Life Support Technician
Mystic Aquarium //
Mystic, CT, US //
Apply by: October 31, 2026
Application Information: Sea Research Foundation, Inc. (dba Mystic Aquarium) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation. Women and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Do you love water, machinery, and figuring out why something isn’t working?
We’re looking for a Life Support Technician to join our team and help keep complex aquatic systems running safely, efficiently, and reliably. This isn’t a job where you’ll simply turn valves and check boxes—you’ll work hands-on with the equipment and systems that keep our aquatic animals healthy every day.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We’re looking for someone who is curious, mechanically inclined, dependable, and eager to learn.
Aquarium LSS experience is great—but we’re also interested in people coming from aquaculture, wastewater treatment, water quality, industrial maintenance, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, marine systems, or other hands-on technical backgrounds.
The most important qualities are:
Problem solver. Team player. Takes ownership. Wants to learn.
WHY JOIN US?
You’ll work with real aquatic life-support infrastructure, gain experience across multiple technical disciplines, and be part of a team where your work has a direct impact on animal health and the visitor experience.
If you like working with your hands, solving problems, and working around water, we want to hear from you.
Environmental Quality provides internal services to Mystic Aquarium’s animal care teams. Demonstration of a positive, can-do attitude and a teamwork focused work ethic are always required.
The Life Support System Systems (LSS) Technician is responsible for daily operations, monitoring, maintenance, and repair of primary and ancillary aquatic life support system equipment while ensuring the highest standard of care for Mystic Aquarium’s animal collection.
This position assists the Manager of Life Support Systems in: monitoring, preserving, and modifying existing water treatment processes; installing new equipment and process components; and identifying/acquiring critical equipment, components, supplies, and consumables.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
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Operate, monitor, and maintain freshwater and marine life support systems
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Perform daily system rounds and identify problems before they become emergencies
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Maintain pumps, filters, UV, ozone, skimmers, heat exchangers, valves, plumbing, and related equipment
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Perform water quality testing and respond to changing system conditions
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Troubleshoot mechanical and LSS problems
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Complete preventative maintenance and equipment repairs
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Assist with system improvements, installations, and special projects
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Work closely with animal care, maintenance, engineering, and other aquarium teams
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Participate in emergency response and rotating schedules as needed
Other Duties & Responsibilities
- Maintain clean and safe work environments.
- Keep accountability for tools and inventory and maintain neat and orderly storage.
- Consistently provide guests and internal customers service at or above expectations.
- Operate, maintain, and repair aquatic life support equipment including but not limited to: filters, pumps, protein fractionators, ultraviolet sterilizers, ozone generators and monitors, chemical dosing equipment, heat exchangers, water treatment controls, and process instrumentation.
- Thoroughly follow instructions and carry out projects and assignments in a team and/or independent setting with minimal supervision and complete assignments efficiently and effectively.
- Maintain effective and thorough written and verbal communications and exhibit respectful behavior in these communications.
- Demonstrate compliance with Mystic Aquarium’s standards, State and Federal regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Work cross-functionally with Zoological Operations staff including the Manager of Water Quality, Water Quality Technicians, animal husbandry staff, Dive Safety Officer, and Veterinarians, as well as outside contractors and vendors, to facilitate the highest degree of animal care and welfare.
- Assist with developing and implementing systems and standard operating procedures.
- Move and distribute controlled materials and chemicals and adhere to SDS and PPE protocols and safety recommendations.
- Perform duties in variable environmental and physical conditions.
- Arrive for shift on time and ready to work.
- Must be available for emergencies and able to adjust work schedule to fulfill responsibilities.
- Other duties as assigned.
SAFETY/SECURITY:
- All employees are responsible for always working safely.
- Every employee must properly use and keep in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied as protection from recognized hazards.
- Every employee must report any unsafe condition.
- Every employee must have a working knowledge of all Facility wide, and Department-specific, safety procedures that relate to their position, including, but not limited to: Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher use.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in related discipline preferred.
- 1 year of hands-on experience operating LSS and/or other mechanical systems required, with demonstrated history of outstanding workmanship:
- Plumbing (PVC primarily)
- Maintenance of pumps, filters, valves, and ancillary equipment
- Experience with chemistry in aquatic animal systems
- Must possess Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO) Level 1 Life Support Certification or have the ability to become certified within 1 year of employment.
- Experience with tools/power tools, machinery, and heavy equipment (forklift) operation.
- General knowledge of electrical systems and control applications.
- Able to interpret technical/mechanical drawings and schematics (P&ID’s, blueprints, diagrams).
- Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office applications a must; TRACKS experience preferred.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Physically demanding requiring ability to lift 75 lbs., maneuvering in confining and lofty locations, and within a variety of environmental conditions (rain, snow, heat).
- Situational awareness, good body conditioning, and excellent hand-eye coordination required.
- Must be willing and flexible to work after hours, weekends, and holidays.
- Multilingual; Spanish speaking preferred.
- SCUBA certification or the ability to pass a swim test required.