Position Summary

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.

Essential Position Duties

• 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.

Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills

• 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.
• Experience with reading and interpretating standard operating procedures preferred. 

Core Value Competencies

• Service Oriented - Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation, and friendliness with staff, interns, and volunteers. Actively listens, anticipates, and evaluates internal customer needs. Ensures customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages customers while fulfilling job duties.
• Attention to detail - Carefully follows procedures and instructions to ensure accuracy in results. Provides consistent and timely work free of errors and omissions.
• Teamwork - Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments for organizational success. Contributes to a positive, supportive and encouraging work environment. Demonstrates respect for other’s opinions, trusts in their abilities and recognizes their contributions. Assumes positive intent in all interactions, giving colleagues the benefit of the doubt.
• Technical Knowledge - Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization. Works to increase informational network.
• Accountability - Demonstrates the ability to complete tasks punctually, meet deadlines and follow through on commitments.  Takes responsibility for actions and behavior and learns from experiences.
• Initiative - Demonstrates the ability to proactively seek opportunities and solutions to challenges. Demonstrates self-motivation in completing job requirements and consistently strives to improve performance. Initiates new ideas by challenging the status quo to find new ways to do things better. Asks questions and seeks guidance when needed.
• Communication - Effectively expresses ideas and ensures spoken or written communications are complete, clear and understandable. Actively listens and openly communicates with others. Ensures information is conveyed in a timely and appropriate manner. Encourages others to express their views. Positively accepts feedback and offers constructive feedback to others.
• Organization - Demonstrates good time management practices, maintains a neat and organized workstation. Arrives at work and to meetings on time and prepared.

Typical 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)
• Ability to travel as needed — locally and/or nationally
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays