Assistant Manager Environmental Health Lab - Atlanta, United States - Georgia Aquarium

Description

** Assistant Manager Environmental Health Lab**

**Job Category****:** Animal Health **Requisition Number****:** ASSIS01896 Showing 1 location **Job Details**

**Description**

**Position Summary**

Responsible for assisting with the management, oversight and operation of Georgia Aquariums Environmental Health Laboratory. This position supports the collection, analysis and interpretation of water and environmental samples from a diverse collection of aquatic and zoological animal exhibits, holding systems and support areas. The Assistant Manager will provide technical, instrumental, and analytical expertise to support Georgia Aquariums animal operations. This individual will also assist in the oversite of the administrative requirements of the department including supply inventory, maintenance contracts, equipment inventory and routine maintenance, praziquantel analysis program, and budget tracking and forecasting. In addition, the Assistant Manager is responsible for organizing work flow, staffing and staff training including volunteers and interns. This individual will also play a key role in management of logistics and safety.

The Assistant Manager position is responsible for ensuring optimal water quality and environmental conditions for aquatic animal health, including providing the highest standard of quality assurance of laboratory data. This position is responsible for cooperative collaboration and communication with other departments including Animal Care, Life Support Systems, Animal Health and Plant Engineering staff in the implementation of best practices to allow for the highest standard of aquatic animal care.

**Responsibilities:**

Oversees the water quality laboratory and associated staff, volunteers and equipment to carry out routine water quality analyses using separation chemistries, spectrophotometry, titrations, Total Coliform and Enterococcus methods and various electrode-based techniques, adhering to highest standards of laboratory practice.

Executes analytical chemistry operations using Ion Chromatography (IC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometry and both interprets and presents the resultant data.

Develops and implements new state-of-the-art techniques and methods in water chemistry analysis. Methods may be co-developed with external collaborators.

Responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of water quality laboratory equipment and instruments according to manufacturer and laboratory procedures and the procurement of all necessary supplies.

Assists the Environmental Health Manager in the development and implementation of protocols for water quality management and environmental monitoring for optimal animal health.

Assists the Environmental Health Manager with the environmental testing program including sample collection, handling, reporting and long-range goals. Identifies and responds to environmental quality concerns. Works closely with the Veterinary team, LSS and specialized consultants on corrective action and its implementation on challenges, which may include clarity, filter efficiencies, ozone dosage and bacteria.

Updates laboratory methods and general practice SOPs as best practices evolve

Ensures timely reports of laboratory results to appropriate staff & maintains Tracks water chemistry database and electronic dissemination of other pertinent environmental health data as needed.

Serves as Assistant Georgia Aquarium chemical compliance & hygiene officer. Responsible for proper storage, dispensing, handling and safety functions for all onsite chemicals. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local hazardous materials & safety requirements.

Assists Lab Manager in writing & maintaining the Environmental Health Lab operational budget. Ensures proper inventory including but not limited to chemicals, testing equipment, supplies, safety equipment etc.

Is on-call for emergency duty during certain critical time periods (e.g. during animal transports, critical medical cases, etc.)

Helps to train and direct the activities of Georgia Aquarium laboratory staff, volunteers and interns. Serves as a mature mentor to laboratory staff and assists them in professional development. Supports the lab vision and mission to ensure high morale.

Interacts with guests, media and the general public on behalf of, and as an ambassador for, Georgia Aquarium Inc.

Performs other duties as workload necessitates.

**III. Qualifications:**

A four year degree in a science related field such as Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Engineering or related science field. Graduate degree desirable.

40 hour OSHA Hazwoper training desirable

Thorough knowledge of water chemistry and environmental health analysis and remediation (including air and lighting), lab procedures and equipment, demonstrated through at least 10 years of progressively responsible hands-on experience.

Experience in staff and project management is required.

Documented practical laboratory experience incorporating a diversity of analytical methods including spectrophotometry and/or chromatography. PCR experience desirable. Experience with other analytical or experimental methods will also be considered.

Advanced knowledge regarding biological and chemical components relevant to water quality, including, but not limited to, salinity, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, copper, sulfate, ORP readings, oxidant levels, hardness, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, cations, anions turbidity, and aquatic animal husbandry methods and implications.

Proficiency with Windows operating systems including Microsoft Office software.

Ability to perform and analyze accurate microbial testing methods and requirements as required by the USDA. Ability to help remediate environments.

Demonstrated familiarity with basic laboratory concepts such as laboratory safety, knowledge of safety procedures for working with hazardous chemicals and blood-borne pathogens, clean-up and disposal of waste and spills.

Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze various types of data using existing and novel approaches.

Understands the concepts and applications of quality assurance and quality control in a laboratory environment. Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and analytical method problems. Demonstrates sound working knowledge of aquarium system management and processes affecting water quality.

Superior verbal and written communication skills with scientific language are essential. A desire and ability to develop and deliver presentations or documents based on laboratory work is also expected.

Demonstrated professionalism, including politeness, good judgment, effective time management and punctuality, and an appreciation for diversity. Superior conflict management skills desirable as well as superior interpersonal skills in order to work effectively with other groups including veterinary, animal care, life support systems, education and plant engineering.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or LIMS-style laboratory workflow management software is essential; skills in statistical analysis are preferred. An ability to develop new data management tools or approaches is preferred.

Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet changing departmental and institutional requirements.

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