Senior Life Support Technician
Mystic Aquarium //
Mystic, CT, US //
Apply by: October 31, 2026
SENIOR LIFE SUPPORT TECHNICIAN
Be the Technician Others Call When It Matters.
Some technicians maintain equipment.
Senior technicians understand the system.
We’re looking for an experienced Senior Life Support Technician to join our team and take ownership of the equipment and infrastructure that supports our aquatic collections.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role for someone who enjoys troubleshooting complex systems, solving problems under pressure, and making the people around them better.
WHO YOU ARE
You’re the person who sees a problem and thinks:
“Let’s figure out why.”
We’re looking for someone with strong hands-on technical ability, sound judgment, and the confidence to take ownership without needing to be the loudest person in the room.
Ideal backgrounds include:
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Aquarium Life Support
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Aquaculture / RAS
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Wastewater or water treatment
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Industrial maintenance
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HVAC / mechanical systems
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Electrical / controls
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Marine systems
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Plumbing / hydraulics
Aquarium experience is valuable, but technical ability, problem-solving, teamwork, and attitude matter just as much.
WHY JOIN US?
You’ll have the opportunity to work on complex aquatic infrastructure, solve real engineering problems, mentor developing technicians, and directly contribute to the health of our animals and the success of the aquarium.
We’re looking for someone who wants more than another job.
We want a technician who wants to become part of the team, take ownership, and build something that lasts.
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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Lead operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance of complex marine and freshwater LSS
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Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and water-quality problems
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Maintain and troubleshoot pumps, motors, VFDs, filtration, ozone, UV, oxygen systems, heat exchangers, sensors, valves, and controls
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Perform preventative and corrective maintenance
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Respond to life-support emergencies and rapidly changing system conditions
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Identify root causes—not just symptoms—and develop lasting corrective actions
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Support LSS projects, installations, modifications, and system optimization
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Help establish maintenance standards and improve equipment reliability
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Mentor and develop Life Support Technicians
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Work collaboratively with Animal Care, Maintenance, Engineering, and other departments
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Serve as a technical resource during challenging system events
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.
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.
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.