Life Support Operator
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.
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.
For more information and essential functions, see our Life Support Operator job description.
Location and Schedule:
This position is based at Como Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul. The standard schedule is 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with regular Saturday shifts required. Schedule may vary depending on operational needs.
Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits (Download PDF reader), including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.
Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.
Position Requirements
- 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.
How to Apply
- Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
- Upload or submit the following document via the online application system. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
- A resume
First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.
Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.
Learn more about our Hiring Process
Assessment: Qualifications Rating
The Qualifications Rating is an assessment of your completed application and answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Be as specific and detailed as possible in completing your application and questionnaire. You must submit your completed application and supplemental questionnaire by the application deadline.
Eligible Lists Created from Open Job Posting: You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the assessment and be considered for the position. Non-promotion eligible lists typically are pass/fail and promotion eligible lists are typically ranked. If the open eligible list created contains a veteran, one open list will exist. When there are no veterans remaining on the eligible list (i.e. hired, withdrawn) from an open list that also contains promotional candidates, two lists will be created: one open list and one promotion list. If two lists exist, the promotion list must be exhausted before the open list is considered.
Final Selection Process: Those who pass will be placed on an eligible list for approximately six months and all will be notified of their status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.
Pre-Employment Screening: This position requires a medical examination, driver’s license check, and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. Candidates will be required to submit proof of education to Human Resources upon conditional job offer, if qualifying based on education.
Human Resources Contact Information:
Michelle LeBow at 651-266-6519
Email: michelle.lebow@stpaul.gov
The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.
Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Employer
City of Saint Paul
Address
25 West Fourth Street, Suite 200 City Hall Annex
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55102
Phone
651-266-6500
Website