Life Support Technician (Full-Time)

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa at Lowry Park is looking for an experienced and certified Life Support Technician to join our water quality team.

• Are you the kind of person who is passionate about rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for animals?
• Are you a technical expert with a passion for maintaining life support systems in a setting where you can make a real impact?
• Do you take initiative, work with minimal supervision, and excel in a fast-paced environment?
• Are you experienced in managing water quality and pumps, and do you have a keen eye for occupational safety and quality control?
• Do you relish the opportunity to work in a renowned institution committed to animal welfare, education, and conservation?
• If you find these questions resonate with you, we invite you to apply for our Life Support Technician position at ZooTampa. We are actively scheduling interviews and are eager to add a committed and skillful member to our esteemed water quality team.

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!

Your day to day

• Essential Functions (including but not limited to):
• 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 the customer.
• 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.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Demonstrated experience with pumps and water quality required.
• Certified Pool Operator certification required.
• 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.

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.
• Our Perks at ZooTampa
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Supplemental Insurance,
• 403(b) Pension Plan with a 4% match.
• PTO (Vacation and Wellness 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.
• 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.