Life Support Systems Operator; Aquatics

Overview

Position: Life Support Systems Operator (Aquatics, Full-Time)

Location: Jacksonville , FL

Job : 846

# of Openings: 1

Final date to receive applications: 8

March 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."

• Operate, repair, and maintain 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.
• Manage freshwater and saltwater habitats, including the 330,000-gallon Manatee River aquarium, within the Manatee Critical Care Center expansion.
• Perform aquatic husbandry duties to ensure optimal water quality, monitor parameters, manage fecal matter, and minimize interactions with species.
• Collaborate across teams daily, perform precise water testing, and make technical adjustments to optimize living conditions for aquatic life.
• Apply technical expertise to sustain life support systems that support animal care, conservation, and guest experiences.

• 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 regarding 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
  , including PVC plumbing techniques, solvent welding, and threaded fitting repair.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to learn other programs to perform the 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…