintain aquatic life support systems (filtration, pumps, UV, ozone, protein skimmers, chillers, heaters, etc.)
• Perform routine water quality testing and make necessary adjustments
• Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical and system failures
• Conduct installation, upgrades, and repairs of LSS equipment and plumbing.
• Maintain aquatic exhibits to high standards of appearance and animal welfare
• Assist with exhibit renovations, tank cleaning, and diving operations (if certified)
• Follow all safety, animal welfare, and accreditation standards (e.g., AZA guidelines)
• Maintain all bodies of treated of water at the park including penguin and otter pools, splash park and swimming pools.
• Maintain 6 exhibits, 3 holding exhibits (moon jellies, archerfish, Dr. Fish)
• Work collaboratively with animal care, veterinary, and maintenance teams
• Guest Engagement: conduct public education programs, behind-the-scenes tours, or keeper talks as assigned
• Support conservation, research, and sustainability initiatives when applicable

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance
• HSA
• 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO starting at 90 days
• In-House Discounts
• EAP - mental well-being program including therapy sessions for all staff and their immediate family
• Free admission to TWP for yourself and family

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree