The Water Quality Laboratory Technician II will work with a diverse team in the daily operation of a multi-faceted environmental health laboratory that supports the animal collection at Georgia Aquarium. The person in this position will work collaboratively with Animal Care Teams, Life Support Systems, Plant Engineering, Education and Animal Health staff in the implementation of best practices to ultimately yield the highest standard of aquatic animal care.
Responsibilities:
- Works within the Environmental Health Laboratory under the direction of the Sr. Manager, Environmental Health, Sr. Environmental Analysts, and the Analytical Chemist to carry out routine water quality analyses using a diversity of methods including spectrophotometry, titrations, coliform testing, and various electrode methods, adhering to highest standards of laboratory practice.
- Evaluates, manages, and clearly communicates information from laboratory analyses and analysis of habitat environmental factors.
- Assists in the development of new laboratory methods as directed.
- Maintains and troubleshoots instrumentation and follows through on repairs, if necessary, with guidance from senior staff and management.
- Handles and accurately dispenses chemical additives, adhering to OSHA safety requirements.
- Is able to identify potential problems or variances and solicit assistance from Senior Laboratory Staff and Management.
- Is on-call for emergency duty during certain critical time periods (i.e., during animal transports, critical medical cases, etc.)
- Helps to train and direct the activities of GAI laboratory volunteers and interns.
- Interacts with guests, media, and the general public on behalf of, and as an ambassador for, Georgia Aquarium Inc.
- Performs other duties as workload necessitates.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a biological or chemical science.
- Demonstrated 6 months laboratory experience and familiarity with basic concepts such as laboratory safety, workflow organization, data management and quality control.
- Practical experience with analytical methods such as spectrophotometry and/or chromatographic methods is desired.
- Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze and manage various types of data.
- Excellent organizational skills and effective problem solving skills.
- Superior verbal and written communication skills with scientific language are essential. A desire and ability to develop and deliver presentations or documents based on laboratory work is preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or LIMS-style laboratory workflow management software.
- An ability to work independently or as part of a coordinated team.
- An intrinsically motivated, enthusiastic, and positive approach to working with a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
- Demonstrated professionalism, including politeness, good judgment, effective time management, punctuality, and an appreciation for diversity.
- Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements.
- Be receptive to cross training with other departments such as Life Support and Veterinary Services as needed and as time permits.
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 50 pounds 100 feet.
- 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.
- An employee must also have the ability to travel by car, boat, and air as needed, conduct field work in the collection and research of animals, and maintain daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals.
Commitment:
- I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:
Mission:
- Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.
Vision:
- To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.
Values:
- Respect,
- Teamwork,
- Integrity,
- Innovation,
- Leadership,
- Excellence,
- Appreciation
- Inclusion
