Water Quality Specialist II Microbiology at Monterey Bay Aquarium

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color LGBTQ individuals veterans and people with disabilities to apply.Priority deadline for applications is January 30 2026. Due to the volume of incoming applications the role may be closed earlier than January 30 2026.Note: This position will be focused primarily on the microbiology testing components of the laboratory to include coliform and Enterococcus testing air spore testing and heterotrophic plate counts while assisting with other water quality testing.Job Summary:Under general supervision responsible for the physical microbiology and chemical water quality testing and associated data analysis and data interpretation for the Monterey Bay Aquarium seawater systems auxiliary water systems and research projects; interface with other departments and staff to troubleshoot water quality in MBA systems and to develop new system parameters in support of husbandry projects and new exhibits; implement the laboratorys quality control assessments train staff and volunteers in routine water quality analysis procedures and provide assistance to other departments and outside researchers; performs other duties as required.Core Activities: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.Preferred Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs):Bachelors degree in biology chemistry environmental science hydrology engineering or a related field or equivalent combination of education training and experienceMinimum of 2 years after degree practical experience in a laboratory with a working knowledge of techniques and instrumentation used in analytical water chemistryAdvanced understanding of the microbiological chemical and nutrient components and processes of seawater including pH alkalinity and the nitrogen cycleExcellent practical skills in lab equipment handling (pipettes instruments glassware)Advanced working knowledge of lab and chemical safetyDemonstrated ability to train and teach other staffExperience with data analysis and experimental designExperience in an aquarium water quality lab or with aquarium water quality testingExperience with UV spectrophotometryExperience with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)Experience with inductively coupled plasma elemental analysis (ICP-OES)Familiarity with flow cytometryExcellent attention to detail organization problem solving abilities and planning skillsAbility to work independently and as part of a teamAbility to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquariums Core ValuesMust possess or be able to obtain within the first 3 months of employment a valid California drivers license in order to operate Monterey Bay Aquarium vehiclesPhysical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:Laboratory tools (pipettes spectrophotometer etc) fine tools for instrumentation work fume hoods handheld meters lifts computerSitting standing at lab benches walking several miles climbing stairs climbing ladders reaching pulling pushing collecting water samplesOccasional unassisted lifting up to 30lbsAnimal care spaces service areas life support spaces basement main aquarium ARCC laboratory outsideAnnual Compensation Range:$70304-$74700 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.Required Experience:IC Key Skills Quality Assurance,FDA Regulations,Data Collection,Food Safety Experience,ISO 9001,Mobile Devices,Root cause Analysis,Quality Systems,OSHA,Food Processing,Quality Management,cGMP Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Monthly Salary Salary: 70304 - 74700