The Senior Construction & Maintenance Worker will support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance mission of saving species worldwide by performing a variety of skilled and skilled work in the maintenance, construction, alteration, remodeling and repair of organization buildings, facilities, equipment, and grounds; and performs related work as required. This position reports to the C&M Life Support Systems Manager.

Under limited supervision, simultaneously manage multiple design and construction projects of various sizes and types through the full range of project phases from conceptual development to construction, close-out, and occupancy. Ensure completion of assigned projects within approved budget and schedule while meeting industry and organization standards and compliance with all code requirements. Serve as liaison between client, users, and other project partners including professional consultants, contractors, and vendors as well as Federal, State, and local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs). Perform other duties as required.

Under general supervision, responsible for operation, quality control, troubleshooting, repairs, and basic maintenance relating to the Aquarium’s 25 million gallon per day seawater system, the associated mechanical plant, the building HVAC system, and the associated equipment and infrastructure in support of maintaining animal life support and environmental systems; monitor a computer-based control system for life support and HVAC systems and assist in operational engineering decisions based on analysis of the data; perform other duties as required.

The Life Support Systems Technician manages, maintains, repairs, designs, and installs water support systems for the aquarium’s animals exhibits, water features, and water quality. Provides a consistent flow of communication with all of the aquarium’s team members, establishing a positive teamwork environment in meeting designated water quality parameters. Assures accurate communication with vendors for product and material ordering.

This position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Curator, Managers, and Marine Mammal Staff in assisting with the animal care routine and maintenance for the dolphin and otter areas. As an intern, you can expect to get hands-on experience in the daily care of our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and North American river otters and learn what it takes to be a marine mammal trainer. Throughout the internship, interns will learn various tasks required for the daily operation of a marine mammal facility; gain practical training experience by working closely with staff during training and enrichment sessions; and develop skills in time management, communication, and teamwork. The position will also be responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards. The goal is to help interns succeed professionally in any chosen field.

Join the Living Exhibits team, where your passion for animal care and conservation comes to life! We are a leader in designing and maintaining immersive, interactive animal exhibits that engage guests while supporting conservation efforts. As an Animal Care and Life Support Specialist, you’ll play a key role in maintaining vibrant aquatic habitats, supporting animal well-being, and enhancing the Stingray Cove guest experiences at renowned zoological facilities such as the St. Louis Zoo, Denver Zoo, Sedgwick County Zoo, and coming in 2026, the Detroit Zoo.

The O&M Specialist II assists departmental colleagues with the maintenance and operation of base building and life support systems or other building machinery and equipment as assigned. Performs water transfers, mixing salt, and backwashing of life support filters. Performs the shift duties of the other operators when needed, as assigned, which may include temporary placement on a shift schedule, to accommodate vacations and other absences.

TIME COMMITMENT:
3rd Shift: 11:00 pm – 7:00 am
Sunday through Thursday
Initial 2 weeks on 1st Shift, M-F for training/onboarding
Built-in On-site parking in the loading dock

The Construction & Maintenance Worker will support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission of saving species worldwide by performing a variety of skilled and semi-skilled work in the maintenance, construction, alteration, remodeling and repair of organization buildings, facilities, equipment and grounds; and performs related work as required. This position reports to the Lead Construction and Maintenance Worker or C&M Supervisor/Manager.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking a qualified applicant with experience in the operation of aquatic animal water filtration systems, ozone generation equipment and temperature control systems. General water chemistry and experience in repair and maintenance of mechanical systems is necessary.

This position will require working outdoors and working with hazardous chemicals. Selected candidate will work mostly in their specific craft but will be expected to assist in other construction and maintenance duties. This position requires successful completion of physical ability test.

The Shreveport Aquarium is seeking an Aquarist II to work with a variety of taxa in our facility with a strong focus on reptiles and quarantine. This position will work with part-time and full-time biologists and report to the Curator of Live Exhibits. The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of ambassador animal husbandry and proper quarantine protocol and methods. Experience must include life support maintenance and operation, aquarium maintenance, water quality, animal nutrition, and disease recognition.

Under the direction of the Director of Husbandry, the Life Support Systems Manager leads both the Life Support Systems and Water Quality teams. The LSS Team is responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and repair of all life support systems, both aquatic and terrestrial, while the Water Quality Team runs the Water Quality Laboratory in which water quality testing and analysis of salt and fresh water occurs. The Life Support Systems Manager uses independent judgment and critical thinking to problem solve, collaborate with team members, both within and outside of the LSS and Water Quality teams, and provide all necessary direction to LSS and Water Quality staff and volunteers. This role is a vital participant in the leadership of the Living Collections Department.