A life support technician is responsible for maintaining the functionality of water systems throughout a facility. Aquariums and zoos have extremely complex systems for supporting the life of their aquatic and semi aquatic collection animals. Even those animals that do not live in water must drink – so providing quality potable water is of the utmost importance as well. Whether the system is salt water or fresh water, complex or simple – the life support specialist must be knowledgeable enough to break it down and put it back together. Being handy with tools and having the capacity to learn the environmental parameters that various species need in order to thrive are critical skills that are needed in this position.