The Life Support & Facilities Systems Technician supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all environmental and building systems across the zoo. This role maintains life support systems for aquatic, reptile, amphibian, and specialized animal habitats while also performing preventative and corrective maintenance on facility infrastructure such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical equipment. The technician ensures stable environmental conditions that promote animal health, staff safety, and an exceptional guest experience.
Key Responsibilities
Life Support Systems (Animal Habitats)
- Operate, monitor, and maintain life support systems for aquatic exhibits, reptile enclosures, amphibian habitats, and quarantine areas.
- Conduct routine water quality testing (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen cycle, hardness) and adjust systems to maintain species-appropriate parameters.
- Inspect, repair, and calibrate pumps, filters, UV sterilizers, ozone systems, heat exchangers, chillers, aeration systems, and automated controls.
- Manage inventory of life support equipment, consumables, and water quality supplies; order replacements to ensure uninterrupted system operation.
- Maintain accurate logs of system performance, water chemistry, and maintenance activities.
- Respond promptly to alarms or environmental irregularities to prevent animal stress or habitat instability.
- Assist with the design, installation, and commissioning of new life support systems or exhibit upgrades.
- Facilities Maintenance (Zoo Grounds & Buildings)
- Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on zoo infrastructure including HVAC systems, electrical distribution, plumbing, and mechanical equipment.
- Troubleshoot and repair building systems such as air handlers, boilers, lighting, compressors, and emergency backup systems.
- Conduct routine inspections of animal buildings, guest areas, and behind the scenes spaces to identify hazards or equipment issues.
- Assist with cage work including installation, modification, repair, and reinforcement of animal enclosures, holding areas, and safety barriers.
- Support fabrication projects such as custom brackets, mounts, platforms, and exhibit components using metal, wood, or composite materials.
- Participate in rockwork construction and repair, including artificial rock carving, texturing, patching, and coloration to maintain naturalistic habitats.
- Read and interpret blueprints, construction drawings, and technical schematics to support exhibit builds, renovations, and mechanical installations.
- Support the grounds team with earthwork, material handling, and site preparation for habitat construction, landscaping, and infrastructure projects.
- Support exhibit renovations, habitat modifications, and installation of new mechanical or environmental systems.
- Maintain facilities shops, tools, and workspaces in a clean and organized condition.
- Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and zoo departments for specialized repairs or construction projects.
- Safety, Compliance & Animal Welfare Support
- Follow all safety protocols related to mechanical systems, electrical work, confined spaces, chemical handling, and animal area procedures.
- Ensure compliance with AZA, OSHA, TWRA, and USDA standards.
- Support emergency response procedures including power outages, system failures, and weather-related incidents.
- Maintain documentation for inspections, audits, and regulatory reporting.
- Work closely with animal care staff to ensure environmental systems meet species specific needs.
Operational Collaboration
- Partner with animal care, veterinary, and operations teams to support daily habitat needs and environmental adjustments.
- Provide technical expertise during exhibit upgrades, new habitat construction, or troubleshooting sessions.
- Train staff on basic system operation, emergency procedures, and safe equipment use.
- Respond to after hours emergencies affecting animal habitats or facility operations as needed.
- In absence of experience, the ability to be trained in these areas is required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Qualifications
Required
- Technical degree or certification in mechanical systems, HVAC, industrial maintenance, aquatic systems, or related field; or equivalent experience.
- Experience with pumps, filtration systems, HVAC equipment, and mechanical troubleshooting.
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and system diagrams.
- Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently.
- Basic electrical and plumbing knowledge.
- Comfortable working around animals, water systems, and chemical handling.
Preferred
- Experience in zoo, aquarium, aquaculture, or environmental life support systems.
- Knowledge of automated control systems (PLC, SCADA, BMS).
- Certifications such as EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, or water quality training (AFO, CPO, AALSO).
- Experience in facilities management or building operations in a public‑facing environment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds, climb ladders, and work in tight or elevated spaces.
- Comfortable working in wet, humid, or noisy environments, including animal buildings.
- Ability to respond to emergencies outside normal working hours.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- As an employee of Zoo Knoxville, you must possess English communication skills as well as the ability to communicate using a 2-way radio, email and telephone.
- The position hours vary depending on business needs and will require weekend and some holiday shifts.
- Depending on the specific tasks, this position will be required to work within close proximity of exotic and domestic animals and must be aware that there are dangers inherent in working under those conditions.
- Zoo Knoxville is committed to maintaining a drug free workplace and as such each employee must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
