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.
Reporting to the General Manager, the Director of Animal Care, Conservation and Research is responsible for marine animals and living environments at the Montreal Aquarium. This pioneer leads the large team taking care of aquatic life made up of two senior aquarists, a dozen specialized aquarists, a dozen trainees, two animal health technicians and a team of three life support system technicians. The Director also leads conservation and research projects and associated partnerships.
In his first mandates, the Director will be responsible for building the aquarium collections with the help of the team of aquarists. By bringing together their knowledge and knowledge, while respecting the requirements, they will be able to set up an extraordinary exhibition at the height of Royalmount and the values and missions of the aquarium. The opening of the aquarium and the quarantine zone will also be major mandates to lead. Once the aquarium is open, the Director must ensure the prosperity of the collections and develop his department and the collections/exhibitions. One thing for sure, it is that the person in post will not be afraid of challenges and will always looking further ahead.
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Help develop and oversee the training of the animal collection and provide support for the relocation of animals to the aquarium.
- Coordinate research initiatives with the animal care department.
- Prepare and update the long-term institutional collection plan and the animal acquisition/disposition process, in accordance with the department's strategic conservation plan.
- Participate in the planning and execution of education projects and programs in collaboration with other departments to achieve targeted educational objectives.
- Obtain CAZA accreditation (Accredited Aquariums and Zoos of Canada) and ensure the continuous development of best practices.
- Ensure compliance with a variety of regulations regarding the capture, holding, biosecurity, and shipment of animal specimens.
- Plan for the acquisition and proper disposition of animals in accordance with district standards and legal and industry guidelines.
- Establish guidelines to ensure the safe and proper handling of animals.
- Supervise, plan, and direct the department's research projects.
- Coordinate with veterinary staff to ensure ongoing clinical cases and preventative medicine programs meet and exceed CAZA standards.
- Perform inspections of animal exhibits and equipment to ensure proper care and maintenance of animals and facilities, and to ensure facilities, protocols and procedures meet or exceed accreditation standards from CAZA.
- Ensure the conservation of the aquarium's animal collection, coordinate the control of environmental conditions, apply preventive and curative animal health programs, plan the necessary arrangements to maintain optimal conditions for the keeping of fish and animals, monitor the management policy for the living collections of the aquarium.
- Responsible for the training, evaluation and direction of the work of his/her team members.
- Strategic oversight of the selection, training, development, evaluation, and work assignments of assigned personnel.
- Implement long-range development and annual goals; assess and report on progress towards goals.
- Carry out disciplinary measures.
- Plan, coordinate and organize appropriate training programs for employees to provide them with opportunities for advancement and to acquire the necessary skills, and coordinate appropriate professional development with the Human Resources department.
- Prioritize a safe work environment by ensuring compliance with all established safety procedures and protocols.
- Strategically direct and plan operations and functions, including marine animal husbandry, animal stewardship, animal management, population sustainability and research associated with the animals in our care as well as the exhibitions, visitor satisfaction, visitor and staff safety.
- Prepare and maintain a variety of files and reports related to assigned personnel, departments, budgets, activities, and operations.
- Perform assigned related tasks.
Requirements and qualifications
- Experience equivalent to 15 years in fields developing the knowledge, skills and abilities required and associated with positions such as Aquarium Life Support System Technician/Operator/Engineer, Aquarist, Assistant curator, or curator.
- Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in the animal or veterinary service of a zoo or similar institution, including five years of required leadership or supervisory experience.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in biology, marine biology, marine science, zoology, aquarium science, aquaculture, or related field.
- Possess a working knowledge of CAZA animal programs.
- Knowledge of the basic principles of diving safety, PADI or similar certification is required.
- Extensive experience in the management and design of aquatic animal life support systems, including controls in a public aquarium or similar facility.
- Experience supervising personnel in aquatic animal life support or similar field.
- Communicate effectively; possess excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Essential knowledge of English, and a working knowledge of French is an asset.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
- Strong time management, organizational and prioritization skills with ability to prioritize and multi-task.
- Expertise in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Good analytical and decision-making skills.
Working conditions
Type of position : Permanent, full-time job.
Vacation : 4 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 work some weekends and holidays.
- Provide back-up support to other departments as needed.
- May be required to respond to emergencies related to divers, life support systems and animals, sometimes after normal working hours, as they occur.
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.