Aquarist/Life Support Systems Specialist

Tanganyika Wildlife Park • Goddard, KS

14h • $37,440 - $49,920

About The Position

Craft WOW Moments. Inspire Action. Drive Conservation. At Tanganyika Wildlife Park, we go beyond caring for animals. We create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make you say "WOW". Inspiring generations to become conservation champions. If you're passionate about animals, driven by purpose, and believe that one moment can change a life then this is where you belong. Why Tanganyika? A Front Row Seat to Conservation in Action We’re not a zoo. We’re an experience. At Tanganyika, you’ll be part of a team pioneering interactive conservation experiences that educate, engage, and empower. We do conservation a bit different our focus is conservation one person at a time. Making people aware of the species, getting them interested, and then calling them to action. Work That Gives You Goosebumps From helping a toddler feed a giraffe for the first time to guiding a training session with a curious lemur, your job here is anything but ordinary. This is the kind of place where work and wonder collide. Real Growth. Real Mentorship. Real Impact. Whether you're starting your career or seeking your next challenge, Tanganyika invests in you . We care about you beyond the workplace with initiatives to help our team reduce their consumer debt to an employee assistance program to our Dream Manager program, we want you to become the best YOU. A Culture That Cares—For Animals and Humans We lead with love, and it shows. Our team is fiercely supportive, deeply passionate, and united by a shared purpose. And yes, your “co-workers” might include sloths, rhinos, and porcupines. Purpose That Reaches Beyond the Park Every moment you create here fuels a global mission. Whether it’s supporting field conservation projects or inspiring a child to become a future biologist, your work leaves a legacy. Tanganyika 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
• 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