Join the team that keeps the water flowing and the animals thriving. At ZooTampa, our Life Support Technicians are more than maintenance pros — they’re critical to the care and conservation of manatees, aquatic life, and immersive guest experiences. If you have hands-on experience with pumps, water quality, and life support systems — and you're ready to apply those skills in a one-of-a-kind environment — we want to hear from you. This is your chance to combine purpose and technical expertise in a role that directly supports animal wellness, public safety, and unforgettable moments for guests. Bring your passion for precision, problem-solving, and animal care to one of the most dynamic teams in the field.
- Apply today and help us ensure clean, safe, and sustainable aquatic environments for some of Florida’s most iconic wildlife.
Position Summary
- This position is responsible for maintaining and performing maintenance on pumps and life support systems in the Zoo and at off-site structures.
- Other duties include special construction projects and assisting with facilities maintenance when needed.
Who We Are
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities.
- The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
- Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
- Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
- Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
What you'll do...
- Essential Functions (including but not limited to):
- Daily maintenance and operation of over 25 aquatics systems parkwide ranging from the splash pad to our 250,000 gallon manatee habitat
- Participating in preventative maintenance routines on pumps, filters, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC components as they pertain to the aquatic life support systems.
- Making repairs and upgrades to pumps, plumbing, and electrical as they pertain to the aquatic life support systems
- Maintaining acceptable Water Quality parameters for a variety of species in collaboration with Animal Care Staff, Veterinary Staff, and AZA Standards.
- Maintaining the filtration systems and water quality parameters of the on-site splash pad, interactive fountains, and flume ride to meet Public Health Codes.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Motivated self-starter -- Must be able to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
- Strong organizational abilities.
- Effective communication skills -- Ability to develop positive relationships with members of all departments.
- Ability to complete projects in a reasonable time frame to the complete satisfaction of supervisor
- Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors, and the general public.
- Read blueprints, mechanical drawings, and other diagrams.
- Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.
- Quality control -- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
- Capacity to anticipate -- Ability to think ahead and plan.
- Capacity to change -- Ability to identify and correct operational problems quickly.
- Must be able to think logically and solve problems with minimal guidance.
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively to the department.
- Report animal illness, maintenance, safety, horticulture, or other needs to appropriate staff.
- Assist in animal procedures including, but not limited to, translocations, veterinary procedures, and crating.
- Respond to emergency situations (e.g., Code I, II, III) within the Zoo.
- Observe safety policies and procedures in regards to the use of Zoo equipment, materials, chemicals, and vehicles.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
- What you bring...
Qualifications and Experience:
- Demonstrated experience with pumps and water quality required.
- Certified Pool Operator certification required (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hiring)
- AALSO LSS Level 1 and 2 preferred but not required
- Four years of experience in progressively responsible general maintenance operations.
- High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
- A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum educational requirements.
- Considerable knowledge of pumps, water quality, and facility life support systems.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
- Knowledge of operations associated with buildings, mechanical maintenance, and pump repair.
- Knowledge of use, repair, and care of equipment pertinent to the performance of life support systems.
- Working knowledge of hand and power tools.
- Skilled in the use of tools pertinent to machinery and general shop duties.
- Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
- Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.
- Other Requirements:
- Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough construction sites.
- Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays and weekends.
- Must be able to plan for, work, and staff specials events and exhibits as well as be available for unexpected shifts.
- Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking
- What you get...
- Our Perks at ZooTampa
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Supplemental Insurance options,
- 403(b) Pension Plan with a 4% match.
- Generous PTO (Vacation Time)
- Generous Wellness PTO (Sick Time)
- EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
- Tuition Forgiveness
- Free gym membership
- Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
- Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
- And so much more!
- Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace
Experience Required
- Demonstrated experience with pumps and water quality required.
- Certified Pool Operator certification required (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hiring) AALSO LSS Level 1 and 2 preferred but not required Four years of experience in progressively responsible general maintenance operations.
- High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
- A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum educational requirements.
- Considerable knowledge of pumps, water quality, and facility life support systems.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions. Knowledge of operations associated with buildings, mechanical maintenance, and pump repair.
- Knowledge of use, repair, and care of equipment pertinent to the performance of life support systems.
- Working knowledge of hand and power tools.
- Skilled in the use of tools pertinent to machinery and general shop duties.
- Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
- Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.
Perks
- Medical,
- Dental,
- Vision,
- Life & Supplemental Insurance,
- 403(b) Pension Plan with a 4% match.
- Generous PTO (Vacation Time) Generous Wellness PTO (Sick Time) EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Tuition Forgiveness Free gym membership Free admission to the Zoo,
- MOSI,
- and the Florida Aquarium Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida And so much more!
