Zoological Technologist, Amazon

at  Vancouver Aquarium

Employer: Vancouver Aquarium Ltd.
Job Location: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time Salary Range: $55 - $75 PER HOUR
National Occupation Code: 22110

SUMMARY:

The role is directly responsible for the care and welfare of the animals in the Aquarium’s Amazon gallery. The role also includes developing, managing, and maintaining the department operations, protocols, and procedures. As such, the Amazon animal collection includes reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, invertebrates, and mammals in a free-range gallery.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Ensures the animal care and welfare practices meet all professional accreditation standards and guidelines and remain in compliance with all laws and regulations.
• Ensures adequate and properly trained team members are available to ensure good animal welfare, to maintain high quality operations, and to ensure ongoing modernization of the institution.
• Ensures development and implementation of a program for people development that includes: a written training manual; educational methodology; and evaluation criteria for advancement.
• Ensures that all displays, presentations, and programs are applied in a manner that is consistent with the overall philosophy and mission of the Vancouver Aquarium.
• Ensures proactive engagement and collaboration with the veterinary team on all aspects of animal health.
• Works with the team on maintaining and improving the green vegetation in the gallery to ensure a conducive environment for the animals.
• Implements appropriate measures to ensure safety of animals, guests, and team members in the free-range gallery.
• Participates in the development of a collection management plan that clearly defines the sustainability of the collections through managed breeding programs; loans, exchanges or purchases from other zoological institutions.
• Works with Director of Animal Care to ensure development and implementation of capital projects with respect to animal care.
• Establishes and monitors compliance with best practices for housekeeping, general maintenance, and cleanliness of all animal facilities. This must be comprehensive and include public and behind the scenes areas such as food rooms, holding areas, encounter rooms, staff facilities etc.
• Develops, plans, and organizes large scale maintenance/refurbishment of habitats.
• Ensures all habitats are clean and disinfected.
• Represents Vancouver Aquarium at conferences and with media.
• Works proactively and cooperatively with marketing department for promotion of the Vancouver Aquarium, the Amazon department, its activities, and team members.
• Ensures standardized, comprehensive, and accurate records for all the animals in the collection.
• Leads on-going performance evaluation of direct reports, including a formal annual review.
• Assists with the concept development and design of new animal exhibits; working with contractors during the construction process to ensure the health and safety of the animal collection.
• Assist in conducting biological tests and laboratory analyses
• Analyze data and prepare reports
• Conduct environmental monitoring and compliance activities for the protection of wildlife and other natural resources
• Handle and collect samples from animals
• Interpret scripts
• Ensure that proper procedures are followed in the use of computerized document management systems
• Supervise team of Aquarium Biologists and Assistant Biologists
• Any other projects assigned by the Director of Animal Care.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Completion of a two to three-year college program in Biology (or related field), or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on husbandry experience.
• Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience.
• Experience coaching, training and/or mentoring teams.
• Experience in animal handling and training
• Experience in plant breeding
• Experience in basic research, data analysis and interpretation
• Exceptional English communication skills (Verbal & Written)
• Required - valid driver’s license.
• Preferred - current diver certification, first aid certification.
• Experience working with terrestrial animals such as reptiles, amphibians, tropical fish, birds and mammals preferred.
• Excellent leadership and management skills.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent project management and time management skills, with the ability to keep on task with strategic items while managing day-to-day responsibilities.
• Strong customer service skills with both internal and external stakeholders.

Please refer the Job description for details