Water Quality Technician (Aquarium)

JOB SUMMARY: Under leadership of the water quality lead, this person will be responsible for all aspects of water chemistry including testing, make-up, treatment, and laboratory equipment and chemicals. This is a full-time hourly position with hours that may vary and may include weekend shifts.

**This is a safety sensitive position and as such, medical marijuana is not permitted.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES:

• Collect water samples throughout the aquarium and run predetermined analysis on them on a daily schedule.
• Update logs and tank chemistries on a daily basis to communicate with the husbandry staff.
• Coordinate daily work effort of the department staff through effective communication.
• Communicate issues with water quality, exhibits, and staff to biology supervisor.
• Work with the husbandry department to ensure good water quality.
• Maintain inventory of chemicals and equipment to perform the duties of the lab.
• Treatment and Quarantine –maintain chemical treatment levels in tanks.
• Perform daily additions of chemical to tank to maintain proper water parameters.
• Develop and maintain the biological filtration throughout the facility to ensure that all tanks and exhibits are ready to receive animals and any time.
• Work with Biology supervisor to ensure quarantine space is available as needed to quarantine animals and get them moved to their finished exhibits in a timely manner.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES/ACTIVITIES:

• Ensure that chemistry records are maintained and completed in a timely manner.
• Manage lab interns and volunteers within their department.
• Maintains working knowledge of the nitrogen cycle.
• Conducts literature reviews and/or hands- on research as needed.
• Assists with physicals of elasmobranchs as needed.
• Participate in collecting trips, fieldwork and animal transports.
• Maintains knowledge of industry innovations and new techniques.
• Communicates regularly with professional colleagues at other institutions.
• Assist husbandry as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry, aquatic sciences or related field; or 2-4 years of experience working in water quality at a public aquarium, zoo, or animal care facility.
• Working knowledge of water filtration systems including; biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration.
• Thorough understanding of the nitrogen cycle.
• Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and follow safety protocols.
• Ability to be flexible with changing exhibits and the needs of those exhibits.
• High degree of concentration and attention to detail.
• Good record keeping skills.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
• The ability to lift 50lbs and stand/walk for long periods of time in adverse conditions (cramped spaces, cold water, wet environment).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software.
• Schedule may include weekends and holidays with 24-hour availability seven days a week for emergencies.
• Public speaking experience.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The duties of the Water Quality Apprentice will be performed inside and outside of the Oklahoma Aquarium. The Water Quality Apprentice must possess the ability to stand/work for long periods of time in adverse conditions (cramped spaces, cold water, and wet environment). Work environment is team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an aquatic setting. Continuous standing, with upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. Frequent side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist. Frequent squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals. Frequent lifting of 60 pounds while working in adverse conditions (cramped spaces, cold water and wet environment).

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.96 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17