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Monterey Bay Aquarium · 6 hours ago

Water Quality Specialist II - Microbiology

Monterey, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$70K/yr - $75K/yr

2+ years exp

Monterey Bay Aquarium is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The Water Quality Specialist II - Microbiology will focus on microbiology testing and water quality analysis to support the aquarium's seawater systems and research projects, while also training staff and volunteers in laboratory procedures.

AquacultureArchitectureAssociationGovernmentNon Profit

Responsibilities

Analyze and interpret quality control and data results for water quality analyses and experimental data from research projects

Troubleshoot quality control issues and testing errors for water quality analyses, based on water quality data, standards, and equipment feedback

Design new methods, research proposals, and protocols for new water quality analyses and for research projects

Perform laboratory and tank-side analyses of Aquarium system water, including physical chemistry parameters (such as pH and dissolved oxygen) and nutrients (such as nitrogen and phosphate); techniques utilized include IDEXX quanti-trays and Tecta, heterotrophic plate counts, spectrophotometry, titration, HPLC, ICP-OES, and use of handheld meters. This includes preparation, set-up, analyses, and clean-up

Recommend corrective actions within the laboratory based on quality control troubleshooting and for water systems based on water quality data

Prepare standard curves, quality control standards, and reagents

Troubleshoot and repair laboratory equipment and auxiliary water systems, including lab RO units, desalination plant, and exhibit window wash systems

Train staff and volunteers in water quality analysis procedures and lab safety

Qualification

Microbiology testingWater quality analysisData analysisLaboratory safetyHPLCICP-OESUV spectrophotometryTraining skillsTeamworkProblem solvingAttention to detail

Preferred

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, hydrology, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience

Minimum of 2 years, after degree, practical experience in a laboratory, with a working knowledge of techniques and instrumentation used in analytical water chemistry

Advanced understanding of the microbiological, chemical and nutrient components and processes of seawater, including pH, alkalinity, and the nitrogen cycle

Excellent practical skills in lab equipment handling (pipettes, instruments, glassware)

Advanced working knowledge of lab and chemical safety

Demonstrated ability to train and teach other staff

Experience with data analysis and experimental design

Experience in an aquarium water quality lab or with aquarium water quality testing

Experience with UV spectrophotometry

Experience with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Experience with inductively coupled plasma elemental analysis (ICP-OES)

Familiarity with flow cytometry

Excellent attention to detail, organization, problem solving abilities, and planning skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium's Core Values

Must possess, or be able to obtain within the first 3 months of employment, a valid California driver's license in order to operate Monterey Bay Aquarium vehicles