Life Support Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Dallas World Aquarium is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Aquatic Life Support Systems (LSS) Technician to help maintain the critical systems that support one of the nation's premier living collections of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial aquatic habitats.

The Life Support Systems Technician is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, and monitoring of mechanical, electrical, and water treatment equipment that ensures optimal water quality and environmental conditions for aquatic animals. This includes pumps, filtration systems, ozone and UV sterilization systems, protein skimmers, heat exchangers, chillers, piping, valves, automation systems, and related equipment.

Working closely with animal care staff, veterinarians, and facilities personnel, this position helps ensure the health and welfare of the Aquarium's collection while maintaining the safe, reliable operation of all exhibit life support systems and public water features.

The ideal candidate enjoys troubleshooting complex mechanical systems, takes pride in preventative maintenance, and is committed to the highest standards of animal care and guest experience.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Operate, inspect, monitor, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair aquatic life support systems throughout the Aquarium.
• Perform preventative maintenance on pumps, motors, filters, valves, plumbing systems, UV sterilizers, ozone generators, protein skimmers, chillers, boilers, heat exchangers, compressors, air blowers, chemical feed systems, and associated equipment.
• Monitor water quality parameters and maintain appropriate environmental conditions for freshwater and marine habitats.
• Calibrate and maintain water quality instrumentation, including probes, sensors, controllers, and monitoring equipment.
• Prepare and mix synthetic seawater and assist with water transfers and large-volume water changes.
• Maintain filtration systems, including sand filters, cartridge filters, media filters, and biological filtration components.
• Assist animal care staff in diagnosing and resolving life support and water quality issues.
• Respond promptly to equipment alarms, system failures, and emergency maintenance situations.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment logs, water quality documentation, and preventative maintenance schedules.
• Assist in the installation, modification, and improvement of life support systems for new exhibits and renovations.
• Assist with plumbing fabrication, piping repairs, and equipment installation.
• Coordinate with outside contractors and equipment vendors during maintenance and repair projects.
• Maintain inventory of replacement parts, chemicals, and maintenance supplies.
• Safely handle chemicals used in water treatment while following OSHA regulations and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements.
• Support sustainable water management and conservation practices whenever practical.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to respond to life support emergencies outside normal business hours.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Mechanical aptitude with experience maintaining pumps, motors, plumbing, filtration, HVAC, industrial equipment, or similar systems.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and testing equipment.
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, diagrams, and operating procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

• Experience maintaining aquarium or aquatic life support systems.
• Experience in commercial pools, water treatment, wastewater treatment, industrial maintenance, HVAC, plumbing, or mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of freshwater and marine water chemistry.
• Experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automated control systems, or SCADA monitoring.
• Experience with variable frequency drives (VFDs) and industrial pumping systems.
• AALSO Operator Level I certification or the ability to obtain certification within an established timeframe.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, industrial maintenance, or a related field.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

• Understanding of water filtration, circulation, and biological filtration systems.
• Familiarity with mechanical, plumbing, and basic electrical systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex equipment under time-sensitive conditions.
• Ability to read technical drawings, piping diagrams, and equipment manuals.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multiple departments.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Commitment to exceptional animal care and guest experience.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and emergency call-outs as required.

The position regularly requires the employee to:

• Stand, walk, climb stairs, and ladders for extended periods.
• Lift, push, pull, and carry up to 75 pounds safely.
• Work in confined spaces, elevated areas, and mechanical rooms.
• Bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, and reach frequently.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Work around water, wet surfaces, electrical equipment, chemicals, and potentially hazardous mechanical equipment.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Work safely around live aquatic animals and other wildlife.

The Dallas World Aquarium offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain exceptional team members.

Starting Pay: From $30.00 per hour, with compensation based on experience, technical skills, certifications, and overall qualifications.

Candidates possessing professional certifications or significant experience in electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, industrial maintenance, welding, water treatment, automation controls, or aquarium life support systems may be eligible for increased compensation.

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be provided for highly qualified candidates relocating to the Dallas area.

Eligible full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive starting pay beginning at $30.00 per hour
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Company-paid short-term disability insurance
• Company-paid long-term disability insurance
• Paid vacation
• Employee discounts
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Opportunities for advancement within one of the nation's premier zoological institutions

The Dallas World Aquarium is internationally recognized for its immersive exhibits, commitment to conservation, education, and exceptional animal care. Our diverse collection includes marine, freshwater, riverine, and tropical aquatic ecosystems that rely on sophisticated life support technology.

As a member of the Life Support Systems team, you will play a critical role in maintaining the complex systems that support thousands of animals while helping create unforgettable experiences for guests from around the world. Every day presents new technical challenges, making this an exceptional opportunity for someone who enjoys solving problems while contributing directly to world-class animal care.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Management reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties as business needs require.