Water Quality Laboratory Technician
Demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times through a positive, can-do attitude, and teamwork focused work ethic.
Working as a Water Quality Laboratory Technician, you will be responsible for conducting the day-to-day testing of Mystic Aquarium’s aquatic habitats and report all data to director, curator, manager, veterinarian, and husbandry staff to ensure optimal water quality.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
1. Collect water samples and analyze using current and proven laboratory techniques and record the results. Monitor levels of various parameters and analytes including pH, salinity, conductivity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, chlorine, copper, phosphates, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and magnesium.
2. Support Water Quality Manager with the training of interns and volunteers.
3. Ensure compliance with State and Federal water quality and discharge testing and reporting requirements.
4. Assist with the completion of the discharge monitoring reports (DMRs)
5. Communicate results with Water Quality Manager to make sure that all water quality parameters are always meeting, or exceeding AZA, USDA, and Mystic Aquarium standards.
6. Communicate any deviations in water quality to manager.
7. Ensure the highest level of hygiene in the laboratory by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all benchtops and laboratory equipment immediately after use and storing items in their appropriate locations.
8. Follow all quality assurance procedures as noted in the Quality Assurance Plan.
9. Take inventory and check for expired reagents or chemicals.
10. Maintain laboratory environment and its data, ensure digital and hard copy files are up to date.
11. Perform microbiological examination of exhibits, testing enterococcus, total and fecal coliforms to ensure compliance.
12. Arrive for shift on time and ready to work.
13. Be available to work overtime if required.
14. Other duties as assigned.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Minimum Job Requirements: Must be willing to consistently provide guest service above and beyond expectation.
• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline and/or certification in water chemistry or laboratory technology.
• 1 years’ experience of working in an environmental lab or other lab setting preferred.
• Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO) Level I Water Quality Certification or the ability to get certified within 1 year of hiring preferred.
• Experience using standard laboratory methods and procedures required.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail required.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Must be willing and flexible to work weekends and holidays.
• Multilingual; Spanish speaking preferred.
