Senior Life Support System Keeper
About The Position
The Senior Life Support Systems Technician oversees the daily operation and maintenance of life support systems (LSS) supporting aquatic and terrestrial animals. The role combines animal husbandry, life support system technology, and team leadership. The successful candidate ensures that LSS equipment functions optimally, supervises animal keepers, and collaborates with other departments to maintain a safe and enriching environment for animals. The position includes overseeing LSS operation, maintenance, and repair; supporting animal care and welfare; supervising and developing team members; coordinating repairs and exhibit upgrades; and communicating with staff, visitors, and the national team. The role also involves representing the facility in professional organizations and conferences and keeping current with industry trends.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- At least 5 years of experience in a zoo, aquarium, or similar facility, focused on life support systems and animal care.
- Proven experience maintaining and operating complex life support systems.
- Leadership experience managing and developing a team.
- Knowledge of water chemistry, filtration systems, and aquatic animal husbandry.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in various weather conditions.
Nice To Haves
- Certification in SCUBA diving.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of life support systems, including filtration, water quality control, plumbing, mechanical equipment, and temperature and humidity regulation for aquatic and terrestrial exhibits and enclosures.
- Work with the Senior Environmental Quality Keeper to minimize the effects of LSS downtime or malfunctions on aquatic and terrestrial parameters.
- Implement and audit teamwork for compliance with standard operating procedures for maintaining and operating LSS equipment.
- Coordinate timely LSS repairs and upgrades with the Curator, national husbandry, and guest services teams.
- Conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance of LSS equipment in accordance with SOPs to minimize downtime and meet industry standards and regulations.
- Supervise and mentor animal keepers, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
- Assign tasks and ensure team members follow safety protocols and SOPs.
- Foster a positive, collaborative work environment and support team members’ professional development.
- Lead by example in demonstrating commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
- Collaborate with curators, the national husbandry team, and other Senior Keepers in support of facility goals.
- Participate in planning and implementing new exhibits and upgrades to existing exhibits.
- Communicate updates on LSS operations to staff, visitors, and the national team.
- Represent the facility in professional organizations and at conferences, sharing knowledge and staying current with industry trends.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
