Life Support Systems Specialist
Come join the growing John Ball Zoo as the first ever Life Support Systems ​(LSS) Specialist. ​As the LSS Specialist ​you will get the chance to ​serve as the primary point of contact for LSS operations at the Zoo including our 200,000-gallon aquarium​ and the​ brand-new state of the art pygmy hippo exhibit opening in 2023. This is a great opportunity to grow your career and be on the ground floor as we prepare to build and open the largest national aquarium in the last decade. You will also get the opportunity to live in the beautiful Grand Rapids, MI where city life and lake life are only 20 minutes apart from each other.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS SPECIALIST AT JBZ
The Life Support Systems Specialist assists with maintaining both animal and non-animal aquatic systems at the Zoo. This includes all aspects of daily operation, maintenance and repair of life support equipment, creation and management ​of standardized systems, collaborate on water quality, clarity and chemistry of aquatic exhibits and any equipment associated with that monitoring and management. The position will also facilitate and participate in design of new and upgraded life support systems at the Zoo. They also will promote water conservation at the Zoo and recommending enhancements where possible.

GRAND RAPIDS
Come live in the beautiful Grand Rapids where you can find live music, art festivals, outdoor recreation, and nationally ranked food and craft beverages. You can drive 20 minutes and be by the beautiful Lake Michigan, hike and kayaking by the Grand River, or stay downtown and enjoy a variety of food and drinks. Grand Rapids is known as Americas’ best beer city, nations craft beverage capital and a top 20 U.S. Foodie city. There is a little bit of everything here in Grand Rapids to attract everyone including our growing zoo!

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD ​HAVE:
College Degree from an accredited institution in natural science, biology, zoology, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three years of professional experience in a Zoo or Aquarium setting or equivalent experience.
Basic animal husbandry knowledge.
Knowledge of AZA standards associated with life support system management
Operating knowledge of life support systems.
Professional certification from Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO) strongly preferred.
Strong interpersonal, oral, administrative, organizational and written communications skills.
Strong attention to detail.

BENEFITS AT JBZ
We offer incredibly competitive benefits. This includes FREE:
Medical plan option
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Dental & vision for employee & family
12 full weeks of parental leave
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
We offer 6 days of personal time, generous vacation time, and 10 paid Holidays each year. We offer a 7% employer contribution to your 401K on day one, zoo discounts, employee-only zoo experiences, tuition reimbursement, additional medical benefits to meet you and your family’s needs, and a FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family. This is a union position and starts at $21.00hr.