Life Support Systems Operator (Aquatics, Full-Time)
About The Position
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens seeks a Full-Time Life Support Operator to maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot the aquaculture systems that support our aquatic and semi-aquatic species. This role is essential in sustaining the enhanced aquatic environments that support animal care excellence and an elevated guest experience. The position ensures all aquatic systems operate at peak performance, maintaining optimal water quality and supporting the health and well-being of our animals. 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 330,000-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."
Requirements
- 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 include PVC plumbing techniques, including solvent welding and threaded fitting repair.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to learn other programs.
- Ability to maintain valid driver’s license and clear driving record to drive organizational vehicles.
- Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings prior to their start date.
- Verification of professional references.
- Employment history verification.
- Criminal background check.
- 5-panel drug test.
- Non-DOT physical examination.
Nice To Haves
- AALSO certification or equivalent experience.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot aquaculture systems.
- Operate, repair, and maintain manual and automated life support systems.
- Monitor water quality parameters.
- Perform aquatic husbandry duties to ensure optimal water quality.
- Collaborate across teams.
- Perform precise water testing.
- Engage in technical problem-solving and adjustments to optimize living conditions for aquatic life.
Benefits
- Equal opportunity employer
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
