Water Quality & Environmental Lab Technician III
The position reports to the Director of Facility Operations. Technician is expected to perform all aspects of the Water Quality Laboratory including sample testing, quality control, data interpretation, data entry as well as aide in troubleshooting and correction of parameters. Technician is to assist in developing relevant SOPs and protocols, maintain and calibrate equipment, stock laboratory supplies, and aide in Mississippi Aquarium research & development. The position supports Facility Operations, Animal Care and Veterinary Services to provide the highest environmental quality for the animal collection of the Mississippi Aquarium.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
1. Perform objectives, protocols, policies and operating procedures to ensure the most successful, efficient, effective, and professional aquatic exhibits and the related operations of the Mississippi Aquarium.
2. Assist the Facility Operations department in developing operational and procedural manuals for all operations pertaining to the water quality laboratory and life support systems.
3. Assist Facility Operations with setting schedule and completing routine equipment calibration ad water change frequencies.
4. Assist Facility Operations with saltwater make up and quality control.
5. Under the supervision of the Director of Facility Operations, maintains chemical inventory which includes oversight of Safety Data Sheets accordance with industry standards and procedures set by the Mississippi Aquarium.
6. Assist in supervision and maintaining records of laboratory equipment, including routine calibrations, preventative maintenance and minor repairs.
7. Assist Director of Facility Operations with routine laboratory procurement and maintain within budgeted expenditures.
8. Assist Facility Operation department with training and monitoring of interns and volunteers.
9. Communicate and maintain working relationship with guests, staff, supervisors, other departments, suppliers, professional associations, and colleagues in related industries.
10. Participate in staff meetings and provide input for improvements of the water quality lab, animal care and life support operations.
11. Maintain awareness of industry-related activities and trends.
12. Undertake special projects as assigned by the Director of Facility Operations.
Skills & Experience
Education & Experience
Applicants must have a Bachelors degree in Biology, Chemistry, Marine Biology, or related field. Applicants should have experience in maintaining closed system aquaria in a public aquarium setting and a comprehensive knowledge of water quality parameters for fresh, brackish and marine systems is highly preferred. Familiarity with closed system life support for both small and large exhibits. Strong understanding and experience with spectrophotometry, titrations and handheld meters is a must. Understanding of basic microbiology techniques is a definite plus.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
he physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell – any or all of which may be for extended periods. The employee must often lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.
