Life Support Technician (Full-Time)
Are you passionate about animals and conservation? ZooTampa at Lowry Park is looking for an experienced and certified Life Support Technician to join our water quality team.
Are you the kind of person who is passionate about rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for animals?
Are you a technical expert with a passion for maintaining life support systems in a setting where you can make a real impact?
Do you take initiative, work with minimal supervision, and excel in a fast-paced environment?
Are you experienced in managing water quality and pumps, and do you have a keen eye for occupational safety and quality control?
Do you relish the opportunity to work in a renowned institution committed to animal welfare, education, and conservation?
If you find these questions resonate with you, we invite you to apply for our Life Support Technician position at ZooTampa. We are actively scheduling interviews and are eager to add a committed and skillful member to our esteemed water quality team.
Position Summary
This position is responsible for maintaining and performing maintenance on pumps and life support systems in the Zoo and at off-site structures. Other duties include special construction projects and assisting with facilities maintenance when needed.
Who We Are
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Motivated self-starter — Must be able to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
Strong organizational abilities.
Effective communication skills — Ability to develop positive relationships with members of all departments.
Ability to complete projects in a reasonable time frame to the complete satisfaction of the customer.
Deal courteously and tactfully with employees, peers, superiors, and the general public.
Read blueprints, mechanical drawings, and other diagrams.
Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.
Quality control — Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
Capacity to anticipate — Ability to think ahead and plan.
Capacity to change — Ability to identify and correct operational problems quickly.
Must be able to think logically and solve problems with minimal guidance.
Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively to the department.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough construction sites.
Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays and weekends.
Must be able to plan for, work, and staff specials events and exhibits as well as be available for unexpected shifts.
Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Demonstrated experience with pumps and water quality required.
Certified Pool Operator certification required.
AALSO LSS Level 1 and 2 preferred but not required.
Four years of experience in progressively responsible general maintenance operations.
High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum educational requirements.
Considerable knowledge of pumps, water quality, and facility life support systems.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
Knowledge of operations associated with buildings, mechanical maintenance, and pump repair.
Knowledge of use, repair, and care of equipment pertinent to the performance of life support systems.
Working knowledge of hand and power tools.
Skilled in the use of tools pertinent to machinery and general shop duties.
Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat, rain, or cold).
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Must have ability to navigate paved as well as rough construction sites.
Ability to use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate and follow written and verbal instructions.
Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays and weekends.
Must be able to plan for, work, and staff specials events and exhibits as well as be available for unexpected shifts.
Must be able to work in a variety of physical positions, including sitting, bending, standing, and walking.
