Life Support Systems (LSS) Technician
The Life Support Systems Technician at Confidential Client is responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving aquatic life support and water quality systems primarily for the Sea Lion exhibit. This role involves daily monitoring, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and collaboration with multiple departments to ensure animal welfare, exhibit functionality, and regulatory compliance. The position supports exhibit projects and emergency responses, contributing to the overall mission of conservation and education.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
The Life Support Systems (LSS) Technician is an entry-level to intermediate technical role focused on the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of aquatic life support systems and water quality programs. Reporting to the Curator of Carnivores and Hoofstock, you will be primarily responsible for the Sea Lion exhibit life support systems and will also support other aquatic exhibits and infrastructure projects as assigned.
- Monitor and operate life support and filtration systems to maintain exhibit performance and animal welfare.
- Perform routine daily, weekly, and monthly water quality testing and record results.
- Conduct preventative maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of pumps, piping, filtration, chemical dosing, and monitoring equipment.
- Assist with life support operations across multiple exhibits and support exhibit construction, renovations, and improvements.
- Maintain accurate logs of maintenance activities, water quality data, and system performance.
- Serve as a technical resource to animal care, veterinary, facilities, and construction teams.
- Help develop and update standard operating procedures for water quality and life support programs.
- Participate in emergency response for system failures, animal health events, severe weather, and facility incidents.
- Support cross-departmental projects that improve exhibit function, guest experience, and regulatory compliance.
Day-to-day Responsibilities (examples)
- Perform routine water chemistry testing (daily/weekly/monthly).
- Monitor pumps, filters, chemical treatment systems, and control/electrical components.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, plumbing, and filtration issues; coordinate repairs with Facilities and outside contractors.
- Collect, interpret, and trend water quality data to identify and correct problems.
- Support animal care and veterinary staff with environmental concerns affecting animal health.
- Participate in training and development initiatives related to life support and aquatic care.
What We’re Looking For (Minimum Qualifications)
- Bachelor of Science in biology, zoology, environmental science, chemistry, engineering, or related field — or equivalent practical experience.
- At least 1 year of paid or unpaid experience in a zoological facility, public aquarium, aquaculture/mariculture facility, water treatment, environmental laboratory, or a related technical setting; demonstrable and verifiable technical skillset will be considered.
- Working knowledge of basic water chemistry, water quality parameters, and the nitrogen cycle.
- Ability to learn and troubleshoot mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and filtration systems.
- Proficiency with basic mathematical calculations for chemical dosing and system operations.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to engage guests in support of education, conservation, and animal welfare goals.
- Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and respond to emergency call-ins as needed.
- Valid driver’s license.
Nice-to-Haves
- Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO) or Life Support/Water Quality certification.
- National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) Certified Pool Operator (CPO).
- SCUBA certification, forklift certification, First Aid/CPR.
- Experience at an AZA-accredited facility or public aquarium.
- Practical skills in plumbing, electrical, mechanical, welding, carpentry, or construction.
- Previous experience handling marine mammals for husbandry procedures (if applicable).
Physical Requirements
- Frequent standing, walking, lifting, bending, and twisting.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects over 50 pounds, often repeatedly.
- Regular ladder use and operation of heavy equipment.
- Sustained manual dexterity and physical stamina for long, active shifts.
- Work primarily in outdoor or industrial-type exhibit environments with exposure to heat, cold, dust, fumes, and noise.
- Exposure to potential hazards such as heavy machinery, moving vehicles, or electrical equipment; adherence to safety procedures is required.
Additional Skills & Attributes
- Positive attitude, strong accountability, and a collaborative mindset.
- Good organizational and problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn new technologies and protocols.
- Commitment to animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and an outstanding guest experience.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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