Water Quality Technician

Water Quality Technician

The Florida Aquarium //
Tampa, Florida //
Apply by: July 28, 2025

Provide water chemistry support for all animal aquatic habitats at The Florida Aquarium (TFA), the Aquarium’s Turtle Rescue and Coral Conservation and Research Center (CCRC) and other offsite aquatic habitats. Work collaboratively and build good working relationships with the Engineering and Animal Care & Health teams to develop and maintain a cohesive and service-focused water quality management culture and philosophy.

Functions & Responsibilities

Essential Functions

– Support TFA by performing day-to-day water chemistry analyses for all aquatic systems.
– Communicates daily with co-workers regarding water quality results as they relate to animal wellbeing and exhibit function/appearance.
– Perform microbiological analysis of animal habitats testing total coliforms and communicate any results outside of established acceptable ranges.
– Review and communicate inventory on a weekly basis.
– Monitor equipment and processes for normal operation and report changes as needed.
– Assist with maintenance of water quality monitoring equipment.
– Maintain current and accurate water quality records.
– Ensures compliance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and American Humane Association (AHA) standards as well as complying with federal, state and local regulatory agencies.
– Interface effectively with other departments to provide the information necessary to maintain the highest degree of animal wellbeing.
– Follow and maintain all safety policies and procedures.
– Provide the highest level of hygiene in the laboratory by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all benchtops and laboratory equipment immediately after use, and ensuring items are stored in appropriate locations.
– Available for emergencies, after-hours water quality monitoring needs, and with notice, able to adjust work schedule to support The Florida Aquarium water quality operations as needed.
– Support TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis.
– Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

  • Experience with reading and interpreting standard operating procedures preferred.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in one of the following disciplines: biology or chemistry, or relevant experience with aquatic animal water chemistry.
  • Minimum 1 year’s unpaid or paid experience working in a laboratory setting, including but not limited to college laboratory experience.
Job Requirements

Physical Requirements

  • Sitting / standing / walking (8 hours per day)
  • Bending/Stooping/Squatting/Kneeling— Frequently
  • Climbing stairs —Frequently
  • Reaching above shoulders — Occasionally
  • Crouching — Occasionally
  • Pushing/Pulling — Occasionally
  • Carrying (up to 50 lbs.) — Occasionally
  • Lifting (up to 50 lbs.) — Occasionally
  • 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
  • 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)
Salary & Benefits
Salary: $20.60 - 21.60 / hour