Aquarium and Facility Operations Manager Position Available In [Unknown county], Florida

Aquarium and Facility Operations Manager Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, Sanibel, Florida Closing Date:

Aug 01,2025 Opportunity
The Aquarium and Facility Operations Manager is responsible for maintaining the aquatic life support systems (LSS) and managing key aspects of the basic infrastructure of the Museum & Aquarium. This position plays an important role in assuring optimal conditions for the animal collection and contributes to a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment for staff and visitors. This is a full-time position with benefits. Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of LSS equipment including pumps, filters, and associated piping systems.
• Ensure water quality parameters meet the specific needs of the animal collection by collaborating with veterinary and animal care staff.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules for LSS components to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to life support systems.
• Manage the maintenance and repair of the facility’s physical infrastructure, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, security/fire, landscape; coordinating with external vendors as needed.
• Develop and implement maintenance plans.
• Provide general facility support as needed across departments for a museum and aquarium that is open to the public daily.
• Monitor and control budgeted expenses, including procurement of equipment, parts, and supplies for life support and facility operations.
• Working with staff and departments, implement emergency response protocols related to LSS failures, facility issues, and other crises.
• Play a key role on the Museum’s hurricane readiness and response team.
• Be available to address urgent facility or life support system issues. Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Aquarium Science, Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field is preferred but not required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of aquatic life support systems, water quality management, and mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with building maintenance practices, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Preference for experience in life support system operations and/or facility management within a zoo, aquarium, or similar environment.
• Preference for knowledge of regulatory requirements related to animal care, or certifications related to aquatic animal life support operations (e.g., AALSO certification).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and occasional evening events as needed.

About the Museum
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium with a primary focus on shells, mollusks, marine life, and conservation education. It is a non-profit, educational organization that and is accredited by both the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Museum’s permanent exhibits include the Great Hall of Shells which is one of the largest public exhibitions of shells in the world, and 11 aquariums and touch pools that exhibit hundreds of animals including octopuses, conchs, Giant Clam, California Sea Hare, fish, corals, and many more. Temporary exhibitions, publications, and a year-round schedule of educational offerings for all ages assure a dynamic, ever-evolving program.
In a typical year the Museum welcomes about 60,000 visitors with tens of thousands more served by offsite educational and outreach programs. The Museum’s home of Sanibel and the surrounding Southwest Florida region is considered by many to the best beach and shelling destination in the United States, and one of the most desirable places to live. To Apply
Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and three references by email to rpowell@shellmuseum.org.