LSS/WQ Technician or Engineer
Greensboro Science Center //
Greensboro, NC //
Apply by: October 24, 2026
Under the general supervision of the Aquatics Curator performs general maintenance for LSS and water quality testing for the Greensboro Science Center, with limited supervision. Day-to-day care responsibilities include maintenance and care of aquarium and zoo life support, daily water quality testing, assist with salt-water making, repair LSS and make necessary modifications to improve life support. The LSS technician also serves as a resource for Aquarists/Keepers, Interns, and Volunteers.
Candidates should expect to work 40 hours a week, which may include weekends, holidays and rotating shifts. This position is non-exempt and may be required to work inclement weather events regardless of aquarium/zoos operational status. Starting pay is $40,000 per year plus a full benefits package. Advanced opportunities may be available pending qualifications.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Maintains live exhibits through daily inspections, operations, and routine maintenance of life support equipment, including but not limited to: ozone generators, oxygen generators, compressors, pumps, drum filters, high rate sand filters, and associated equipment.
- Performs water quality tests on systems and works with staff to address problems that may arise.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
- Perform inspections, preventative maintenance, routine upkeep, cleaning, and repair of all life support equipment.
- Record and maintain inventory of all pump and filtration equipment and related supplies.
- Perform major component replacement and emergency repair work as needed (i.e., valves, gauges, pumps, motors, piping, and media replacement).
- Participate in the design, installation, and maintenance of closed systems, heater/chiller equipment, filtration systems, and pump equipment.
- Identify and record all maintenance performed on LSS equipment according to approved protocols and procedures.
- Perform laboratory and tank-side analyses of system water; techniques utilized include spectrophotometry, titration, coliform testing, and use of handheld meters.
- Perform data entry and maintenance of water quality databases.
- Maintain department chemical inventory, including chemical inventory database and Safety Data Sheet files.
- Work in conjunction with Aquarists to ensure proper water chemistry and conditions exist for the living collection.
- Assist with care of support buildings and common work spaces as well as departmental equipment and supplies.
- Assist with establishing protocols of assigned spaces.
- Respond as essential personnel for facility emergencies, including severe weather.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality, state, and federal rules and regulations, and compliance with all company policy and procedure documents.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Demonstrated understanding of basic aquarium-related water quality parameters and water chemistry (e.g., temperature, pH, salinity, DO, total residual oxidant, nitrogenous compounds, etc.) and their relationships to LSS.
- Ability to troubleshoot life support systems including: pumps, ozone generators, rapid sand filters, cartridge filters, and other essential systems.
- General knowledge of plumbing with an understanding of theories, designs, and techniques.
- Skilled in general construction, troubleshooting mechanical systems, and the safe use of required tools.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
- Must be well organized, have keen observation skills, and good human relations skills.
- Ability to make decisions and work independently.
- Ability to work in a high public area.
- Successful completion of a background check.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Availability for facility emergencies, including storm response.
Education & Experience
- Associate’s Degree from an accredited college specializing in Zoo and Aquaria programming
OR: - High school diploma or equivalent, preferably from a technical school
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
- Ability to enter animal areas and perform physical work (including lifting objects up to 60 lbs.) with extended standing, stooping, kneeling, climbing, carrying, etc.
- Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: $40,000 per year
Starting pay: $40,000 per year plus a full benefits package. Advanced opportunities may be available pending qualifications.