The Aquarium de Montréal, which will open in 2024, will offer visitors an educational and inspiring experience on the beauty and uniqueness of aquatic species and their habitats. Currently in the start-up phase, we are counting on passionate people, who know how to be creative and who like to surpass themselves, to join our formidable team and together build new world standards in the industry.
Under the direction of the Director of Animal Care, the Senior Aquarist plays a leading role in the management and maintenance of the Aquarium de Montréal's living collection. The Senior Aquarist will be responsible for a healthy and safe environment for the growing and diverse collection of fish and other small marine animals. The Senior aquarist must not be afraid to touch everything and help their colleagues.
He will also oversee the team of aquarists with different specialties, with another senior aquarist. The large team taking care of the marine animals and the collection is made up of the Director of Animal Care, Conservation and Research, two senior aquarists, a dozen specialized aquarists, a dozen trainees, animal health technicians and a team of life support system technicians.
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Organize the acclimatization, quarantine, care and feeding of the marine animal collection for exhibits and animal programs.
- Develop and build the marine animal collection and help add various species to our collection.
- Participate in the design and construction of LSS systems based on animal behavior and biological needs with the head of the department.
- Plan and implement special projects, including minor exhibit renovations/repairs and changing galleries.
- Prepare diets, food and feed assigned animals/systems as required.
- Develop different techniques and strategies to get animals to eat and to monitor animal weight.
- Promptly report any animal/fish injury, illness, or abnormal behavior to the animal health team.
- Assist with annual and routine medical examinations of animals, as well as the care and administration of medications.
- Keep tanks and work areas clean and organized.
- Be able to troubleshoot any problems in the life support systems that may arise and any other condition that could cause injury or illness to marine animals.
- Perform routine inspection rounds, identify, and report potential problems. Resolve issues where possible.
- Serve as an instructor or guide to provide animal education and conservation experiences to visitors.
- Management of the human resources of his team of aquarists, such as training, recruitment if necessary, evaluating the performance of his peers, building schedules, ensuring their safety and others.
- Maintain the marine animal acquisition and disposal database.
- Develop and maintain all kinds of records, manuals and research on observation, breeding, care, diets and others related to marine animals.
- Order aquarium equipment supplies, and live animals as required with the approval of the Director of Conservation.
- Create and improve work processes and team effectiveness with supervision.
- Perform other related tasks.
Requirements and qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in a similar position.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, oceanography or related major, or equivalent experience.
- Direct knowledge and experience in live invertebrate culture and fish breeding or farming.
- Thorough knowledge of the habits, food requirements and husbandry need of a diverse collection of aquatic animals.
- Thorough understanding of habitat requirements for terrestrial species, survival systems and water quality parameters for aquatic species.
- PADI Open-water certification, or equivalent.
- Experience in the design/implementation of life support systems would be an asset.
- First aid certification would be an asset.
- Employees assigned to this position must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
- Knowledge of Zims or other similar record keeping software.
- Ability to decide when to act independently and when to consult conservation/management staff.
Working conditions
Type of position : Permanent, full-time job.
Vacation : 3 weeks vacation after 1 year of service.
Benefits: Group insurance, VRSP, social committee dedicated to your happiness, enjoy and let your family benefit from all our Groupe Écorécréo facilities, flexible hours, and much more!
Schedule
- Usually 40 hrs/week
- Must be able to work a flexible and rotating schedule, including a combination of day, evening, and night shifts on a regular basis as required. May require work on holidays and weekends depending on the needs of the establishment.
- Ability to respond to marine animal emergencies, sometimes after normal working hours, as they arise.
How to apply
Send your CV to the following addres : [email protected]
In this document, the masculine is used for the sole purpose of lightening the text.