Aquatic Laboratory Technician

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 67,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university seeks an Aquatics Laboratory Technician to oversee aquatic facilities and ensure animal welfare. The technician will collaborate with staff, maintain laboratory equipment, and facilitate research activities. Candidates should have a college diploma, four years of experience in an animal lab, and knowledge of aquatic species. This is a full-time position with a pay scale of $67,916 annually, with a growth potential to $86,855.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of related experience in an animal laboratory.
• Knowledge of animal care and diseases.
• Ability to keep updated on current technologies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and oversee aquatic facilities.
• Ensure animal health and welfare.
• Collaborate with staff to prepare lab setup.

Skills

Experience working with aquatic species

Ability to troubleshoot lab equipment

Team collaboration

Excellent communication skills

Education

College Diploma (2 years)

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Aquatic life support systems

Job description

Date Posted: 12/03/2025

Req ID: 46255

Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science

Department: Bioscience Support Facility

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description

About us

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Your opportunity

The Biological Sciences Facility (BSF) is a multifaceted animal facility, housing animals from several departments within the Faculty of Arts & Science in support of academic and research missions. The facility provides optimum housing for a wide range of species including invertebrates, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The facility also oversees and coordinates animal housing and surgery.

Under the general direction of the Vivarium Director, the Aquatics Laboratory Technician is responsible for activities associated with the operation and maintenance of aquatic facilities, fish care, and training program. The incumbent will provide oversight, maintenance and repairs of tanks, aquaria, and aquatic life support systems; contribute to the ongoing care and oversight of aquatic organism health and welfare; help organize and maintain research spaces, including the upkeep and inventory of equipment and supplies.

Your responsibilities will include

• Troubleshooting issues with lab equipment and/or workshops
• Preparing, assembling and setting‑up material, equipment and supplies used in teaching and/or research labs
• Ensuring the safe handling of specialized lab equipment and materials while operating within close proximity to others
• Identifying non‑compliance cases and escalating for review
• Collaborating with staff and course instructors to determine lab set up requirements
• Providing detailed explanations and demonstrating procedures to students and/or employees on lab techniques

Essential Qualifications

• College Diploma (2 years) or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum four (4) years of related experience working in an animal laboratory setting, preferably in a post‑secondary environment.
• Experience working with zebrafish, salmonoids, Xenopus Laevis, turtles and other aquatic species.
• Experience in operating, maintaining, and trouble‑shooting laboratory equipment.
• Experience using and maintaining mechanical equipment to assess water quality for fish.
• Knowledge of animal care, diseases and treatment, anesthesia and euthanasia.
• Demonstrated ability to train others and work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to keep well‑informed of current technologies, best practices and state of knowledge in research area.
• Knowledge of laboratory occupational safety and biosafety precautions.
• Knowledge of established procedures and instructions when disposing of waste, cleaning lab rooms and equipment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Assets (Nonessential)

• Knowledge of husbandry and preferred environments of diverse fish species is an asset

To be successful in this role you will be

• Cooperative
• Multi‑tasker
• Organized
• Self‑directed
• Team player

This recruitment is posted to fill two full‑time continuing positions.

Closing Date: 12/14/2025, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: USW

Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing

Schedule: Full‑Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 09 -- $67,916. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $86,855. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.

Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP .

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail] .