Water Quality and Environmental Technician

The Water Quality and Environmental Technician at Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport, MS, is responsible for laboratory duties including sample testing, data management, and equipment maintenance. The role supports Facility Operations and Animal Care, requiring a bachelor's degree in a related field and experience with water quality in aquaria. Responsibilities include developing SOPs, maintaining lab supplies, and assisting with life support systems. The position is not remote.
Position Summary:

The position reports to the Manager of Life Support Systems & Water Quality. The Water Quality & Environmental Technician is expected to perform all duties of the Water Quality Laboratory including sample gathering and testing, quality control, data interpretation, data entry as well as aid in troubleshooting and correction of parameters. Water Quality and Environmental Technician is to assist in developing relevant SOPs and protocols, maintain and calibrate equipment, stock laboratory supplies, and aid in Mississippi Aquarium research & development. This position will provide regular coverage for basic LSS duties. The position supports Facility Operations, Animal Care and Veterinary Services to provide the highest environmental quality for the animal collection of the Mississippi Aquarium.

Requirements:

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, in biology, chemistry, marine biology, or a related field. Applicants should have experience in maintaining water parameters in closed-system aquaria in a public aquarium or zoo setting. A comprehensive knowledge of water quality parameters for fresh, brackish and marine systems is highly preferred. Applicants will have familiarity with closed-system life support, for both small and large exhibits. A strong understanding of lab safety protocols and requirements as well as experience with spectrophotometry, titration methods, handheld sensors and other commonly used lab equipment is a must. Applicant should have familiarity with basic microbiology techniques, as they relate to zoos and aquariums. AALSO certification of Water Quality II or greater is a plus.

Accountabilities:
• Follow established objectives, protocols, policies and operating procedures to ensure the most successful, efficient, effective and professional laboratory space and aquatic exhibits at Mississippi Aquarium.
• Assist the Facility Operations department in developing operational and procedural manuals for all operations pertaining to the water quality laboratory and life support systems.
• Assist Facility Operations with setting a schedule and keeping records for routine equipment calibration, chemical additions, and water change frequencies.
• Assist Facility Operations with saltwater make up via operating heavy machinery (crane, forklift).
• Under the supervision of the Manager of LSS/WQ, maintains chemical inventory for the WQ Lab, following regulatory guidelines and Mississippi Aquarium’s internal safety standards.
• Assist in basic Life Support Systems coverage, including automated systems and remote work as needed.
• Assist Facility Operations with routine laboratory procurement and maintain within budgeted expenditures.
• Assist Facility Operations with training and monitoring of interns and volunteers.
• Communicate and maintain working relationships with guests, staff, supervisors, other departments, suppliers, professional associations, and colleagues in related industries. The desire to travel and present projects at conferences is a plus.
• Participate in staff meetings and provide input for improvements of the water quality lab, animal care and life support operations.
• Maintain awareness of industry-related activities, technology and trends. Maintain awareness of newly developing husbandry practices as they relate to WQ testing and system parameters.
• Undertake special projects assigned by the Manager of LSS/WQ and the Director of Property Operations.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

TEAM REQUIREMENTS
• Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
• Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest’s experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift.
• Sales & Guest Services - Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.
• Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our Organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.