Monterey Bay Aquarium Hires Water Quality Specialist
The Water Quality Specialist II – Microbiology role at Monterey Bay Aquarium offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to microbiological, physical, and chemical water quality testing that supports world-class marine life care, research, and environmental stewardship. This is a full-time, and on-site position. The candidates getting selected for the Microbiology Jobs at Monterey Bay Aquarium play a vital role in maintaining seawater system integrity, supporting research projects, and advancing the aquarium’s mission through high-accuracy laboratory work.
Job Details:
- Job Title: Water Quality Specialist II – Microbiology
- Job Category: AC Applied Water Science
- Requisition Number: WATER002005
- Job Type: Full-time
- Work Location: Monterey Bay Aquarium (On-site)
- Application Deadline: Priority deadline January 30, 2026 (may close earlier)
- Annual Compensation Range: $70,304 – $74,700 USD
- Work Areas: Laboratory, aquarium service spaces, ARCC, life support spaces, outdoor sample collection areas
- Physical Requirements:
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Standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs/ladders
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Lifting up to 30 lbs
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Use of lab tools, fume hoods, handheld meters, instrumentation
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About:
Monterey Bay Aquarium is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and values the contributions of all team members. The organization’s mission-driven culture emphasizes environmental education, ocean conservation, scientific excellence, and community engagement. The Aquarium encourages applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities for various Microbiology Jobs and is committed to building a collaborative, supportive, and innovative environment for staff and volunteers.
Educational Requirements for the Water Quality Specialist Role:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in Biology, Environmental Science, Hydrology Or related fields
- Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable
- Valid California driver’s license required within 3 months of employment
Key Responsibilities of the Water Quality Specialist:
- Perform microbiology testing including coliform, Enterococcus, air spore testing, and heterotrophic plate counts
- Conduct physical, chemical and microbiological water quality testing for seawater and auxiliary water systems
- Analyze and interpret water quality data and experimental results
- Troubleshoot testing errors and quality control issues
- Design new methods, protocols, and research proposals
- Conduct tank-side water analyses using techniques such as IDEXX quanti-trays, Tecta, Heterotrophic plate counts, Spectrophotometry, Titration, HPLC, ICP-OES
- Prepare standard curves, reagents, and QC standards
- Repair laboratory equipment, RO systems, desalination units, and exhibit wash systems
- Train staff and volunteers on water quality procedures and lab safety
- Support research projects and collaborate with other departments
Skills Required for the Water Quality Specialist Role:
- Minimum 2 years laboratory experience after degree
- Strong understanding of seawater microbiology and chemistry (nitrogen cycle, nutrients, pH, alkalinity)
- Hands-on experience with analytical water chemistry instrumentation
- Advanced lab safety knowledge
- Excellent pipetting and equipment handling skills
- For this Water Quality Specialist Role, you must have experience with UV spectrophotometry, HPLC, ICP-OES, Flow cytometry (preferred)
- Strong data analysis and experimental design abilities
- Ability to troubleshoot lab instrumentation and water systems
- Excellent organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
Benefits of the Microbiology Jobs at Monterey Bay Aquarium:
- Competitive salary range based on experience
- Opportunity to work in one of the world’s leading aquarium research environments
- Hands-on experience with advanced water quality instrumentation
- Professional growth through method development and research involvement
- Inclusive and mission-driven work culture
- Training and mentorship in ocean science, water quality, and advanced microbiological techniques
