TITLE: Water Quality & Building Operations Associate
DEPARTMENT: Facilities
LOCATION: Center for Animal Care & Sustainability
REPORTS TO: VP of Environmental Operations
STATUS: Full-time/Non-Exempt 
PAY RATE: $23.00/hr.
 
POSITION OVERVIEW: The Water Quality & Building Operations Associate will work primarily at our Center for Animal Care and Sustainability location, but also requires weekly shifts at the main Campus location. This position coordinates and performs routine environmental analysis, primarily water quality analysis, on various aquarium habitats, and assists in basic building operations. Testing includes wet chemical techniques and automated instrumentation. Excellent communication and record keeping are critical to success in this position. The Associate works independently at times, but mostly works in a team environment. 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 Shedd Downtown campus as needed.
• Collects 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 calibration of in-line probes.
• Conducts environmental quality studies as directed.
• Monitoring Life Support Systems through our building automation system.
• Backwashing of filters
• Water makeup, storage and transfers; including salt mixing.
• Represents the division at the CACS and on interdepartmental teams.
• Supports other departments, such as Learning and Development, by giving tours of the laboratory and CACS.
• 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 other related science field required.

Experience:   

• Familiarity with basic aquarium water chemistry.
• Understanding of general analytical wet chemical techniques.
• 2+ years of working in a water quality laboratory preferred.
• Experience supporting aquarium building operations preferred.
• Experience with Animal Care Database - TRACKS is preferred.
• Experience 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

• 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. 

• 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.