Life Support Manager
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium //
Draper, Utah //
Apply by: October 28, 2026
The Life Support Systems Manager leads the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and development of the Aquarium’s life support systems and environmental infrastructure. This position is responsible for the leadership and development of the Life Support Systems team and ensures reliable operation of systems critical to animal health, environmental quality, and habitat integrity. The Manager works collaboratively with animal care, veterinary, facilities, and other Zoo Operations teams to support existing habitats, infrastructure improvements, and the development of new exhibits and systems.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Lead and develop the Life Support Systems team through effective scheduling, resource allocation, coaching, performance management, cross-training, and staff development.
- Responsible for all aspects of the LSS team’s Core Job responsibilities, including operation, inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and repair of life support equipment, infrastructure, supplies, and associated support spaces.
- Ensure appropriate management of aquarium water resources and environmental systems, including water treatment, synthetic seawater production, filtration, disinfection, monitoring, testing, and maintenance of environmental parameters necessary to support the living collection.
- Ensure effective preventive maintenance, inspection, documentation, and asset-management practices that promote system reliability, identify emerging problems, and support proactive repair and replacement of critical infrastructure.
- Lead planning and execution of life support projects, system upgrades, and new installations, collaborating with animal care, veterinary, facilities, engineering, and other institutional partners to support animal care, exhibit, and organizational goals.
- Ensure appropriate emergency preparedness and response for life support failures that may affect animal health, environmental quality, or habitat integrity, including after-hours coverage, contingency planning, and coordination with other Zoo Operations teams.
- Maintain departmental standards for operational safety, regulatory compliance, records, SOPs, inspections, and best practices, including appropriate implementation of OSHA requirements and institutional safety programs.
- Oversee departmental administration and long-term planning, including budgeting, procurement, project prioritization, equipment replacement, resource planning, and continuous improvement of Life Support Systems operations.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Demonstrated expertise in aquatic life support systems, including pumps, filtration, plumbing, water treatment, and disinfection technologies.
- Strong understanding of water chemistry, environmental monitoring, and the relationship between system performance and animal health.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills; working knowledge of electrical systems, controls, HVAC, welding, fabrication, or related technical disciplines is beneficial.
- Proven leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to develop staff, establish priorities, and foster a collaborative, safety-focused team culture.
- Demonstrated project-management and administrative skills, including budgeting, procurement, resource planning, project development, and prioritization.
- Strong understanding of workplace safety, risk management, and safe operation of tools, machinery, chemicals, and technical infrastructure.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across animal care, veterinary, facilities, engineering, and other institutional teams.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to preventive maintenance, system reliability, and continuous improvement.
Education & Experience
- Two (2)- or four (4)-year degree in a relevant technical, engineering, biological, or environmental field preferred. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and professional experience will be considered.
- Five (5) or more years of professional experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, or designing aquatic life support systems or comparable water-treatment infrastructure.
- Two (2) to three (3) years of supervisory or team-leadership experience preferred.
- Experience supporting complex aquatic systems within a public aquarium, zoological institution, aquaculture operation, water-treatment facility, or comparable environment preferred.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
- Work is performed throughout aquarium habitats, mechanical spaces, support areas, and outdoor environments and may include hot, cold, humid, wet, noisy, elevated, or confined working conditions.
- Ability to sit, stand, climb, swim, work on ladders and elevated platforms, and lift or carry intermittent weights of up to 50 pounds.
Working Conditions
- Work may involve chemicals, power tools, heavy machinery, Aquarium vehicles, electrical and mechanical equipment, and active life support systems.
- This is a salaried position responsible for ensuring appropriate after-hours emergency response, weekend, and holiday coverage for Life Support Systems operations.