ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Aquarium Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Living Planet Aquarium

Education Manager

Draper, UT · On-site

The Education Manager is responsible for the creation and management of the Education Department's programming including: on-site interpretation by Aquarium educators, daily programs offered to the ...

New

Shedd Aquarium

Major Gifts Officer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Shedd Aquarium is seeking a full-time Major Gifts Officer to join its Development Department and ... new programming in advance of our centenary in 2030. In partnership with the VP, Principal ...

Altieri

Project Engineer

Boston, MA

... Aquarium (Baltimore), The National WWII Museum (New Orleans), Obama Presidential Center (Chicago), Smithsonian National Museum of American History (Washington DC) Job Overview : A mechanical engineer ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAquarium Engineer Jobs

Aquarium Engineer information

See salary details

$17K

$68.7K

$154.5K

How much do aquarium engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for aquarium engineer in the United States is $68,742.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,000.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Aquarium Engineer do?

An Aquarium Engineer designs, builds, and maintains aquatic systems for aquariums, zoos, research centers, or private clients. They ensure water filtration, lighting, and habitat conditions support the health of marine life. Their work involves mechanical systems, water chemistry, and structural design to create safe and sustainable aquatic environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Aquarium Engineers in their daily work?

Aquarium Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting life support systems, maintaining strict water quality parameters, and integrating new exhibits with existing infrastructure. Balancing the needs of diverse aquatic species with technical and budgetary constraints can require innovative problem-solving and close collaboration with animal care teams. Engineers must also be prepared to respond quickly to system malfunctions or emergencies that could impact animal welfare. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy technical work in a unique, mission-driven environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Aquarium Engineer position, and why are they important?

Success as an Aquarium Engineer requires expertise in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, along with a background in environmental or marine engineering. Familiarity with water filtration and life support systems, CAD software, and relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training is common in this field. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for coordinating with biologists and maintenance staff. These skills are vital for ensuring the health of aquatic habitats, the safety of public spaces, and the smooth operation of complex systems in aquarium environments.

More about Aquarium Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Aquarium Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Aquarium Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aquarium Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Aquarium Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Aquarium Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Aquarium Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aquarium Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aquarium Engineer jobs are:
Aquarium Engineer jobs near you
Manager, Facilities Project Delivery

Manager, Facilities Project Delivery

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
Priority deadline for applications is May 15, 2026. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than May 15, 2026.
Job Summary:
Oversee facilities project management team, setting goals and objectives, and working with senior staff to develop a project management program complete with standard policies and procedures. This core member of the facilities management team will bring clarity to the facilities process, develop and mentor a team of capable and responsive project managers, and provide leadership on all sizes of facilities projects. Responsible for a portfolio of large and major facilities projects from initial planning and design through construction and installation. Responsible for overall project communication and coordination on high-risk, high-visibility projects with major impacts to the organization both internally and externally and representing the Aquarium accurately and effectively to outside agencies. Bring high-level expertise to the task of developing effective cross-divisional teams encompassing the work of Facilities (electrical, plumbing, life support, controls, HVAC, general maintenance, and water quality), Exhibitions (content, design, and production), and Animal Care (animal collections), as well as architects, engineers, specialty designers and fabricators, the general contractor, and other external consultants. Perform other duties as required. The mission of Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans. All work will be conducted in a way that promotes animal welfare, environmental sustainability, as well as a sustainable culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Core Activities:
  • Manage the day-to-day operations, budget, resources of facilities project management work.
  • Manage employee relations, performance evaluations, coaching, developing, and hiring staff on a facilities project management team.
  • Review and guide the work of other staff and project managers throughout the Aquarium working on facilities projects.
  • Provide approvals on key project documentation throughout facilities projects.
  • Guide the development of new collaborative processes, standards, tools, and procedures to implement strategic project goals completely and efficiently.
  • Produce and present quarterly status reports and risk mitigation strategies at all phases for the assigned portfolio of facilities projects.
  • Develop and oversee project plans (e.g. project objectives, action plans, responsibility charts, detailed requirements, etc.) for facilities projects from design through construction, and at times for other divisions, for consistency across all facilities projects.
  • Develop scope, schedule, budgets and estimates, and identify resources needed for facilities projects.
  • Lead cross-functional project meetings across multiple departments and divisions, managing overall project communication and coordination.
  • Manage project deliverables (from content, design, animal care, exhibit fabrication, and general construction) against project requirements (e.g. scope, timelines, budget) from initial planning through completion.
  • Communicate expectations across key stakeholders and provide constructive feedback informally and formally to individual team members to ensure deadlines are met and quality standards are achieved.
  • Oversee subcontractors and subcontractor processes for consistency across all facilities projects.
  • Work collaboratively with other department managers to support holistic department and division goals, at times leading meetings and communications for this effort.
  • Manage the permitting process across facilities projects, or other documentation required by outside agencies, in coordination with our design team, the Architect, Engineer, and other project partners.
  • Contribute expertise on project strategy, budget, and schedule toward a realistic yet ambitious 5-year Facilities plan, managing staff and project assignments accordingly.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
  • BA or MA, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Project Management, LEED, AIA, or PLA certification or equivalent experience required
  • Minimum 10 years of project management experience and supervisory experience
  • Capable of overseeing the work of a Facilities Project Management team while simultaneously directly managing at least one major Facilities project.
  • Capable of reporting project information to leadership and executive management, seeking appropriate input and guidance from Key Stakeholders when needed
  • Capable of representing Aquarium interests effectively with outside agencies
  • Mastery level knowledge of Facilities project management combined with the ability to be responsive to the needs of creative teams and complex projects
  • Exemplary leadership qualities with strong team building, communication, and active listening skills required
  • Forward-thinking on best practices in facilitation, project management, and design thinking.
  • Creates, establishes, and models an open, inclusive, and collaborative environment for all disciplines to contribute their best work, while guiding Facilities projects to be produced in line with institutional goals, constraints, and parameters, and ensures that other project management staff do the same
  • Experience establishing transparent accountability through all project phases with project team members and Aquarium leadership
  • Experience supervising and mentoring staff throughout the Aquarium who participate in, and contribute to, projects.
  • Regularly solicits and provides feedback and expertise
  • Proven experience prioritizing complex workloads across multiple projects, delegating appropriately, and adhering to critical project timing while using good judgment, problem-solving skills, and follow-through
  • Proven experience maintaining safety standards on all site work for projects, including internal staff and contractors
  • Ability to work with contractors to recognize and direct remediation of common construction hazards such as elevated work, confined spaces, hazardous chemicals, the hazardous release of stored energy
  • Exceptional computer skills (i.e. google docs, preparing presentations, creating budget spreadsheets, database management, email)
  • Experience preparing and managing large project budgets from conceptual square-foot budgets and detailed estimates, through cost-to-complete tracking
  • Mastery knowledge and experience reading, interpreting, and notating architectural and technical drawings
  • Mastery knowledge with construction and specialty water quality systems
  • Mastery knowledge of project management methods
  • Must possess, or be able to obtain within the first 3 months of employment, a valid California driver's license in order to operate Monterey Bay Aquarium vehicles
  • Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium's Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:
  • Typical office equipment
  • Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
  • Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
  • Typical office environment, main aquarium and Facilities, active installation and construction sites, occasional offsite events and/or subcontractor visits

Annual Compensation Range:
$110,700-$141,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply