Facility

Wildlife Conservation Society: New York Aquarium

Closing Date

Description

About WCS:

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium located in Brooklyn, New York, has an opening for a full-time Water Quality Lab Technician. This position serves as a crucial member of the Aquatic Health Department, caring for diverse taxa, including pinnipeds, sea otters, penguins, aquatic reptiles, boney fishes, elasmobranchs, and aquatic invertebrates. The Water Quality Lab Technician uses various instruments, chemicals, and other technologies to collect and analyze water samples, report data, and correct exhibit water chemistries when necessary. In this role, the Water Quality Technician will also train and mentor interns and volunteers, promote a safe workplace culture, and support the mission of the WCS.

The Aquatic Health Department includes two veterinarians, two veterinary technicians, a hospital manager, a program assistant, a water quality lab manager, and three full-time and one part-time water quality lab technicians. Volunteers, veterinary residents, veterinary student externs, and veterinary technician student externs are also frequently onsite. Under the direction and supervision of the Water Quality Lab Supervisor and Head of Aquatic Health, the Water Quality Lab Technician will maintain and operate the Water Quality Laboratory and all associated chemical treatment stations throughout the park, while also sharing the Animal Hospital’s equipment and workspaces when necessary.

Opportunities may exist to assist at the other WCS zoological parks and to participate in local conservation and fieldwork. Participation within professional organizations such as AZA, AALSO and ACS is encouraged.

Position Objective: In support of various New York Aquarium animal and exhibit programs, the Water Quality Lab Technician performs a wide variety of analytical tests on water samples, including the adjustment of water parameters through chemical, biological, or physical means.

Principal Responsibilities:

Under the direction and supervision of the Water Quality Lab Supervisor, Hospital Manager, Department Head, and/or attending Veterinarian, maintain and operate the Water Quality Lab and associated field equipment at the WCS New York Aquarium in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Perform a wide variety of chemical, biological, and physical analyses of water samples with the goal of producing high quality, valid data in a cost effective and safe manner. Some analytical test methods will require manual techniques, while others will employ automation.

Assist in the proper collection, preservation, and transport of samples while maintaining sample integrity.

Adhere to approved protocols, Standard Operating Procedures, and the Quality Assurance and Chemical Hygiene Plans.

Use a computer or other digital device to record, verify, and distribute analytical data to all stakeholders in a timely manner. Directly notify Aquatic Health

Managers of emergency and/or urgent water quality issues.

Maintain appropriate water quality parameters of exhibits, quarantine systems, and holding tanks by manual chemical additions or using automated equipment.

Must be comfortable working with various types of pumps, controllers, and mixers to maintain water quality.

Operate, troubleshoot, and perform maintenance on complex analytical lab equipment.

Use data to make corrective actions to support the health of our animal collections and their life support systems.

Participate in the Laboratory Training Program by providing training to other staff, interns, and volunteers on use of lab equipment, sample collection, chemical additions to aquatic enclosures, and QA/QC practices.

Maintain lab facility and equipment through established housekeeping, safety, and testing protocols.

Follow the proper personal and facility safety protocols established in OSHA’s Laboratory Standard and FDNY’s Certificate of Fitness regulations, using appropriate PPE, engineering controls, chemical storage and handling practices, along with safe and appropriate collection, record-keeping, transport, and storage of hazardous waste.

Understand and use proper chemical spill prevention and cleanup procedures when appropriate, and participate in the Spill Prevention Training Drills when being conducted.

Use appropriate PPE and/or engineering controls when working in OSHA designated areas (including noisy environments), when working with hazardous materials, and at any other time when appropriate.

Recommend improvements in laboratory operations and report safety issues where noted to the Water Quality Lab Supervisor. Attend and participate in Aquatic Health and Water Quality team meetings.

Assist Hospital staff with animal health emergencies or medical procedures when requested.

When needed, assist as a water quality technician at other WCS zoological parks (Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Bronx Zoo).

Actively support, advance, and uphold the Society’s policies regarding Ethics, Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Education and Pre-requisites

Associate or Bachelors of Science degree; official government ID, (driver’s license valid in NY preferred).

Must acquire and maintain FDNY Certificates of Fitness (C-14, C-42, C-91) throughout employment.

1 year working full time in a chemistry, biology, or environmental lab, preferably with a focus on aquariums, water quality, and/or aquatic ecosystems.

Skills and Characteristics:

Ability to work in a complex healthcare environment with animals of diverse taxa, heavy machinery, and while collaborating with various departments and specialists.

Ability to provide daily oversight of volunteers and student interns.

Must be able to read, write and communicate effectively in English.

Ability to use email and internet. Some familiarity with Microsoft 365 software (particularly Word, Excel, and Outlook) is necessary. Some knowledge of computer databases is desirable. Possesses knowledge of, or ability to learn and use Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) software to record and archive data, review trends, and retrieve Aquarium-based information.

Ability to work flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, non-traditional hours, and overtime.

Physical Requirements:

The position requires work in all weather conditions. Tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use and operate chemical metering equipment (e.g. solenoid diaphragm, peristaltic, and centrifugal pumps that meter out chemicals like sodium hypochlorite, soda ash, and lanthanum chloride, etc.) Some tasks require climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Ability to swim (basic skills).

In addition to submitting an application at the WCS website, please send a Cover Letter and Resume with 3 Professional References to mkessel@wcs.org and cc ajroberts@wcs.org

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

Compensation and benefits

Salary Requirements: $50,000 – $55,000
Benefits: 15 Vacation Days, 13 Holidays, 12 Paid-Time-Off, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, $3200 tuition reimbursement, access to parks, zoos, and aquarium, discounts on merchandise and food, plus much more…

Application instructions

Please Visit Wildlife Conservation Society’s Job Board and Apply Here: https://bit.ly/3o3u6qV