Water Quality E.E. Just Fellow, Fall 2026

What is the E.E. Just Fellowship and Who Should Apply

The E.E. Just Fellowship at the South Carolina Aquarium is a workforce development program aimed at increasing diversity in the aquarium and conservation fields. In tribute to African American biologist and Charleston native Ernest Everett Just (1883-1941), the program seeks to increase pathways to science careers for HBCU college students and recent HBCU college graduates with coursework or degrees focused on chemistry, biochemistry, marine science, biology, environmental science or oceanography who have a passion for marine systems and conservation. The Water Quality Technician Fellowship is best suited for graduating or recent alumni with an interest in pursuing a water quality technician career in the field or in an aquarium location.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Fellow will work with and learn from the team responsible for the operation of the Water Quality Lab (including routine water quality analysis on all systems, maintenance and calibration of all water quality lab equipment, and manipulation of closed systems to reach specified water chemistry parameters) at the South Carolina Aquarium.  

Fellows will learn about collecting and using data to monitor the complex life support systems of the Aquarium, to report the data, and will work in the water quality chemical lab to measure and adjust systems in accordance with Aquarium processes and procedures to protect the animal collection.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies.
• Learn how the Aquarium water quality laboratory operates and functions to support the animal collection.
• Perform chemical analysis on all aquatic systems.
• Learn how the Aquarium acquires raw saltwater and its purification treatment.
• Work with team members to maintain freshwater purification systems.
• Collect and interprets data, records and monitors changes in data for follow up.
• Logs and reports analyzed results to the appropriate staff.
• Keeps accurate records and maintains equipment.
• Uses safety protocols.

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports the mission by participating in Aquarium sponsored programs and events on a regular basis.
• Participates in special projects such as helping with member programs and assisting the aquarist staff with unusual tasks and projects, as needed.  May also identify life support system problems and suggest possible solutions.
• Learns about the living collection, basic aquariology, and exposure to field collection activities.
• Maintains accurate records such as water analysis information and enters this data into computerized files.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Previous experience with analytic equipment in a laboratory setting.
• Willing to learn ozone application/monitoring and automated life support systems.
• Knowledge of freshwater and saltwater chemistry.
• Understands proper use of industrial tools and equipment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with others in a team environment.
• Basic swimming ability.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, Oceanography, or biological sciences with a strong chemistry background.

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LICENSE & CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Valid driver’s license required. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal office environment.
• Frequent wet and slippery surroundings.
• Frequent hot or cold settings.
• Frequent exposure to fumes, smoke, odors, acids, caustic chemicals, etc.
• Occasional contact with customers and the public
• Occasional collecting of specimens in marine, freshwater or terrestrial environments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Fellows will be provided with a $14.50 hourly stipend. 
• Housing stipend available.  
• We offer professional development workshops to help you become a more competitive job candidate. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel classified.

The Aquarium is an "at-will" employer, and as such, employment with the Aquarium is not for a fixed term or definite period and may be terminated at the will of either party, with or without cause, and without prior notice.