Aquarist

Ripley Entertainment Inc; Toronto; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is seeking an Aquarist to join the Husbandry team. You will care for marine and freshwater exhibits, ensuring health, welfare, and enrichment, while maintaining habitats and life support systems.

The role requires SCUBA certification, ability to lift 25 kg, and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as the aquarium operates daily year-round. A degree in a relevant field is preferred.

Qualifications

• Degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, Aquaculture or related field.
• Valid open water SCUBA certification (PADI or equivalent).
• Citizen, permanent resident, or valid Canadian work visa/permit.
• Ability to lift 25 kg and work in areas requiring climbing ladders, bending, and long periods standing.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays (facility open 365 days).

Responsibilities

• Care for a variety of marine and freshwater exhibits, maintaining health, welfare, enrichment, nutrition, and habitats.
• Maintain life support systems and water quality; detailed record keeping and disease prevention/treatment.
• SCUBA diving for feeding and maintenance tasks; assist in water quality assessment and exhibit upkeep.

Skills

Observational skills

Computer skills

Record keeping

Communication skills

Public engagement

Education

Degree in Marine Biology / Zoology / Environmental Science / Aquaculture or related field

Job description

Facility:Ripley’s Aquarium of CanadaReports to: Director of Husbandry

Job Purpose: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is accepting applications for the position of Aquarist. As a member of the Husbandry team, Aquarists are charged with all aspects of care and upkeep for a variety of marine and freshwater exhibits at Canada’s largest indoor aquarium. This includes maintaining the health, welfare, enrichment, and nutrition of animals, the cleanliness and condition of their habitats, and basic upkeep of the life support systems. Other tasks include detailed record keeping, prevention and treatment of animal diseases, water quality assessment, as well as SCUBA diving exhibits for feeding and maintenance. Ideal candidates will have a passion for animals and marine life, an eagerness to learn, and the ability to contribute to a strong team dynamic.

Please remember that due to the nature of our business, we work when others play in an attraction that is open 365 days a year! You will be expected to be regularly available to work any shift during, before or after these hours of operation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates must possess the following:

• Degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, Aquaculture or a related field.
• Valid open water SCUBA certification from PADI or a similarly recognized diving certification organization.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or possess a valid Canadian work visa or permit.
• Ability to lift and carry 25 kilograms and to work in aquarium backup areas which requires climbing ladders, bending, and standing for long periods of time.
• Ability to work flexible hours when required, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is open 365 days a year.

Preferred candidates will possess the following:

• 1+ year of work experience in a public aquarium, zoo, aquaculture facility or similar workplace.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience with proper food handling, preparation, nutrition and feeding techniques in an aquarium setting.
• Working knowledge of water quality (chemistry), maintenance and filtration, including familiarity with a variety of life support systems, pumps and lighting.
• Knowledge of the taxonomy of marine and freshwater fish and invertebrates.
• Excellent observational, computer, and record keeping skills.
• Excellent communication skills, including public engagement and speaking with guests as required.

U.S. hires will get a NAFTA work visa to work in Canada. This process will be the responsibility of Ripley’s Aquarium and not the applicant seeking employment. Any U.S. applicants must have at least a BS in Biology or a related field to qualify.

Pay Rate:$40,289.60/annually

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is dedicated to providing an atmosphere free from barriers in order to promote equity and diversity and will ensure the full participation and advancement of members of protected groups, which include but are not limited to women, Indigenous persons, members of visible minority groups, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is committed to ensuring that its hiring process is fair and equitable for all persons.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is committed to accessibility and to protecting the human rights of all persons in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario’s Human Rights Code. We invite and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our organization. As such, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada will provide reasonable accommodation for any applicant, as requested during the recruitment process. Please contact us at [e-mail] if you require assistance with the accommodation process.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology tools (including ADP Workforce Now) to assist in the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants as part of the recruitment process for this position. Please note that hiring decisions are made by department managers and human resource personnel.

Thank you for your interest in Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada! Only those selected for an interview will be contacted further.