Amphibian Aquarium Biologist

Vancouver Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, prides itself on working towards bringing families closer together and to creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values - greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, constantly improving - give us purpose and guidance.

**SUMMARY**:

- Reporting to the Assistant Curator and Curator, Canadian Waters and Propagation (CWAP), the Aquarium Biologist is responsible for developing, maintaining and interpreting various aquatic environments, through the acquisition, display, husbandry and culture of live aquatic organisms. The taxa involved includes amphibians and fishes._

**Maintains the aquatic environments in the CWAP areas by**:

- Monitoring and maintaining assigned exhibits, reserve tanks, cultures and associated animal collection;
- Ensuring the appropriate nutritional requirements, water quality and other environmental conditions are provided and maintained for the specimens;
- Ensuring disease prevention and control are coordinated with senior biologists, managers and veterinarian staff;
- Completing and maintaining daily animal care/husbandry records;
- Providing husbandry expertise and maintenance of live food cultures required for specimen feeding.

**Develops the aquatic environments in the CWAP areas by**:

- Assisting in planning, constructing and maintaining exhibits to represent natural aquatic habitat;
- Assisting in acquiring new species or new specimens of existing species for display;
- Conducting research into husbandry and life history of resident and proposed species, as directed;

**Interprets the aquatic environments in the CWAP area by**:

- Researching and responding to questions from the public regarding specimens and husbandry;
- Promoting awareness of the Aquarium by talks or presentations to school groups, clubs, or general public.

**Assists the CWAP Department by**:

- Assisting in shipping and receiving of live specimens;
- Assisting with husbandry research into care of resident and proposed species.
- Performing additional duties as required.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education and Experience**
- A post-secondary degree/diploma in field of biology preferred;
- Direct experience in aquatic animal husbandry and propagation, preferably with amphibians and fishes;
- WHMIS Certification required (training provided);
- Valid BC Driver's license required;
- Open Water Diver certification an asset

**Technical Competencies**
- Thorough understanding of closed life support system operation;
- Ability to work in a team and self-direct with mínimal supervision;
- Strong observational skills and attention to detail;
- Strong customer service skills;
- Actively demonstrates company’s values and mission.

**Working Conditions**:

- Incumbents must be able to safely lift up to 50lbs on a regular basis;
- Job requires strength and endurance;
- Use of a shared office environment with the usual ergonomic risks;
- Job requires working in constrictive ways and/or in awkward positions as well as constant exposure to wet and slippery conditions;
- Incumbent must be able to safely work with hazardous products using all appropriate safety protocols;
- Handling live marine invertebrates, fish and other animals, as well as their food; exposure to live or dead animals may result in stings, punctures and cuts;
- Required to carry a radio and be accessible for calls;
- Flexibility and availability in schedule are required during the week, including evenings, weekends and holidays.