Overnight Reef Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Life Support Engineer
Posting Date: June 2026
Job Department: Life Support
Schedule: Full Time
Job Type: On-site
Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202
JOB SUMMARY:
The National Aquarium is seeking a Life Support Engineer (LSE) to perform daily operations and monitor life support equipment for the large exhibit systems throughout the aquarium facility. Responsible for monitoring and maintaining water levels, back washing large sand filters, monitoring/adjusting air flow and ozone generator adjustments and all other equipment vital to the operation of life support systems as directed by the Manager, Life Support or Director of Life Support.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Essential responsibilities include:

• Operates life support systems for the large aquarium exhibits: Atlantic Coral Reef, Open Ocean, Black Tip Reef, Australia and the Marine Mammal exhibit
  
  • Operation of large sand filters, including back washes
  • Perform water transfers between Pier 3 and Pier 4 buildings
  • Monitor water levels in the exhibits and top off as needed
  • Monitor and adjust tank temperatures per protocols
  • Receive salt deliveries, and prepare raw saltwater for aquarium use
  • Daily visual inspections of filter readings, valve positions, flow rates, and pressure differentials
  • Maintain daily log sheet documentation
  • Monitor readings and trends in Metasys (software used by LS); recognize issues and respond per protocols established by Director of Life Support.
  • Inspect ozone generators, pumps, motors, blowers, chillers, etc and report problems to Sr. Engineer and/or Director of Life Support.
  • Measure salinity and residual oxidant levels as directed by the lab or engineers
  • Understand principles of biological, mechanical and chemical filtration
  • Manage the daily applied dose adjustments for ozone use in the Marine Mammal exhibit as directed by Manager, Life Support and/or Director of Life Support
• Reporting
  
  • Daily documentation of log sheets, computer entries as directed by Manager, Life Support
  • Update Ozone Distribution List with daily status of the Marine Mammal pool adjustments
  • Contact designated Animal Care staff of important updates that affect their exhibits
• Safety/Hazardous Materials
  
  • Complies with all safety protocols established by National Aquarium
• Interacts with LS engineers, Animal Care Programs staff (Aquarists, Marine Mammal Trainers, Curators) on a daily basis
• Able to apply logic to tracing pipelines, basic mechanical skills and equipment maintenance.
• Demonstrate complex problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm and professional during emergency procedures
• Support company mission.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of water filtration, water chemistry, aquarium keeping and related support equipment preferred.
• Able to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Safely climb ladders
• Work in small spaces
• Basic swimming skills
• Basic mechanical aptitude and logical problem-solving skills
• Proficient with commonly used software in Microsoft Office Suite, and Metasys as applied to National Aquarium life support

TOTAL COMPENSATION:
Hourly range ($17.64-22.74) with hours worked over 40 in a week eligible for overtime, premium pay for National Aquarium recognized holidays, and shift differential for overnight shifts. National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.
About the National Aquarium
Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium's award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.
More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.
Our Mission and Goals
The Aquarium's mission-to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet-begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals-to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
Our Values
At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.
In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.
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.