The Water Quality Lab Technician works with the Water Quality Manager to conduct daily water quality analyses on all aquatic systems and water sources. The Water Quality Technician assists in ensuring high-quality consistency in water quality parameters to maintain optimal health and environments for all animals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Responsible for daily water analyses on all aquatic systems which include (but not limited to) salinity, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, total copper, ORP, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, chlorine, magnesium, calcium.
Assists with calibration/maintenance of ion chromatography and atomic absorption spectroscopy systems.
Conducts routine inventory and maintains lab stock.
Assists in the planning of short- and long-term goals as related to water quality, including supplies, logistics, and other resources.
Responsible for electrode/probe calibration, general maintenance of lab equipment, minor equipment repair, and lab cleanliness.
Ensures high-quality consistency in water parameters to maintain optimal health and environments for all animals, through Quality Assurance and Quality Assessment.
Uses computer database, Tracks to report results obtained from all analyses.
Assists Water Quality Manager in communicating water quality results to husbandry and life support systems staff. Assists in the preparation and the submission of routine data reports.
Monitoring and maintaining therapeutic medication levels in quarantine tanks undergoing treatment, nitrogen cycling in new systems, coliform and chlorine levels in marine mammal systems, and pH levels.
Conducting system bacterial analysis through monitoring Enterococcus and Coliform to ensure that life support system filtration is operating satisfactorily.
Assists with volunteer supervision.
When possible, participates in aquarist, mammologist, and aviculturist tasks to promote skill diversification and to aid during periods of reduced staff availability.
KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS
Working knowledge using the following equipment is highly desirable: ion chromatograph, pH meter, salinity meter, UV/vis spectrophotometer, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer, incubators, microscopes, dissolved oxygen meter, balances, ORP electrodes, stir/hot plates, and computers.
Familiar with ozonation equipment and safety, closed system filtration, microbiology and skills in bacterial culture techniques is highly desirable.
Ability to work in Excel and Tracks database.
Good problem-solving and excellent laboratory skills.
Knowledgeable in safety procedures, clean up and disposal of waste and spills.
Maintains knowledge of current techniques and equipment in pertinent fields of water quality, chemistry, and microbiology.
Interacts and exchanges information with other researchers, institutions, and organizations.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental science, aquatic biology, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of one (1) year working experience in a water quality laboratory.
Previous experience in keeping closed aquarium systems desirable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time
Ability to balance bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist
Ability to lift and carry up to 0-50lbs
Ability to pull and push up to 0-50lbs
Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power…