TITLE: Water Quality Technician
DEPARTMENT: Facilities
REPORTS TO: VP of Environmental Operations
STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt
PAY RATE: $24.00/hr.
 
POSITION OVERVIEW: The Water Quality Technician coordinates and performs routine environmental analysis, primarily water quality analysis, on various aquarium habitats. Testing includes wet chemical techniques and automated instrumentation. and record keeping. The Technician works independently on projects but mostly works in a team environment, working with other staff and volunteers. This position requires weekend and holiday coverage.
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.
• Cultivates and maintains a positive working environment.
• Complies with departmental policy for the safe storage, usage, and disposal of hazardous materials and a safe working environment.
• Maintains a clean and safe workplace.
• Covers shifts at the Center for Animal Care and Sustainability as needed.
• Collect water samples from various basins, exhibits, and life support systems.
• Supervises, trains and assists volunteers and interns in the performance of accurate water testing.
• Maintains water quality records daily.
• Calibrates and maintains water quality equipment in proper working order.
• Maintains inventory of materials needed for regular environmental analysis.
• Performs system additions as required.
• Assists in the calibration of in-line probes.
• Conducts environmental quality studies as directed.
• Represents the division on interdepartmental teams.
• Supports other departments, such as Learning and Development, by giving tours of the laboratory.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education: BS or BA in chemistry, biology, zoology, or related field required or in progress
 
Experience:   

• Familiarity with basic aquarium water chemistry.
• Understanding of general analytical wet chemical techniques.
• Two years working in a water quality laboratory preferred.
• Experience with Animal Care Database - TRACKS
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Excel

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Sit
• Stand
• Stoop
• Walk
• Kneel / Bend
• Climb ladders
• Hazardous Chemicals

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

This person may be exposed to:

• Water
• Low noise
• Moderate Noise
• Loud Noise
• Hazardous Chemicals
• Air particles
• Falling materials

BENEFITS WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. 
Please note: Your spouse/domestic partner who is currently working and eligible for medical coverage through their employer, is not eligible to enroll in the medical plans. If you are adding your spouse/domestic partner, you must complete an Affidavit.​​​​​​​

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance 
• Accrued Paid Time Off 
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays 
• Life Insurance 
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive 
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets 

Reasonable Accommodations: 
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org. 

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.