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Life Support Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Highlands College

Church Life Support

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

The Church Life Support role exists to bring administrative and coordinating help to the Church Life Team, particularly in the area of Weekend Services. Furthermore, this role will bring general ...

Inova

Life Support Instructor 3, PRN

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$36.34/hr

Inova Well is looking for a dedicated Life Support Instructor 3 to join our team. This role will be PRN, Days Vary Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and ...

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How much do life support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for life support in the United States is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a life support?

Life support jobs refer to roles that involve managing and maintaining systems or equipment that are essential for sustaining human life, especially in critical environments like hospitals, submarines, or space stations. In healthcare, life support specialists operate and monitor machines such as ventilators and dialysis equipment to assist patients with life-threatening conditions. In other contexts, such as space or underwater operations, life support personnel ensure the availability of breathable air, safe temperature, and other vital conditions. These jobs require technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to respond quickly in emergencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a life support technician?

To thrive as a Life Support Technician, you need strong knowledge of environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS), mechanical aptitude, and typically a technical diploma or associate degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with monitoring systems, gas analyzers, and often certifications like OSHA safety training are important for operating and maintaining critical equipment. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe and reliable operation of life support systems in high-risk environments such as laboratories, aquariums, or space facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by life support technicians in their daily work, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Life Support Technicians often face challenges such as maintaining complex equipment under time pressure, responding quickly to unexpected technical failures, and ensuring system reliability in high-stakes environments like hospitals or research facilities. Applicants can prepare by developing strong troubleshooting skills, staying current on equipment protocols, and practicing effective communication for rapid problem resolution. Familiarity with safety regulations and the ability to work well in multidisciplinary teams are also crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Life Support vs Emergency Medical Technician?

AspectLife SupportEmergency Medical Technician
CertificationsCPR, AED, Basic Life Support (BLS)EMT-Basic, CPR, AED
Work EnvironmentHospitals, ambulances, emergency scenesAmbulances, emergency scenes, clinics
Roles & ResponsibilitiesProvide advanced airway management, medication administration, and life-saving proceduresProvide basic emergency care, patient transport, and first aid

Life Support professionals focus on advanced emergency procedures and critical care, often requiring specialized certifications. EMTs provide essential pre-hospital emergency care and patient transport. While both roles operate in emergency settings, Life Support roles typically involve more advanced medical interventions compared to EMTs.

More about Life Support jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Life Support jobs?

The most popular types of Life Support jobs are:

What states have the most Life Support jobs?

States with the most job openings for Life Support jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Life Support jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Life Support jobs are:

Life Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Life Support job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,671 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Life Support Manager

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$72K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Life Support Manager
Job Summary:
This role directly oversees all aspects of the Life Support Systems (LSS) operations, including maintenance and repairs, with a focus on water quality and compliance with industry standards. Responsible for the comprehensive management of dynamic water systems, which includes pool areas, fountains, and various life support equipment such as pumps, filtration systems, valves, ozone generators, UV light systems, and HVAC systems. Ensuring the efficient operation of these systems and adherence to industry standards is a top priority.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
PEOPLE amp; MANAGEMENT
  • Leading People: Provide guidance to the team and foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion and accountability. Communication and Reporting: Communicating relevant information, updates, and progress reports to their teams up, across and below, ensuring transparency and alignment.
  • Performance Management: Setting clear expectations for the department and their direct reports. Consistently communicating with team to provide feedback and review goals. Evaluating the performance of their departments against established metrics and targets and implementing strategies for continuous improvement.
  • Fiscal management: Ensure budget and headcount adherence.
Administration: Manage schedules, time-off, approve timecards, and other employee related administrative tasks.

COMMUNICATION AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
  • Direct and oversee all aspects of water system projects as it relates to safety, quality, cost control, project schedule, contract administration and employee amp; contractor relations.
  • Direct, plan, and manage utilization of project resources to maximize efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Acts as a liaison with stakeholders for projects and/or bids, related to water quality, overseeing the selection, scheduling, and coordination of vendors and outside service providers for specialized repairs or maintenance projects.
  • Write and test emergency procedures for Life Support Systems (LSS), and maintain, prepare, and submit reports and records; ZIMS, and Asset Essentials.

TECHNICAL AND WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
  • Oversees the operations of life support systems, ensuring proper maintenance of equipment such as pumps, chillers, ozone systems, filters, and piping through regular visual inspections and maintenance.
  • Analyzes water chemistry reports, interprets the findings, and provides recommendations for necessary corrective actions.
  • Manages record-keeping and documentation, which includes compiling data and preparing statistical and narrative reports, presentations, and articles.
  • Develops a team to assist in the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of machinery, as well as electrical and mechanical systems.

COMPLIANCE AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT
  • Ensures strict adherence to established safety procedures and regulations.
  • Prioritize human and animal safety through organizational policies.
  • Performs regular inspections on equipment, ensuring proper working conditions, performing necessary servicing, and promptly addressing damaged items by returning them for repair or replacement.
  • Responsible for leading disaster prep, disaster preparedness and response initiatives as assigned.
  • Conducts tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Compliance with state, insurance, and safety regulations, including building codes, hazardous waste disposal, OSHA standards, and handling of hazardous materials.
  • Maintains up-to-date records available for review by inspectors and/or upon request.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Demonstrates a strong work ethic characterized by dependability, timeliness, responsiveness, productivity, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex water treatment and filtration systems in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
  • Ability to make sound decisions in critical situations and remain calm in unusual situations.
  • Ability to establish, organize and maintain systems to track security and safety functions and responsibilities.
  • Ability to coordinate event and function activities, including a written organizational plan, implementation of assets, coordination with other departments.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and skill in working in an environment subject to constant interruptions and quickly changing priorities.
  • Ability to foster a collaborative decision-making process that involves team members in key choices while addressing conflicts proactively to promote understanding and cohesion within the team.
  • Ability to employ strategies for conflict de-escalation.
  • Ability to work independently, exercising independent judgment and discretion.
  • Ability to determine potential risks while devising proactive ways to solve them.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Excellent sales and customer service skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
  • Ability to maintain records.
  • Ability to research, analyze and interpret information.
  • Ability to build strong interpersonal relationships through respectful and empathetic communication.
  • Embraces diversity and fosters an inclusive work environment.

KNOWLEDGE amp; TECHNICAL SKILLS
  • Languages: English
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Gantt Charts, PaperSave and willingness to learn other applicable computer software programs to perform role.
  • Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
  • Knowledge of zoonotic diseases and prevention.
  • Knowledge of ozone systems with both fresh and saltwater applications.
  • Knowledge of chlorine dosing/monitoring systems.
  • Knowledge of laboratory and field water quality equipment and procedures
  • Understanding of Nitrogen cycle and how it affects various animals and water parameters.
  • Proficient knowledge of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) protocols.
  • Proficient knowledge of safety and compliance to operate of a variety of power and hand tools, such as welding equipment, hammers, saws, drills, planers, mortising machines, and other trade specific tools.
  • Proficiency in regulations concerning marine animal housing, Life Support Systems (LSS), and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for accreditation standards.
  • Extensive knowledge of water quality systems, water chemistry analysis techniques, pool equipment as well as regulatory and membership agencies and regulations (USDA, USFWS, AZA, AALSO).
  • Proficient in understanding automated controls and monitoring equipment, water chemistry principles, and related maintenance and repair tasks.
  • Proficient knowledge applicable to area in adhering to industry, regulatory, and federal agency standards, with specific emphasis on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), HAZMAT, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC), and others at times.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing life support and water systems.
  • Proficient knowledge of state, insurance, and safety regulations pertaining to building codes, hazardous waste disposal, OSHA standards, and hazardous materials handling.
  • Knowledge of systems to assist in troubleshooting, giving technical advice, and direction towards solving issues.
  • Mechanical knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance to safely operate tools, vehicles, and equipment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION amp; EXPERIENCE
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • 1-2 years of experience in Team Management in a trade, construction, and/or maintenance field.
  • Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university in Biology, Chemistry, Life Sciences; or sufficient related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of 8 years’ education and experience.
  • Three (3) years’ experience in water filtration and/or experience in a facility or laboratory water quality setting.
  • Three (3) years’ experience in advanced water chemistry analysis techniques and mechanical filtration systems.
  • Two-year degree and/or work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
  • Three (3) years of project management or in a similar role.
  • Three (3) years of experience in facilities maintenance/general construction processes.

DESIRED CERTIFICATIONS
  • OSHA 30 certification
  • HAZMAT certification.
  • Pool Operator certification.
  • Certification of Water Quality Level 3 with Aquatic Life Support Systems (AALSO).

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Two (2) years of with Life Support Systems (LSS), large scale aquariums, HVAC, general maintenance, or related field experience.
  • Experience in zoo/aquarium exhibits or animal facilities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Availability to accommodate a flexible schedule, including extended hours, holidays, weekends, and a willingness to share on-call duties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to remain standing for extended periods.
  • Requires hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for tasks such as grasping, turning, and manipulating objects of varying size and weight.
  • Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach.
  • Requires visual acuity for reading, writing, and observing surroundings, and auditory acuity for communication.
  • Ability to operate motorized carts, trucks, and power tools.

WORK CONDITIONS
  • Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, snow, and wind.
  • Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases and injuries from animals.
  • Irregular work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are sometimes required.
  • Exposure to hazards such wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.
  • Working in small, enclosed areas.
  • May require being on call for emergencies.
  • Must be available to fulfill disaster-response duties as required.

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and clear driving record and be over age 18 to drive organizational vehicles.

COMMITMENT TO JACKSONVILLE ZOO amp; GARDENS
Support Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ (JZG) mission and vision of “Connecting communities with wildlife and wild places,” to create “a vibrant community energized by a connection to nature that enriches lives and inspires all to preserve and protect our natural world.”
Live JZG’s values of:
Culture
Conservation
Education
Innovation
Please note that this is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and that the requirements of the job are subject to change as required.
About JZG:
Inclusion, diversity, and equality as a value: At Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, we recognize that an inclusive and healthy culture is paramount to our success. We aspire to be the employer of choice, where every team member feels valued and has the agency to contribute their unique skills and perspectives. Committed to our team’s wellbeing, we invest in providing exceptional benefits, fostering a collaborative work environment and creating opportunities for learning and growth. By prioritizing our people, we ensure that everyone thrives and contributes wholeheartedly to our mission of connecting our community to wildlife and wild places.
We are also proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of a person's actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, weight, or height.
We are a Drug-Free workplace and participate in E-verify.
JZG is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

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