Life Support Manager
Listed on 2026-03-02
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Management
Environmental Manager, Program / Project Manager
Indianapolis Zoological Society Life Support Manager
Are you a skilled facilities professional with expertise in aquatic life support systems and a passion for operational excellence? The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a Life Support Manager to lead the operation, maintenance and advancement of critical water treatment and life support systems that sustain our aquatic animal habitats.
Ideal candidates are committed to advancing the Zoo’s mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. This leadership role oversees the Life Support team, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations while maintaining the highest standards in water quality, safety and environmental control. The Life Support Manager partners closely with Facilities, Life Sciences, and Compliance teams to support animal wellbeing, guest experience and institutional excellence.
WhatYou’ll Do
- Lead and supervise the Life Support team, including hiring, training, scheduling and performance management.
- Oversee daily operation, maintenance and preventative care of aquatic life support and water treatment systems.
- Monitor water quality standards and collaborate with Life Sciences staff to implement adjustments as needed.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable safety regulations, codes and industry standards.
- Manage work order systems, inspections and asset management reporting.
- Assist in budget planning, capital projects and sustainable/energy-efficient initiatives.
- Respond to emergencies and serve in an on-call leadership capacity as needed.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in facilities management with emphasis on water processing techniques and environmental control related to aquatic live animal exhibits.
- Strong working knowledge of water treatment systems, pumps, filtration, salinity control and environmental automation systems.
- Supervisory or team leadership experience is preferred.
- Working knowledge of electrical systems and building automation platforms (Honeywell or similar).
- Ability to lift 100 lbs. occasionally/50 lbs. frequently and work indoors/outdoors in varying conditions.
- Valid Indiana driver’s license (or ability to obtain within 30 days), insurable by Zoo policy.
- Strong problem-solving skills, sound judgment and commitment to safety and teamwork.
- SCUBA certification (or ability to obtain within 9 months).
- CPR certification (or ability to obtain).
- High school diploma or equivalent is required. Additional trade certifications are preferred. Associate or bachelor’s degree a plus.
Join a mission-driven organization accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. Your leadership will directly impact animal wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and the guest experience — helping ensure world-class habitats operate safely and efficiently every day.
Work for the wildest employer in Indianapolis! Some perks include:
Medical (Health Savings Account with employer contribution included), Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability paid through the Zoo for eligible employees; 403(b) Retirement Plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Immediate Paid Holidays, complimentary Zoo Membership, Reciprocal Benefits to other local institutions, and many, many more!
Indianapolis Zoological Society
1200 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Phone:
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