Water Quality Supervisor

Water Quality Supervisor
FULL TIME, ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS

DESCRIPTION
The Water Quality Manager is responsible for the supervision of the
water quality laboratory and for daily water analyses on all water
systems. This includes the development of water quality procedures and
protocols, and the monitoring of elements such as salinity, pH, and
nitrogen on all systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Supervises the Water Quality Lab Assistant and any student
interns, volunteers, or summer aides that may assist with water quality
analyses. Trains new personnel in lab procedures including the
interpretation of data, use of water analysis equipment, and safety.
2. Responsible for ordering all necessary equipment with approval
of the Director of Husbandry. Conducts routine inventory and maintains
lab stock.
3. Develops laboratory protocols and procedures for standardization
of water quality analyses.
4. Under the supervision and direction of the Director of
Husbandry, plans for short and long term goals as related to water
quality, including supplies, logistics, and other resources.
5. Under the supervision and direction of the Director of
Husbandry, develops the operating budget necessary to run the lab.
6. Oversees the lab's quality control through probe calibration,
maintenance of lab equipment, minor equipment repair, and lab
cleanliness.
7. Ensures high quality consistency in water parameters in order to
maintain optimal health and environments for all animals.
8. Develops and maintains computer databases of results obtained
from all analyses. Closely monitors trends in water quality parameters
and communicates with the Curators on a daily basis.
9. Communicates water quality analyses to husbandry and life
support systems staff on a daily basis, or as needed. Prepares and
submits weekly and monthly data summaries and writes clear, concise
reports.
10. Responsible for daily water quality analyses on all water
systems which include (but not limited to) temperature, salinity, pH,
ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, copper sulfate, ORP, alkalinity, dissolved
oxygen, phosphate, chlorine, bromine, magnesium, strontium, dissolved
organics, calcium, iodine, and carbon dioxide.
11. Obtains and transports samples to outside laboratories for
analysis when needed.
12. Monitors and maintains copper levels in quarantine tanks
undergoing treatment, nitrogen cycling in new systems, coliform and
chlorine levels in marine mammal systems, and pH levels.
13. Conducts system bacterial analysis through bacterial culture,
identification, and population counts in order to ensure that life
support system filtration is operating satisfactorily.
14. Develops and refines all lab safety protocols and ensures
adherence to same. Maintains open lines of communication with AoP
Safety Officer to ensure continuing compliance with all laws and
regulations.
15. Participates in aquarist, mammalogist, and aviculturist tasks to
promote skill diversification and to provide assistance during periods
of reduced staff availability.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
1. Working knowledge using the following equipment is required:
Ion Chromatograph, pH meter, salinity meter, spectrophotometer,
incubators, microscopes, dissolved oxygen meter, balances, ORP probes,
stir/hot plates, and computers.
2. Excellent problem solving skills.
3. Excellent laboratory skills.
4. Proficient in safety procedures, clean up and disposal of waste
and spills.
5. Maintains knowledge of current techniques and equipment in
pertinent fields of water quality, chemistry, and microbiology.
6. Comfort and familiarity with MS Word, Excel, FileMaker Pro.
7. Excellent communication skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree in chemistry, environmental science, aquatic
biology, or equivalent experience is required.
2. Minimum of three (3) years working experience in a water quality
laboratory is desirable.
3. Previous experience in keeping closed aquarium systems
desirable.
4. Must have a thorough understanding of sea water chemistry,
particularly as it applies to aquarium systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
* Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs on a regular basis
* Must be able to work flexible hours and a compressed workweek
covering all days of the week including holidays. This schedule may
change based on the needs of the aquarium.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
* Must be able to work in an industrial work environment,
including areas with low headroom, difficult access and heights
* Must be able to work around and use hazardous chemicals with
proper PPE

INTERESTED & QUALIFIED?
As part of our ongoing environmental commitment to be "GREEN," we
strongly prefer that you EMAIL your resume in confidence to
JOBS@LBAOP.ORG. Please indicate on subject line: "Water Quality
Supervisor."
The Aquarium of the Pacific is an Equal Opportunity Employer.