Life Support System and Water Quality Technician

Greensboro Science Center

Life Support Systems /Water Quality Technician or Engineer - Aquatics Department

The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) is hiring an advanced-level Life Support System and Water Quality Technician that will report directly to the Aquatics Curator. GSC is a 68,000 square-foot AZA and AAM-accredited science museum as well as a 33,000 square-foot aquarium that also includes our 22-acre zoo. The Wiseman Aquarium features: African black-footed penguins, small-clawed Asian otters, a 90,000 gallon reef exhibit, a 7,000 gallon ray touch tank and a multi-taxon Amazon exhibit housing small primates, reptiles and Amazonian fish. In addition, we display a number of other animals including a giant Pacific octopus, jellies, corals, seahorses, Indo-Pacific fishes and more.

Next year GSC will complete building a Biodome alongside ARCC (Aquatics Rehabilitation and Conservation Center) on premise focusing on culturing and propagation of aquatic species in addition to expanded quarantine capabilities and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. This role will serve as an integral member of both design and building of the Biodome/ARCC complex. It is a great opportunity to become part of a dynamic team!

In addition to working with a diverse collection of animals, GSC also offers staff the opportunity to support both local and international conservation projects in the field. We also offer yearly conservation and research grants for staff to pursue projects of their choosing.

Under the general supervision of the Aquatics Curator performs general maintenance for LSS and water quality testing for the Greensboro Science Center, with limited supervision. Day-to-day care responsibilities include maintenance and care of aquarium and zoo life support, daily water quality testing, assist with salt-water making, repair LSS and make necessary modifications to improve life support. The LSS technician also serves as a resource for Aquarists/Keepers, Interns, and Volunteers.

Candidates should expect to work 40 hours a week, which may include weekends, holidays and rotating shifts. This position is non-exempt and may be required to work inclement weather events regardless of aquarium/zoos operational status. Pay ranges from $40,000-$48,000 per year plus a full benefits package. Advanced opportunities may be available pending qualifications.

Required Duties:

-Maintains live exhibits through daily inspections, operations, and routine maintenance of life support equipment, including but not limited to: ozone generators, oxygen generators, compressors, pumps, drum filters, high rate sand filters, and associated equipment.

-Performs water quality tests on systems and works with staff to address problems that may arise.

This includes but is not limited to:

-Perform inspections, preventative maintenance, routine upkeep, cleaning, and repair of all life support equipment.

-Record and maintain inventory of all pump and filtration equipment and related supplies.

-Perform major component replacement and emergency repair work as needed (i.e., valves, gauges, pumps, motors, piping, and media replacement).

-Participate in the design, installation, and maintenance of closed systems, heater/chiller equipment, filtration systems, and pump equipment.

-Identify and record all maintenance performed on LSS equipment according to approved protocols and procedures.

-Perform laboratory and tank-side analyses of system water; techniques utilized include spectrophotometry, titration, coliform testing, and use of handheld meters.

-Perform data entry and maintenance of water quality databases.

-Maintain department chemical inventory, including chemical inventory database and Safety Data Sheet files.

- Work in conjunction with Aquarists to ensure proper water chemistry and conditions exist for the living collection.

-Assist with care of support buildings and common work spaces as well as departmental equipment and supplies.

-Assist with establishing protocols of assigned spaces.

-Respond as essential personnel for facility emergencies, including severe weather.

-Ensure compliance with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality, state, and federal rules and regulations, and compliance with all company policy and procedure documents.

Qualifications:

-Demonstrated understanding of basic aquarium-related water quality parameters and water chemistry (e.g., temperature, pH, salinity, DO, total residual oxidant, nitrogenous compounds, etc.) and their relationships to LSS.

-Ability to troubleshoot life support systems including: pumps, ozone generators, rapid sand filters, cartridge filters, and other essential systems.

-General knowledge of plumbing with an understanding of theories, designs, and techniques.

- Skilled in general construction, troubleshooting mechanical systems, and the safe use of required tools.

-Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

-Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.

-Ability to enter animal areas and perform physical work (including lifting objects up to 60 lbs.) with extended standing, stooping, kneeling, climbing, carrying, etc.

-Must be well organized, have keen observation skills, and good human relations skills.

-Ability to make decisions and work independently.

-Ability to work in a high public area.

-Successful completion of a background check.

-Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions.

-Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

-Availability for facility emergencies, including storm response.

Education:

-Associates Degree from an accredited college specializing in Zoo and Aquaria programming

OR:

- High school diploma or equivalent, preferably from a technical school

Licenses and Certifications:

Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter is required.

AALSO certifications are a plus.

SCUBA certifications are a plus.

Interested and qualified candidates may submit a resume and cover letter to:

The job post closes October 24, 2026, and applicants chosen for an interview will be notified by November 1, 2026. Applicants who applied to any previously posted positions must resubmit to this posting to be considered. No phone calls or emails please.