E.E. Just Life Support and Water Quality Fellowship - Fall 2025-Spring 2026

Bring Your Passion And Expertise To Our Team

Located along the pristine harbor in the heart of historic Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium has been inspiring visitors for over twenty years. From our over 5,000 animals to our award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to our conservation programs protecting local species, visitors are struck with awe and inspiration as they journey through all our exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina.

About the South Carolina Aquarium

We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. We invite you to join the #1 visitor attraction located in one of the Top Cities in the World (Conde Nast, 2021).

At the South Carolina Aquarium, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. Our culture is built on having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together to increase our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. It brings us together in ways that help us stand out. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Fellowship Description:

Life Support and Water Quality Fellows have the opportunity to learn about and participate in the water life support systems of the Aquarium. Fellows will assist staff in all aspects routine water quality and chemical analysis, lab equipment calibration, and data entry. The overall goal of our fellowship program is to help fellows prepare for a career in the field. Applications are open from February 25, 2025 through June 1, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified in July 2025.

Assist the Life Support (LSS) and Water Quality Technicians with the routine operation and maintenance of the Water Quality Lab and specified life support systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies & Procedures.
• Conduct routine and repetitive tasks to assist the LSS and Water Quality Technicians, including
• Routine and repetitive water quality and chemical analysis on all systems
• Maintenance and calibration of all water quality lab equipment
• Manipulation of closed systems to reach specified water chemistry parameters
• Ozone system maintenance
• Data entry
• Provide assistance with seawater acquisition
• Log and report analyzed results to the appropriate staff.
• Interpret data and perform follow-ups.
• Keep accurate records and maintain equipment.
• Keep work areas clean and organized.
• Work closely with volunteers and interns.
• Provide periodic interaction with aquarium visitors.
• Assist with life support repairs and upgrades.
• All other Duties as assigned by LS Manager.

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Aquarium's mission
• Assist the Water Quality and Life Support Technicians with tasks as needed.

KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Proficient in MS Office Products including Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Experience with analytic equipment in a laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of freshwater and saltwater chemistry.
• Knowledge of basic aquariology.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work with others in a team environment.
• Able to work flexible shifts, incuding weekends.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High School Degree or GED
• Knowledge of water chemistry as it relates to aquatic life
• Previous experience with aquarium system maintenance and water quality analysis
• Familiarity with life support system design and maintenance preferred
• Interest in keeping fishes, reptiles and other animals in captivity
• Training or experience in a related field

LICENSED & CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Valid Driver's License
• Ability to lift 50 lbs

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

• N/A

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Percentage

Average

Seldom

Often

Not Applicable

Walking

X

Standing

X

Bending

X

Stooping

X

Crouching

X

Climbing Ladders

X

Climbing heights (8') est.

X

Carrying (up to 50 lbs.) etc.

X

Sitting

X

Kneeling

X

Balancing

X

Pushing & Pulling

X

Crawling

X

X

Diving

Swimming

X

Working with Tools

X

Drive Company Car

X

Drive/Ride in Aquarium Boats

X

Computer Tasks (typing & using mouse)

X

Phone Task

X

HAZARDOUS REQUIREMENTS:

Percentage

Average

Seldom

Often

Not Applicable

Minor or Severe cuts

X

Minor or Severe Burns

X

Ordinary or Electric Shock

X

Falls

X

Exposure to falling objects

X

Required to wear Personal Protective Equip.

X

List all required PPE's:

VARIES DEPENDING ON PROJECT; E.G. HEARING PROTECTION, GLOVES, EYE PROTECTION, DUST/CHEMICAL MASKS

Hazards to eyesight

X

Hazards to hearing

X

Hazards to sense of smell

X

Exposure to Chemicals

X

Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

X

Exposure to Hazardous Materials

X

Exposure to Ozone

X

Exposure to Confine Spaces

X

Handles Mammals

X

Handles Birds

X

Handles Venomous Snakes

X

Handles poisonous Fish or plants

X

Others:

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Percentage

Seldom

Occasional

Often/Yes

Not Applicable

Normal office environment

X

Works Outdoors

X

Works in Warehouse

X

Contact with customers and the public

X

Works Normal Office Hours

X

Works Rotating Shifts

X

Contact with outside vendors

X

Required to travel

X

Required to work weekends

X

Required to work late nights

X

On Call

X

Required to carry Cell Phone