Water Quality Lab Manager
Provide advanced water chemistry support for aquatic animal habitats at The Florida Aquarium and the Aquarium’s Center for Conservation located on Apollo Beach, FL. Provide the leadership necessary to develop and manage a water quality team that provides 7 day/week coverage. As assigned, collaborate with the departments of Animal Care and Engineering on improvements to existing filtration/disinfection systems, and assess new applied technologies for water filtration and treatment. Work closely with the Engineering, Animal Care and Animal Health teams to develop a cohesive water quality management culture and philosophy. Provide support for initiatives designed to maximize water quality for animal wellbeing and help improve efficiency in the management of available water resources.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
• Oversees water chemistry analyses for all aquatic systems, manages and maintains water chemistry analytical equipment, and keeps appropriately stocked inventory of consumable supplies and reagents.
• Manages water quality data and ensures accurate record keeping utilizing TRACKS record keeping software.
• Manages the Water Quality Lab and its staff.
• Develops and maintains current relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensures compliance with all applicable water quality related regulatory and accreditation requirements of relevant agencies and organizations, for aquatic animal habitats and the aquarium’s in-water guest programs as appropriate.
• Provides oversight and interpretation of all water chemistry parameters pertinent to each aquatic system to help provide optimal wellbeing for the animal collection.
• Develops and implements Water Quality Lab safety protocols, making sure all staff members that handle associated chemicals and/or perform water quality lab procedures have, and use, the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), follow SOPs, dispose of hazardous waste, and store chemical reagents properly.
• Trains water quality staff and volunteers.
• Provides input and reviews plans relating to design and application of all water chemistry filtration, disinfection, and sensor/monitoring systems as appropriate
• Provides the necessary support knowledge , for troubleshooting and providing solutions to water quality issues while improving efficiency in management of available water resources.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
• Strong investigation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform basic to advanced analytical chemistry calculations.
• Demonstrated software skills in the MS operating system platform including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience in budgeting, budget management and personnel management.
• Available on-call for emergencies.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
• Aquatic Facility Operator Certification preferred.
• Proficiency in working and setting mounted and remote water sensors for automated filtration systems and data gathering.
• Experience with online record keeping software (ZIMS, Tracks, etc.) preferred
• Operational knowledge of aquatic animal life support system design and function, including disinfection techniques.
Education & Experience
• Degree in one of the following disciplines; chemistry, marine chemistry, environmental chemistry, or other relevant field of study. Additional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a related field and/or role, in marine or freshwater aquaria.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
• Sitting (4 hours per day)
• Standing (4 hours per day)
• Walking (4 hours per day)
• Climbing stairs —Frequently
• Reaching above shoulders — Occasionally
• Bending/Stooping/Squatting/Kneeling/Balancing — Frequently
• Crouching/Crawling — Occasionally
• Pushing/Pulling — Occasionally
• Carrying (up to 25 lbs.) — Occasionally
• Lifting (up to 25 lbs.) — Occasionally
Working Conditions
• Working near moving machinery — Occasionally
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
• Exposure to dust, fumes, and gases
• Typing on a computer keyboard
• Viewing a computer screen for extended periods
• Using hands for repetitive movements — fine manipulating
• Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained)
• Ability to travel (car) as needed — locally and/or nationally
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Available for on-call emergencies
