Water Quality Lab Manager

Provide advanced water chemistry support for aquatic animal habitats at The Florida Aquarium and the Aquarium’s Center for Conservation located on Apollo Beach, FL. Provide the leadership necessary to develop and manage a water quality team that provides 7 day/week coverage. As assigned, collaborate with the departments of Animal Care and Engineering on improvements to existing filtration/disinfection systems, and assess new applied technologies for water filtration and treatment. Work closely with the Engineering, Animal Care and Animal Health teams to develop a cohesive water quality management culture and philosophy. Provide support for initiatives designed to maximize water quality for animal wellbeing and help improve efficiency in the management of available water resources.

Essential Position Duties

• Oversees water chemistry analyses for all aquatic systems, manages and maintains water chemistry analytical equipment, and keeps appropriately stocked inventory of consumable supplies and reagents.
• Manages water quality data and ensures accurate record keeping utilizing TRACKS record keeping software.
• Manages the Water Quality Lab and its staff.
• Develops and maintains current relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensures compliance with all applicable water quality related regulatory and accreditation requirements of relevant agencies and organizations, for aquatic animal habitats and the aquarium’s in-water guest programs as appropriate.
• Provides oversight and interpretation of all water chemistry parameters pertinent to each aquatic system to help provide optimal wellbeing for the animal collection.
• Develops and implements Water Quality Lab safety protocols, making sure all staff members that handle associated chemicals and/or perform water quality lab procedures have, and use, the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), follow SOPs, dispose of hazardous waste, and store chemical reagents properly.
• Trains water quality staff and volunteers.
• Provides input and reviews plans relating to design and application of all water chemistry filtration, disinfection, and sensor/monitoring systems as appropriate
• Provides the necessary support knowledge , for troubleshooting and providing solutions to water quality issues while improving efficiency in management of available water resources.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills

• Degree in one of the following disciplines; chemistry, marine chemistry, environmental chemistry, or other relevant field of study. Additional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a related field and/or role, in marine or freshwater aquaria.
• Aquatic Facility Operator Certification preferred.
• Proficiency in working and setting mounted and remote water sensors for automated filtration systems and data gathering.
• Experience with online record keeping software (ZIMS, Tracks, etc.) preferred
• Operational knowledge of aquatic animal life support system design and function, including disinfection techniques.
• Strong investigation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform basic to advanced analytical chemistry calculations.
• Demonstrated software skills in the MS operating system platform including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 
• Experience in budgeting, budget management and personnel management.
• Available on-call for emergencies.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Core Value Competencies

• Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork - Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments for organizational success.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and initiative, seeks to understand before being understood.
• Fosters a positive, supportive, and encouraging work environment.
• Demonstrates respect for other’s opinions, trusts in their abilities and recognizes their contributions.
• Communication (oral and written) — Effectively expressing ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listening to individuals and groups;
• preparing and focusing presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience;
• expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents
• Planning and organizing — Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the aquarium; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources in the most efficient and effective way;
• developing contingency plans that anticipate changes in the work environment
• Reliability/Accountability - Demonstrates the ability to complete tasks punctually, meet deadlines and follow through on commitments. Provides consistent and timely work free of errors and omissions.
• Demonstrates good time management skills by using time effectively and efficiently.
• Arrives at work and meetings on time.
• Takes responsibility for actions and behavior and learns from experiences.
• Customer Service Orientation — Listening to and understanding the customer (both internal and external) and anticipating and evaluating the customer’s needs; making the customer’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility
• Problem Solving/Judgment - Provides realistic solutions in a timely manner based on consideration of alternatives and consequences.
• Demonstrates ability to evaluate alternatives and make judgments based on facts and the best interests of the organization.
• Demonstrates the courage to innovate and change when appropriate.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies

Typical Physical Requirements:

• Sitting (4 hours per day)
• Standing (4 hours per day)
• Walking (4 hours per day)
• Climbing stairs —Frequently
• Reaching above shoulders — Occasionally
• Bending/Stooping/Squatting/Kneeling/Balancing — Frequently
• Crouching/Crawling — Occasionally
• Pushing/Pulling — Occasionally
• Carrying (up to 25 lbs.) — Occasionally
• Lifting (up to 25 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
• Using hands for repetitive movements — fine manipulating
• 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 (car) as needed — locally and/or nationally
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Available for on-call emergencies

Perks

• Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• EAP,
• Memberships,
• and more!