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Animal Life Support Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

John Ball Zoo

Life Support Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$21.12/hr

Life Support Engineer Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, the Life Support Engineer assists with maintaining and repairing both animal and non-animal aquatic systems and their associated water ...

Highlands College

Church Life Support

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Collaborate with the Church Life Team to bring ideas and improvements to programming and processes. * Provide administrative support as needed in seasonal projects across the Spiritual Development ...

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

Animal Care Specialist II

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Assists with design, development, and construction of new exhibits and/or life support systems. * Assist in training new Animal Care team members to ensure compliance with established standards and ...

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Animal Life Support Engineering information

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How much do animal life support engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal life support engineering in the United States is $39.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $46.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal life support engineering?

Animal Life Support Engineering focuses on designing, operating, and maintaining systems that provide the necessary environmental conditions for animals in facilities like aquariums, zoos, and research labs. These systems regulate water quality, temperature, oxygen levels, and filtration to ensure animal health and welfare. Professionals in this field work with a combination of mechanical, biological, and chemical processes to simulate natural habitats and meet regulatory standards. Their expertise is critical for sustaining diverse species in captivity.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an animal life support engineer?

To thrive as an Animal Life Support Engineer, you need strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, combined with a degree in engineering or a related field. Experience with life support control systems, water quality monitoring tools, and certifications such as Certified Aquatic Life Support Operator (CALSO) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure optimal animal welfare, regulatory compliance, and the safe, efficient operation of aquatic and zoological life support systems.

What are common challenges faced by animal life support engineers when maintaining aquatic systems in research or zoological settings?

Animal Life Support Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining precise water quality parameters, ensuring the reliability of pumps and filtration systems, and responding quickly to system malfunctions to safeguard animal health. Working in research or zoological environments means collaborating closely with veterinary and animal care teams, often requiring quick troubleshooting and adaptation to diverse species’ needs. Staying up-to-date with evolving technology and regulatory standards is also essential to proactively prevent issues and support animal welfare.

What is the difference between Animal Life Support Engineering vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAnimal Life Support EngineeringAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in animal systemsHigh school diploma, animal care certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, specialized animal habitatsZoos, veterinary clinics, animal shelters
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech companiesAnimal shelters, veterinary practices
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on designing and maintaining animal support systemsFocuses on daily animal care and health monitoring

Animal Life Support Engineering involves designing and maintaining systems that ensure animals' environmental needs are met in research or captive settings, requiring engineering expertise. In contrast, Animal Care Technicians focus on daily animal health, feeding, and cleaning tasks. Both roles are essential in animal-related industries but differ significantly in credentials, work environment, and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Life Support Engineering jobs?

For Animal Life Support Engineering jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Animal Life Support Engineering job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,930 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Life Support Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

John Ball Zoo
Museums and Historical Sites • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about John Ball Zooexternal

$21.12/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

John Ball Zoo rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Life Support Engineer
Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, the Life Support Engineer assists with maintaining and repairing both animal and non-animal aquatic systems and their associated water quality here at the John Ball Zoo. The position will also facilitate and participate in the design of new and upgraded life support systems.
This is an hourly, union-based position. The step 1 pay starts out at $21.12 per hour. Higher pay steps are based on skill level.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LIFE SUPPORT ENGINEER AT JBZ
The Life Support Systems Specialist assists with maintaining both animal and non-animal aquatic systems at the Zoo. This includes all aspects of daily operation, maintenance and repair of life support equipment, creation and management ​of standardized systems, collaborate on water quality, clarity and chemistry of aquatic exhibits and any equipment associated with that monitoring and management. The position will also facilitate and participate in design of new and upgraded life support systems at the Zoo. They also will promote water conservation at the Zoo and recommending enhancements where possible.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR A LIFE SUPPORT ENGINEER AT JBZ
  • Bachelor’s degree in natural science, biology, zoology, or related field preferred
  • At least three years of professional experience in life support in a Zoo or aquarium setting, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
  • Professional certification from Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO) strongly preferred
  • Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo
  • Ability to interact positively with a wide array of individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
  • Sufficient interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills
  • Ability to read and comprehend blueprints, building drawings, instructions, material safety data sheets, and other safety information required for proper performance of the work
  • Operating knowledge of life support systems required
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Knowledge of AZA standards associated with life support system management
  • Ability to work evening and/or weekend hours, as required
  • Flexing work hours may be needed periodically throughout the year

Who We Are:
At John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who are able to experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species that represent the beautiful wildlife living in our world! We are passionate about our mission focused on education and conservation but know that our 400+ employees guided by our core values accomplish this mission. Our core values are:
  • Conservation
  • Education
  • Community
  • Celebrate
  • Compassion

BENEFITS AT JBZ
We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes FREE:
  • Medical plan option
  • Dental amp; Vision for employees amp; family
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 12 Full weeks of parental leave

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
We offer 9 days of personal time, generous vacation time and 11 paid Holidays each year. We offer a 4% match and 3% employer contribution to your 401k, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet your and your family's needs, and a FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.
John Ball Zoo is a drug-free workplace under federal regulations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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