Water Quality Technician

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Store/Attraction employee discounts

Medical, Vision, Dental, Company Paid

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, MO, seeks a Water Quality Technician to support Life Sciences under the Curatorial Staff. The role focuses on ensuring optimal water quality and animal wellbeing across all aquatic systems, calibrating lab instruments, and preparing routine data reports.

The position requires a chemistry background, 2+ years of water testing experience, and the ability to work in a hands-on lab environment.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Preferred minimum two years' experience in water quality analysis and testing.
• Knowledge of water parameters and life support systems essential.
• Experience with animal health testing and basic lab procedures is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform water quality testing on all aquatic systems (salinity, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, copper, ORP, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, chlorine).
• Calibrate electrodes/probes and maintain laboratory equipment; keep lab clean and functional.
• Conduct system bacterial analysis for Enterococcus and Coliform levels; report results to staff.
• Monitor therapeutic medication levels in quarantine systems and assist with system cycling.
• Assist with health care procedures, daily treatments, and preventive care under supervision.
• Help plan short- and long-term water quality goals and manage inventory.

Skills

Water quality testing

Water parameter knowledge

Lab equipment calibration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field

Tools

Meters

Spectrophotometers

Colorimeters

Refractometers

Tensionometers

Job description

Water Quality Technician

Department: Life Sciences

Reports to: Curatorial Staff

Direct Reports: N

Nonexempt (hourly)

Job Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic WATER QUALITY TECHNICIAN to join our team! This person will work under the supervision of the Curatorial Staff and Consulting Veterinarian. This individual will ensure and promote effective and efficient care of the department's animal care and water quality testing.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for water quality testing on all aquatic systems including salinity, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, total copper, ORP, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, chlorine, magnesium, calcium.
• Responsible for electrode/probe calibration, general maintenance of lab equipment, minor equipment repair, and general lab cleanliness.
• Conducts system bacterial analysis through monitoring and testing Enterococcus and Coliform levels.
• Communicates water quality results to Life Sciences and Life Support staff. Assists in the preparation of routine data reports.
• Maintains and monitors therapeutic medication levels in quarantine systems, cycling new systems, and pH levels.
• Preforms routine health care, fecal, skin scrapes, and necropsies as needed. Assists with daily treatments and preventive health care under supervision of Consulting Veterinarian and Curatorial Staff.
• Assists in the planning of short- and long-term goals as related to water quality, including supplies, logistics, and other resources.
• Conducts routine inventory and maintains lab stock.

MINIMUM Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a four-year degree at the discretion of WOW.
• Preferred minimum two years' experience in water quality of analysis. Knowledge of water parameters, life support systems and ability to perform all aspects of water testing.
• Preferred AALSO Water Quality 1
• Preferred knowledge of animal health, biology, nutrition, toxicology, and physiology.
• Preferred experience in performing animal necropsies, routine biological testing such as micro-biologic testing, fecal analysis and blood-work using common lab equipment.
• Knowledge of basic chemistry, water quality testing and an understanding of the life cycle of aquatic systems (Nitrogen Cycle).
• Skilled in using standard water quality lab equipment such as: meters, spectrophotometers, colorimeters, refractometers and tensionometers.
• Requires walking/standing approximately 75% of the time, sitting 10% of the time, forward bending and crouching 15% of the time, lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Requires proficiency with Personal Computer (P.C.) hardware and contemporary software including Microsoft Office Products.
• Requires capability of performing essential job functions in holding areas, exhibit spaces and mechanical rooms where spaces are small and tight, and in office environments with climate control and good lighting.
• May require immunizations depending on animal collection, this could include TB testing.

We offer the following benefits by joining our team:

Full Time:

• Store/Attraction employee discounts
• Medical, Vision, Dental, Company Paid Life Insurance, LTD, STD, 401(k)
• Paid Time Off

About Us: Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium consists of a 1.5-million-gallon Aquarium Adventure showcasing 35,000 animals and our immersive Wildlife Galleries sharing the story of America's most significant conservationists throughout history and today In 2022, Wonders of Wildlife became accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZ). Accreditation signifies our exemplary standards for animal welfare, scientific education and staff training. Created by noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris, the 350,000-square-foot experience celebrates people who hunt, fish, and act as stewards of the land and water. Located next to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri the campus is a centerpiece of America's Conservation Capital in Missouri's Ozark Mountains. Wonders of Wildlife has been voted "Best New Attraction in America" and "America's Best Aquarium" by the readers of USA TODAY. For more information, visit www.wondersofwildlife.org.