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Water Quality Specialist II - Microbiology
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Quality Assurance
Monterey, CA, USA
USD 70,304-74,700 / year
Posted on Dec 11, 2025
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 mission. We 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 laboratory’s 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):
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, hydrology, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
- Minimum of 2 years, after degree, practical experience in a laboratory, with a working knowledge of techniques and instrumentation used in analytical water chemistry
- Advanced understanding of the microbiological, chemical and nutrient components and processes of seawater, including pH, alkalinity, and the nitrogen cycle
- Excellent practical skills in lab equipment handling (pipettes, instruments, glassware)
- Advanced working knowledge of lab and chemical safety
- Demonstrated ability to train and teach other staff
- Experience with data analysis and experimental design
- Experience in an aquarium water quality lab or with aquarium water quality testing
- Experience with UV spectrophotometry
- Experience with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
- Experience with inductively coupled plasma elemental analysis (ICP-OES)
- Familiarity with flow cytometry
- Excellent attention to detail, organization, problem solving abilities, and planning skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
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Must possess, or be able to obtain within the first 3 months of employment, a valid California driver's license in order to operate Monterey Bay Aquarium vehicles
Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:
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Laboratory tools (pipettes, spectrophotometer, etc), fine tools for instrumentation work, fume hoods, handheld meters, lifts, computer
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Sitting, standing at lab benches, walking several miles, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, reaching, pulling, pushing, collecting water samples
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Occasional unassisted lifting up to 30lbs
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Animal care spaces, service areas, life support spaces, basement, main aquarium, ARCC, laboratory, outside
Annual Compensation Range:
$70,304-$74,700 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.