Life Support Systems Operator; Aquatics

Position: Life Support Systems Operator (Aquatics, Full-Time)
Final date to receive applications:
26 April
2026 and/or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well-qualified candidate pool has been established.
Early submission is encouraged.

Please ensure that your application highlights your experience and qualifications as they relate to the responsibilities of this role.

Do you have hands-on experience maintaining and repairing water systems for aquatic life? 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.

The Zoo's REZOOVENATION:
The Campaign to Inspire. 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."

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 include
  
  PVC 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 ( Sketch Up, 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 be able to report onsite within 30
  minutes when assigned on-call or when emergency response is required.
• Ability to maintain valid driver's 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 date. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory to ensure the safety of staff, animals, and visitors. These 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…