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Manager Aquarium Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Career Pathways Specialist

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$26.99 - $27/hr

The Specialist will also collaborate to design and deliver learning opportunities and engagement ... Manages the recruitment process for apprenticeship positions, including posting opportunities ...

AV Technician II

Mystic, CT ยท On-site

$20.70 - $22.70/hr

The AV Technician II supports Mystic Aquarium's exhibits, live shows, and special events by ... Specify equipment for AV Manager purchases and manage assigned project budgets. * Design lighting ...

Career Pathways Specialist

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$26.99 - $27/hr

The Specialist will also collaborate to design and deliver learning opportunities and engagement ... Manages the recruitment process for apprenticeship positions, including posting opportunities ...

Showing results 21-40

Manager Aquarium Design information

See salary details

$29K

$104.6K

$118K

How much do manager aquarium design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager aquarium design in the United States is $104,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a manager aquarium design do?

A Manager Aquarium Design oversees the planning, development, and implementation of aquarium exhibits and environments. They work closely with architects, engineers, biologists, and other stakeholders to create habitats that are both functional for aquatic life and engaging for visitors. Their responsibilities often include project management, budgeting, staff supervision, and ensuring that designs meet safety and animal welfare standards. The role requires a blend of creative vision, technical knowledge, and leadership skills to deliver successful aquarium projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager aquarium design, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Aquarium Design, you need expertise in aquatic biology, engineering principles, and project management, typically supported by a relevant degree in marine biology, architecture, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, water filtration systems, and regulatory compliance standards is essential for designing functional and safe aquatic exhibits. Strong leadership, creativity, and effective communication skills help coordinate multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills ensure the creation of innovative, sustainable, and engaging aquarium environments that meet both operational and conservation goals.

What are some common challenges faced by a manager aquarium design, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge for a Manager Aquarium Design is balancing the aesthetic vision of exhibits with the biological needs of aquatic life and the technical limitations of the facility. This requires close collaboration with biologists, engineers, and maintenance staff to ensure habitats are both visually engaging and sustainable. Additionally, managing project timelines and budgets, while accommodating last-minute design changes or animal welfare concerns, can be demanding. Effective communication and proactive planning are key strategies to address these challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Manager Aquarium Design vs Aquarium Maintenance Supervisor?

AspectManager Aquarium DesignAquarium Maintenance Supervisor
CertificationsDesign certifications, industry-specific qualificationsTechnical maintenance certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, client meetings, project planningOn-site at aquariums, maintenance tasks, inspections
Industry UsageDesign firms, aquarium construction companiesAquarium facilities, maintenance service providers
Primary FocusDesigning aquarium layouts and systemsMaintaining and repairing existing aquariums

The main difference between Manager Aquarium Design and Aquarium Maintenance Supervisor lies in their focus. The Manager Aquarium Design concentrates on creating new aquarium designs and overseeing project development, while the Aquarium Maintenance Supervisor handles ongoing maintenance and repairs of existing aquariums. Both roles require industry-specific certifications and work within the aquarium industry, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Manager Aquarium Design jobs?

Cities with the most Manager Aquarium Design job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aquarium Design jobs?

The most popular types of Aquarium Design jobs are:

What states have the most Manager Aquarium Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Manager Aquarium Design jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Manager Aquarium Design jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Manager Aquarium Design jobs are:

Infographic showing various Manager Aquarium Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,575 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Life Support Systems Technician

Seattle Aquarium

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

$27 - $37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Posting

Life Support Systems Technician

Department: Facilities & Operations
Reports to: Life Support System Supervisor
Status: Full-time, hourly, benefitted position
Hours of Work: Standard Tuesday–Saturday workweek, 6:30am–3pm. Occasional need for weekend or after-hours work as related to events and other projects.

Position Overview

The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for a Life Support Systems Technician (LSS Tech II or Senior Tech, depending on knowledge, skill and experience) to join the Engineering team in the Facilities and Operations department. LSS Technicians are responsible for the operation, maintenance, design or repair (depending on level of role) and optimization of aquatic life support systems to ensure they function efficiently, sustainably and in alignment with the Aquarium’s standards for animal welfare and safety. Reporting to the LSS Supervisor, this role supports the structural integrity of habitats, contributes to system improvements and capital projects, and plays a key role in maintaining exhibit health through proper water quality and mechanical system performance.

The position requires strong technical skills, the ability to work independently, and the ability to collaborate closely with Animal Care, Water Quality, Facilities and Operations teams. LSS Technicians also participate in on-call overnight monitoring and emergency response to animal health-dependent systems. Through this work, this position plays a vital role in supporting the health of aquatic life and the overall mission of the Aquarium.

All positions at the Aquarium support and advance our SALISH Values (Sustainable, Awe-Inspiring, Learning and Improving, Inclusive Community, Scientific Integrity, Honoring Place). As a part of our values, the Aquarium is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We adopted a DEI strategic plan and Regenerative Plan. We envision a future in which ocean and coastal communities survive and thrive, where we can meet the needs of the present while building more resilient and equitable systems for the future.

The engineering team has 7 people when fully staffed. In addition to a manager, supervisor and associate building engineer, the team has 4 life support systems staff. LSS technicians are evaluated based on knowledge, skills, abilities and experience to determine role level: LSS Tech I, II, or Senior.

Key functions: These represent a portion of responsibilities. Please see the Aquarium website for full job descriptions for the Life Support Systems Technician II and Senior Life Support Systems Technician.

  • System Operations & Maintenance
  • System Support & Improvements
  • Project Implementation (Senior Techs)
  • Safety & Compliance
  • Training & Development

Essential Functions

  • Knowledge of industry animal welfare, safety, and other regulatory compliance standards (such as OSHA).
  • Ability to follow instructions and work effectively in a team environment. Multilingual and multicultural communication skills and experience are preferred.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of the Aquarium’s Mission and Values, including Regenerative and Equity work.
  • Commitment to sustainability and regenerative practices.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities across departments. Consistently and proactively communicate, track, and organize work to keep self on track and others in the loop.
  • Ability to adapt to change and work effectively in evolving or uncertain environments.
  • Highly observant and comfortable performing repetitive manual tasks
  • The following training/certifications are provided by the Aquarium and must be successfully completed in first 180 days of employment (and maintained thereafter)
    • Scissor and Articulated Boom Lift Training
    • Forklift Training
    • Ladder Safety Training
    • Confined Space Training
    • Woodshop Safety Training
    • CPR Training
    • Respirator Fit Test Training
    • Fall Protection Training
    • Valid Washington State Driver’s License (training and certification are not provided by the Aquarium)
  • All Aquarium staff and volunteers are expected to participate in advancing and integrating into their work Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in alignment with our S.A.L.I.S.H. Values.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The skills and abilities listed below may be demonstrated through a combination of relevant cultural and community programs, jobs, internships, volunteer experience, and/or formal or informal education. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.

LSS Tech II specific requirements:

  • Combination of 3 years’ experience in engineering, marine biology, aquaculture, facilities operations or a related field. Preference for a minimum of 2 years of that experience in LSS operations in an aquarium, zoo, or aquatic research facility.
  • General technical proficiency in water filtration, chemical treatment, and aquatic system operations, repair, and maintenance.
  • General knowledge in the operation and maintenance of LSS control systems.
  • Working knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems or other related maintenance recordkeeping.
  • Working knowledge of how to safely use power and hand tools.
  • Basic understanding of how to read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications.

Senior LSS Technician specific requirements:

  • Combination of 4 years of experience in engineering, marine biology, aquaculture, facilities operations or a related field. Preference for a minimum of 3 years of that experience in LSS operations in an aquarium, zoo, or aquatic research facility.
  • Strong technical expertise in water filtration, chemical treatment, and aquatic system mechanics. Example: demonstrated experience in designing or safely modifying LSS systems that require expertise in 4 out the 8 following specialties: controls and electronics, liquid and gas circulation, filtration, temperature control, disinfection, habitat construction, plumbing, and water quality.
  • General knowledge of animal husbandry requirements in an Aquarium operation, including water quality needs.
  • Experience with CMMS platforms and/or other similar preventive maintenance programs.
  • General knowledge of building mechanical systems, their operations, and their interconnectedness with LSS systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans and specifications

Working Conditions:

  • Work takes place in both office and mechanical/industrial environments, including confined spaces, rooftops, and over water.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel, and talk or hear.
  • Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
  • Required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
  • Frequently required to lift 50 pounds and may be required to “team lift” heavier weights.
  • The vision requirements include ability to adjust focus, peripheral vision, and close vision.
  • Able to work at heights (i.e. ladders and use of aerial lifts).
  • Exposure to outside weather conditions and noise from machinery and visitors when the Aquarium is busy.
  • Must be able and willing to safely use a scissor lift and other power equipment to complete responsibilities.
  • Occasional flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
  • Exposure to noise, chemicals, and biohazards in certain work areas, with appropriate safety measures in place.

Salary and benefits: LSS Technician II’s are hired between $27.00 and $30.00/hour, and the Senior LSS Technicians are hired between $30.00 and $37.00/hour Dependent on experience. Candidates will be assessed through the hiring process based on their knowledge, skills and abilities.

Please include salary expectations in your application materials. Full-time staff are eligible for the Seattle Aquarium’s comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental, an employer-funded health reimbursement account, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, 403b retirement fund with employer match, access to a subsidized ORCA pass, a Seattle Aquarium Family Plus membership and generous paid time off.

How to apply: The Seattle Aquarium is committed to expanding a diverse, equitable, and inclusive conservation movement. We are invested in building an Aquarium with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, languages, cultural ways of knowing, and life experiences. We know research shows that society has conditioned communities of color, trans and gender non-conforming people, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other marginalized candidates to more frequently not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed even if they are qualified. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.

Interested candidates should upload a résumé to our online application to be considered. Application review will begin immediately.  

SeattleAquarium.org/careers

Please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this job by emailing us at jobs@seattleaquarium.org.  

Note: If offered the position, candidates must pass a background check. Conviction record is not an automatic disqualifier; we are a second chance employer.  

About the Seattle Aquarium: The Seattle Aquarium is a respected authority on Puget Sound, the Salish Sea and the world’s one ocean. Our team increases awareness and drives the change needed to preserve and protect our marine environment by providing excellent care and wellbeing for over 5,000 animals to create an inspiring visitor experience, offer engaging daytime and evening events, conservation education programs for people of all ages and backgrounds, community outreach to marginalized populations, research that advances understanding of animals in our care and their counterparts in the wild, advocacy and policy work, an award-winning volunteer program, high-impact marketing and communications, and more.  

Our values, developed in conjunction with our staff, include commitments to adopting and promoting sustainable practices, creating awe-inspiring experiences, constantly learning and improving, fostering an inclusive community, maintaining scientific credibility through evidence-based practices and honoring our unique place by using our location and history as a lens for larger understanding.  

Proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, we’re among the top 10 aquariums in the U.S. by attendance, and we welcome over 1 million people each year guided by our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment. Learn more at SeattleAquarium.org.


Tuesday through Saturday: 6:30AM to 3PM