Junior Aquarist

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is a registered charitable organization and community leader in science and cultural learning. Located on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations, on Sidney’s beautiful waterfront, this aquarium features more than 3,500 animals and aims to be a catalyst for building a healthy and sustainable Salish Sea Bioregion, through learning and engagement.

Position

We are looking for a reliable, versatile and hardworking local individual to join our dynamic, committed team as a Junior Aquarist for two days per week (Sunday & Monday) with the possibility of it increasing to four days per week if additional funding in secured. While this role will focus on the specialty areas of animal care and habitat maintenance, every member of our team is required to cross train and pitch in to support the Centre’s needs.

Applicants must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold refugee status; be 30 or younger at the beginning of the placement; and have graduated from a post-secondary program due to funding requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

Assisting the Head of Animal Care and Senior Aquarium Biologist in the critical areas of cleaning, maintenance, animal care as well as volunteer and visitor experience support.

Cleaning & Maintenance

• Maintaining exhibits that showcase the Salish Sea

• Daily cleaning of various workspaces and behind the scene areas to a high standard

• Daily monitoring of animal health and wellness

• Daily maintenance of various filtration systems

• Daily cleaning of aquarium habitats and Life support systems as required

• Weekly and monthly deep cleaning behind exhibits and of life support systems

• Weekly laundry duties of equipment used by the aquarium biologist team

• Assisting with the maintenance of life support systems

Animal Care

• Constant observation of all animals under our care to ensure well being

• Daily food prep and feeding duties including cleaning food prep equipment daily

• Keeping detailed records of daily activities and observations

• Monitoring water quality on a daily and weekly basis

• Maintaining jellyfish cultures

• Maintaining larval fish and brine shrimp cultures

• Assisting with care for quarantined animals and provide treatment under the supervision of

  the Senior Aquarium Biologist and Head of Animal Care

• Assisting with several research projects the Centre participates in

Volunteer & Visitor Experience Support

• Support the supervision of a team of volunteers and interns helping with daily duties

• Regularly share knowledge with the Centre’s team of volunteers and staff

• Support periodic animal and habitat orientation sessions as directed by the Head of Animal

  Care

• Provide hands on educational opportunities with the Centre’s mobile “touch pool”

Essential Requirements

• A keen interest in marine life, animal husbandry and welfare

• Proven visitor/public interaction

• Must possess strong verbal communication skills

• Be comfortable working unsupervised and following precise routines

• Be self motivated, resourceful, and show initiative

• Ability to work regular weekend shifts

• Must have basic knowledge of Microsoft suite of programs

• Ability to lift and carry 50lbs, climb ladders and stairs, and work safely in an enclosed

  working environment

• Ability to work in a loud environment (pumps, chillers, filters running)

• Criminal Record (Vulnerable Sector) check clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working towards a degree/diploma in marine biology, veterinary technology, zoology,

  environmental technology or related field

• Previous experience with animal handling

• Previous experience with fishkeeping

• Working knowledge of local fish and invertebrates

• Clean driving license (e.g. BC Class 5 license)

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent attention to detail

• Ability to follow directives and given instructions

• Ability to work as a member of a team

• Willing to cross-train and assist other members of the organization

Our ideal candidate is

• A reliable, team oriented, hard working individual with a strong desire to learn

• Committed to upholding and promoting a high standard of animal welfare

• Enthusiastic about the Centre’s mandate and service to the community

• Currently resides in the Greater Victoria region

Wage

• $18 per hour, 2 days a week (Sunday & Monday)

• Staff discount in our Salish Sea Store

• Employee & Family Assistance Program

• Admission passes to the aquarium and other local attractions

Applications

• Please send a cover letter and resume as one pdf to Kit Thornton (she/her)

• Deadline for application is November 15th 2023 . Applications will be reviewed as received.

We consider diversity essential, not only to the health and vibrancy of the Salish Sea bioregion, but also to our workplace. At the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, we celebrate the ways in which diverse identities and lived experiences inspire us to stretch our hearts and minds. As an organization and community, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture in which all people can find belonging and safety. We encourage applications from all underrepresented groups and identities.

We thank all applicants for their submission but only those under consideration will be contacted for a one-on-one interview. If you have previously applied for this position, we kindly ask that you do not apply for this competition.

The Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea is owned and operated by the New Marine Centre Society, a registered charitable society. Our mission is to create experiences that engage people to learn about, explore and conserve the Salish Sea Bioregion – its wildlife, waters, land, culture, and people.