Life Support Operator
Full-Time Life Support Operator at City of Saint Paul
Available Openings: 1
Posted Date: July 23, 2025
Industry: Government
Pay Type: Hourly
Compensation: $28.54 - $39.85
Education Preferred: Yes
Education Level: Bachelor's Degree
E-Verify: Yes
Criminal Background: Case-by-Case Review
To Apply

Join the Team that Keeps Como's Aquatic Life Thriving!

The City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department is hiring a Life Support Operator to help ensure the health and safety of aquatic life at Como Zoo and Conservatory. This essential role is responsible for the daily operation, inspection, maintenance, and monitoring of complex life support systems that sustain aquatic exhibits and animal habitats.

Please note: This position is currently 32 hours per week, with the potential to increase to 40 hours per week in the future based on department needs and funding.

Responsibilities

Here's what you can expect to do:

  • Operate, maintain, and monitor advanced life support systems including pumps, ozone generators, filtration units, and chillers.
  • Perform daily water quality testing and coordinate with laboratory staff to ensure proper chemical balance and animal health.
  • Troubleshoot and repair system issues and equipment malfunctions to prevent disruptions to animal habitats.
  • Conduct routine preventative maintenance and system inspections to ensure consistent, high-quality operation.
  • Maintain accurate records of water testing, system performance, and maintenance activities.

Qualifications

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Chemistry, Zoology, Engineering, Physics, or a related field, and
  • Three or more years of experience with life support systems, current within the last five years. Experience must include the majority of the following: operating, maintaining, and building life support systems for marine and freshwater systems, experience with pumps, filters, fractionators, UV sterilizers, heat exchangers, ozone systems, and automated control equipment.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class D Driver's License or equivalent out-of-state driver's license.
  • Must possess Scuba Certification by the end of the six-month probationary period.

Preferred Qualification:

  • Experience working in an AZA accredited institution.

A combination of education and experience to equal 7 years or more can be used to qualify for the position.

City of Saint Paul

Contact: Heidi Lee
Phone 651-266-6532
Email Heidi.lee@ci.stpaul.mn.us
25 W 4th St, St Paul, MN
Suite 200 City Hall Annex
Saint Paul, Ramsey, Minnesota 55102
US
Transit: On bus line