Biologist I, Water Quality Technician

About the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

Our extensive collections span plants, animals, fossils, and cultural artifacts from across the globe and throughout history. We are a diverse team of leading biodiversity scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators who work collaboratively to advance knowledge and inspire action through science and storytelling.

When you join the California Academy of Sciences, you become part of a mission-driven community that values curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether you're working behind the scenes in research or engaging the public on the museum floor, your work will help connect people to the natural world and empower them to protect it.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to a departmental lead the Biologist 1 provides support for the Water Quality laboratory through physical and chemical analyses of freshwater and saltwater samples for water quality monitoring for the health and wellbeing of the Steinhart Aquarium’s living collection. The position is primarily responsible for daily water sample collection, chemistry testing, quality control, data entry, troubleshooting, and laboratory maintenance. The Water Quality Laboratory oversees the following Aquarium operating systems: water quality monitoring for all habitats, salt water management, chemical inventory, and instrument maintenance.

Organizational Culture
Join a team dedicated to the Academy’s mission, vision and values! Currently, the Academy has a new strategic plan including three initiatives – Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030 – that leverage biodiversity science, environmental learning, and collaborative engagement to regenerate fragile ecosystems around the world. Learn more at https://www.calacademy.org/about-us/major-initiatives.

We hope you are inspired by what we do and are excited to contribute to our mission. The mission of the California Academy of Sciences is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration. The Academy is looking for candidates who do great work, and we know they may come from a number of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage you to apply even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position.

This position is based in San Francisco, California. The specific onsite/hybrid schedule for this position is listed below. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by Cal Academy Workers United, and will be subject to the terms and conditions of that contract.

About the Water Quality Team within the Steinhart Aquarium

The Water Quality Team is integral to the living aquatic collections of the Academy’s work. The team is responsible for the daily water testing and monitoring for the aquarium department, which is essential for the aquatic living collection’s health. The Water Quality Team is one of the teams within the Steinhart Aquarium. The Aquarium is a collaborative, supportive and innovative department that promotes a culture of trust, accountability and respect. 

Key Responsibilities

• Performs water quality testing and analysis of all habitats in the aquarium, including physical chemistry parameters (ex. salinity, temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen), nutrients (ex. nitrogen, iron, and phosphates) and biological analysis
• Assists with data entry and maintenance of the water quality database. 
• Assists in maintenance of the analytical and laboratory equipment such as calibration, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs. Assists in maintaining pH and ORP probes.
• Assists in maintaining the departments chemical inventory database and Safety Data Sheet binders.
• Mix reagents and standards and be accountable for proper quality controls.
• Handles hazardous materials properly and distributes commonly used chemicals to the Aquarium staff.
• Effectively communicates with the Aquarium management and staff regarding water quality parameters.
• Maintains the lab in a clean and orderly manner in compliance with Association of Zoo and Aquarium (AZA) standards and OSHA.
• Follows all established protocols to prevent cross contamination.  
• Actively participates in a culture promoting trust, respect, and accountability.
• Follows all Academy and Aquarium safety regulations.  
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: A successful candidate will have the following:

Experience and Education:

• Previous paid work experience in analytical chemistry, water quality, or related position(s) in a laboratory, public aquarium or comparable institution.
• Experienced Analytical Laboratory Technician preferred.
• Water Quality Certification Level 1 from Aquatic Animal Life Support Operator (AALSO) preferred.
• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Biology, Zoology, Marine or Aquatic Biology, or a related field of study preferred.

Required Skills and Abilities:               

• Basic knowledge of spectrophotometry, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), colorimetry, titration, pH meter, oxygen meter, and other standardized water testing equipment.
• Basic knowledge of standard aquarium life support systems, water quality testing methods, and parameters for maintaining aquatic habitats.
• Basic understanding of the chemical and nutrient components and processes of seawater, including pH, alkalinity, and the nitrogen cycle.
• Practical skills in handling lab equipment, pipettes, instruments, and glassware. 
• Excellent observation skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective organizational and problem solving skills.
• Ability to utilize web-based communication and collaboration applications.
• Ability to multitask, adapt, and prioritize.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as departmental protocols, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to present programs and effectively convey information to guests, the general public, the media, colleagues, and in professional meetings.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and engage in a culture that promotes trust, respect and accountability and also work independently.
• Willingness to seek further training in laboratory techniques.
• Ability to complete CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays on a routine basis.

Physical Environment:

• Ability to transport 50 lbs. 
• Ability to perform repetitive motions 75% of the time.
• Must be able to differentiate between colors.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials. 
• Requires the ability to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
• Must be able to work a computer. 
• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders.
• Must be able to swim.
• Must be able to use extension poles, long-handled nets and shepherd’s hooks.
• Must be able to work with, or adjacent to, venomous and dangerous animals.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Compensation and Benefits:
The hourly range for this position is $27.64. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications and aligned with the internal peer group. We believe in fair and equitable compensation practices and are committed to providing competitive salaries within the industry and market standards. The Academy offers a total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits based on the hours per week worked. Further details regarding compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Schedule: Part-time, Temporary through Oct 2027, 16 hours per week, Friday-Saturday 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and application through our Careers Page portal.

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).