Water Quality Lab Technician

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Maintenance Department seeks an experienced Water Quality Lab Lead to supervise and coordinate the zoo's water quality program, ensuring accurate testing, data integrity, and regulatory compliance.

This full-time union position leads lab staff, maintains SOPs, calibrates instruments, analyzes results, and partners with Animal Care, Veterinary, and Maintenance to support animal health and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, aquatic science, or related field.
• At least one year of water chemistry or aquatic systems experience.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating laboratory operations.
• Valid driver's license and insurability to drive a Zoo vehicle.
• Ability to stoop, bend, climb, lift and carry 50 lbs.
• AALSO certification strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of QA/QC, data review, and safe chemical handling.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Zoo's water quality monitoring program for aquatic habitats and features.
• Supervise, train, and support laboratory staff; assign daily work and set performance expectations.
• Establish and review SOPs, QC practices, sampling plans, testing methods, and documentation.
• Review, interpret, and communicate water quality results; coordinate corrective actions.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of laboratory and field instrumentation.
• Ensure lab safety, cleanliness, and inspection readiness.
• Manage water quality analysis for marine mammals, fish, and other habitats.
• Maintain records, dashboards, and reports; analyze data for trends and risks.
• Partner with Life Support Systems and Maintenance on aquatic systems operations.
• Coordinate staffing, supplies, service contracts, vendors, and inventory.
• Support design and modification of aquatic exhibits with water quality requirements.
• Support audits, inspections, and continuous-improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Water quality

Laboratory coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Maintenance Department of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to serve as Water Quality Lab Lead.

Position Summary:

This is a full-time (40 hours per week with benefits), Union position. Employment is subject to successful completion of the required probationary or trial period and the deduction of union dues.

Reporting within the Maintenance Department, the Water Quality Lab Tech provides technical leadership and day-to-day coordination for the Zoo's water quality laboratory program. The position coordinates chemical and biological testing, consistent laboratory practices, reliable data, equipment readiness, complete records, and partnership with Animal Care and Maintenance to support animal health, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. The role requires strong technical judgment, organization, communication, and priority coordination in a dynamic environment.

Essential Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead the Zoo's water quality monitoring program for aquatic animal habitats and other aquatic features, including water clarity, chemistry, microbiological parameters, and established sampling schedules
• Supervise, train, and support laboratory staff; assign daily work, set performance expectations, and promote a safe, accountable, and service-oriented team culture
• Establish, maintain, and periodically review standard operating procedures, quality-control practices, sampling plans, testing methods, and documentation requirements
• Review, validate, interpret, and communicate water quality results and trends; promptly escalation out-of-range findings and coordinate corrective actions with Animal Care, Veterinary, and Maintenance/LSS personnel
• Oversee calibration, verification, and preventive maintenance of laboratory and field instrumentation, including ORP, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, ozone, chlorine, and other sensors
• Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained and repaired as needed and that the laboratory remains safe, clean, organized, and inspection-ready
• Manage water quality analysis for marine mammals, fish, and other aquatic animal habitats and ensure methods are appropriate, consistent, and performed according to established procedures
• Maintain accurate records, quality-control documentation, dashboards, and reports; analyze data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for system improvement
• Partner with Life Support Systems and Maintenance teams on the operation, troubleshooting, optimization, and conservation-focused management of aquatic systems
• Coordinate laboratory staffing, supplies, service contracts, vendors, and inventory and responsible resource use
• Support the design, commissioning, and modification of aquatic exhibits and life support systems by providing water quality requirements and technical recommendations
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable standards, regulations, and industry best practices and support audits, inspections, incident reviews, and continuous-improvement initiatives
• Develop training materials and provide technical guidance on sampling, testing, documentation, chemical handling, and response procedures
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall well-being of the animals and advance the mission of the Zoo

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, aquatic science, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience may be considered
• At least one year of progressively responsible water chemistry or aquatic systems experience, including saltwater testing; zoo, aquarium, aquaculture, or comparable complex aquatic-system experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience coordinating laboratory operations, or a quality-focused technical program
• Candidate must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle
• Candidate must also be able to stoop, bend, climb, lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, animal welfare considerations, and life support systems preferred
• Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO) certification strongly preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory quality assurance/quality control, data review, technical documentation, and safe chemical-handling practices
• Strong leadership, analytical, problem-solving, and written and verbal communication skills

Working Conditions/Other Requirements:

• Must be highly organized, exercise sound independent judgment, manage competing priorities, and work a flexible schedule as operational and animal-care needs require
• Must build effective working relationships with Animal Care, Veterinary, Maintenance, LSS and other Zoo personnel to ensure water quality management practices meet the highest standards
• Must communicate and interact professionally and cooperatively with employees, Zoo visitors, vendors, and volunteers

Must have the ability to work in difficult and confined areas in all types of weather conditions

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with the intent of filling the position as soon as possible with the best candidate.