Animal Care and Life Support Specialist
Living Exhibits, Inc. partners with leading zoological institutions across the United States to design, build, and operate immersive interactive exhibits that connect guests with marine wildlife. Our exhibits combine exceptional animal care, engaging guest experiences, and educational messaging that supports conservation awareness.
Through our Stingray Cove experiences, guests have the opportunity to safely observe, learn about, and interact with rays and small sharks while gaining a deeper appreciation for aquatic ecosystems. Living Exhibits works closely with host institutions to maintain the highest standards of animal welfare, water quality management, and guest engagement.
At the Detroit Zoo, Living Exhibits is proud to partner in the new Discovery Trails area, bringing an exciting hands-on marine experience that highlights conservation, education, and responsible animal care.
As an Animal Care and Life Support Specialist, you will play a key role in maintaining a thriving aquatic habitat and ensuring the highest standards of animal care and water quality. This position combines hands-on animal husbandry with life support system operation and guest interaction to help create an engaging and educational Stingray Cove experience for visitors to the Detroit Zoo.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
A Living Exhibits team member at the Detroit Zoo Stingray Cove will:
~Conduct daily animal husbandry tasks, including habitat cleaning, food preparation, feeding, and monitoring animal health and behavior.
~Assist with medical treatments, routine health assessments, and the safe handling and care of animals as directed by supervisory or veterinary staff.
~Participate in animal training sessions to support behavioral management and husbandry using positive reinforcement techniques.
~Implement approved enrichment programs that promote animal wellbeing and encourage natural behaviors.
~Maintain accurate and detailed animal care records in ZIMS, following Living Exhibits protocols and reporting requirements.
~Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot aquatic life support systems (LSS) to ensure optimal water quality and safe habitat conditions.
~Assist with routine maintenance of pumps, filtration equipment, protein skimmers, UV systems, and other life support infrastructure.
~Conduct routine water quality testing and system checks, documenting results and responding appropriately to maintain stable habitat parameters.
~Maintain cleanliness and organization of animal care, food preparation, and life support areas in accordance with safety and biosecurity protocols.
~Communicate clearly and professionally with Living Exhibits staff, Detroit Zoo personnel, and guests.
~Engage with visitors by sharing educational information about the animals, their habitats, and conservation efforts.
`Collaborate with host institution staff to support smooth exhibit operations and provide a positive guest experience.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong observational skills to identify health and behavioral issues in animals.
- Proficiency with basic computer programs (Word, Excel, e-mail). Knowledge of ZIMS software a plus.
- Comfortable interacting with the public, including speaking to guests and media about animal care and conservation.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, marine biology, animal science, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience in animal care.
Previous experience working in a zoo, aquarium, or aquatic animal facility.
- Experience working with elasmobranchs (rays or sharks) or other aquatic species.
- Familiarity with aquatic life support systems (LSS) including pumps, filtration, protein skimmers, UV sterilizers, and water quality management
- Experience conducting and interpreting water quality testing (salinity, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, etc.).
- Experience using ZIMS or other zoological record-keeping systems.
- Strong public engagement skills and comfort interacting with guests in an educational or interpretive setting.
- Experience working in a team-oriented environment within a zoological or animal care setting.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors and indoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds (including feed, equipment, and supplies).
- Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, climb ladders, and work around water and wet surfaces.
- Ability to safely work in and around aquatic habitats and life support system equipment.
- Ability to tolerate occasional exposure to fish products, cleaning agents, saltwater, and other materials commonly used in aquatic animal care.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules as required by animal care and guest operations.
- Ability to interact safely and respectfully with animals and guests in a supervised interactive exhibit environment.
