Fish House Assistant (Part-Time, Contract)

Vancouver Aquarium Careers; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Vancouver Aquarium is seeking a Fish House Assistant to support the Marine Mammal Department with daily food preparation, thawing, and portioning to meet the nutritional needs of the animals. The role includes maintaining a clean and organized Food Room and assisting with safety protocols.

Responsibilities also cover power washing habitats when needed, ensuring accurate food quantities for the next day, and supporting environmental and EMS initiatives. Weekend work is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma is required.
• WHMIS knowledge is required (training provided).
• Good time management and multi-tasking skills are desirable.
• Detail oriented and accurate in execution of duties.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and portion food items for the Marine Mammals Department daily.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in the Food Room and equipment.
• Increase efficiency by ensuring correct portion sizes and proper storage.
• Perform additional duties including power washing habitats and assisting in emergencies.

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Vancouver Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, prides itself on working towards bringing families closer together and to creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.

SUMMARY

The Fish House Assistant is responsible for the daily preparation of all food items for the Marine Mammal Department. This will include but not be limited to the daily take-out of all food for the next day, the thawing and sorting of all food items as well as the ability to prepare individual buckets for the animals. This position is also responsible for the maintenance and all aspects of cleaning of the food room and surrounding area. This position may also power wash various habitats on an as needed basis.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Prepare food items for the Marine Mammals Department

• Thaw, sort, and prepare all food items on a daily basis and in a timely manner in order to meet the nutritional needs of the various animals under the department’s care.
• Inspect the fish carefully to ensure that all fish meets quality requirements.
• Refrigerate unused portions.
• Prepare individual animal buckets according to the guidelines established by animal care staff and double check the food as it is placed in the buckets.
• Ensure food needs are met for the rest of the day and adjust as needed.

Maintain a clean and safe work environment in the Food Room

• Scrub all surfaces with appropriate and approved cleaning solution.
• Ensure all cleansers are rinsed properly.
• Clean all show and stainless-steel food buckets and coolers.
• Follow all Marine Mammals Department’s safe food handling and cleaning protocols.

Increase efficiency with regards to food preparation

• Ensure that the correct amount of food is taken out for the following day.
• Stack the food neatly on the cart, make sure that food safe protocols are followed.
• Bail cardboard.

Other duties

• Power wash habitats as required (training provided).
• Promptly aid in emergency protocols.
• Maintain, support, and follow organizational health and safety standards.
• Continually improve our impact on the environment and greening of operations by supporting our Environmental Management Systems (EMS) protocols.
• Perform additional duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma.
• WHMIS required (training will be provided).
• Experience in food preparation preferred.
• Good time management and multi-tasking skills.
• Good mathematical skills.
• Detail oriented and accurate in executive of duties.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced high-pressured environment.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry items up to 50lbs.
• Ability to work at least one weekend day and some holidays.
• Exposure to smells associated with working with fish and other seafood.
• Exposure to slippery conditions and uneven surfaces.

Please note that the successful candidate must be available to work on Saturdays.

SALARY: $20 per hour