Mystic Aquarium

Position:  Curator of Water Quality 

Department:  Zoological Operations 

Immediate Supervisor:  Director of Marine Mammals & Birds 

Employment Classification:  Full-time, Exempt 

Job Summary:  Demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times through a positive, can-do attitude and teamwork focused work ethic. Responsible for the overall operation of the Water Quality and Life Support Systems department including staffing, water chemistry, facility and water quality lab operation, maintenance, repair, upgrades, project management, and adherence to governmental and safety policies.

 Requirements:  Minimum 5-7 years’ experience as a Life Support Supervisor or Manager with an AZA accredited institution is preferred. Bachelor of Science or engineering degree related to Aquatic Science, Masters preferred. Must be proficient in managing testing, analysis, and physical structure for closed and open loop filtration along with air handling systems for marine mammals and fishes, with strong understanding of volatile organic and inorganic compounds. Must be proficient in troubleshooting, repairing, and upgrading mechanical equipment associated with life support systems (pumps, motors, ozone, foam fractionation, automation, etc.). Must have experience in project management with excellent organizational and communication skills. Must have excellent leadership skills to foster teamwork to achieve performance that continually improves welfare standards for the institutions collection of animals. Must also have working knowledge of life support software capabilities. 

 Responsibilities:

•  Support the Institutions mission and core values.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal regulatory agencies governing the maintenance of the facilities and collections, and exceed welfare standards established by AMMPA, AZA, the USDA and DEEP.
• Chair Water Quality Committee with regularly scheduled meetings identifying task items to accomplish short and long term goals.
• Oversee DEEP permitting and operational procedures to maintain compliance and promote environmental protection.
• Oversee water quality laboratory testing methods, frequency and parameters, along with all mechanical means (including schedules of backwash, recovery systems maintenance, scrub dive frequency, etc…) to maintain optimum water quality for animal welfare and appearance of exhibits, while promoting conservation.
• Coordinate new and/or special environmental testing for air and water as needed or requested by veterinarian or husbandry staff.
• Develop and train staff for evaluation of laboratory results and communication of appropriate action plans to maintain long term water quality standards.
• Schedule and evaluate emergency drills for power outages, emergency animal response and chemical spills.
• Develop policies and procedures to provide for safe and efficient system operation, including, but not limited to, standard operating procedures, preventative maintenance, code and environmental compliance, OSHA compliance and record-keeping.
• Oversee development and implementation of operational procedures to ensure human and animal safety as it pertains to lab and LSS personnel.
• Serve as a member of the Animal Management Committee to review park compliance with legislation.
• Supervise process for staff development and advancement, including electronic record keeping for individual process.
• Work closely with research, veterinary, exhibits and husbandry personnel to safely and best showcase the living collections.
• Prepare annual budget under the direction of the Director of Maine Mammals and Birds and assist in decisions regarding capital and operating funds.
• Represent Mystic Aquarium at professional meetings and professional organizations as directed.
• Keep up with new technologies and instrumentation for air handling and life support equipment.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Sea Research Foundation, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer