Zoological Technologist, Amazon

Vanaqua; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Vancouver Aquarium seeks an experienced professional to oversee animal care and welfare in its Amazon gallery. Responsibilities include team management, developing operational protocols, and ensuring compliance with best practices, while also engaging with educational programs and the veterinary team. Candidates should possess extensive experience in husbandry and exhibit strong leadership and communication skills.

Benefits

Extended Health and Dental Benefits

Health and Wellness Spending Account

Life and Accidental Death Insurance

Disability Insurance

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years hands-on husbandry experience.
• Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience.
• Experience in animal handling and training.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for animal care and welfare, ensuring compliance with standards.
• Supervises a team of Aquarium Biologists and Assistant Biologists.
• Implements safety measures for animals and team members.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data Analysis

Interpersonal Skills

Project Management

Customer Service

Education

Two to three-year college program in Biology

Job description

Vancouver Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, prides itself on working towards bringing families closer together and 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 role is directly responsible for the care and welfare of the animals in the Aquarium’s Amazon gallery. The role also includes developing, managing, and maintaining the department operations, protocols, and procedures. As such, the Amazon animal collection includes reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, invertebrates, and mammals in a free-range gallery.

ACCOUNTABILITIES :

• Ensures the animal care and welfare practices meet all professional accreditation standards and guidelines and remain in compliance with all laws and regulations.
• Ensures adequate and properly trained team members are available to ensure good animal welfare, to maintain high quality operations, and to ensure ongoing modernization of the institution.
• Ensures development and implementation of a program for people development that includes : a written training manual; educational methodology; and evaluation criteria for advancement.
• Ensures that all displays, presentations, and programs are applied in a manner that is consistent with the overall philosophy and mission of the Vancouver Aquarium.
• Ensures proactive engagement and collaboration with the veterinary team on all aspects of animal health.
• Works with the team on maintaining and improving the green vegetation in the gallery to ensure a conducive environment for the animals.
• Implements appropriate measures to ensure safety of animals, guests, and team members in the free-range gallery.
• Participates in the development of a collection management plan that clearly defines the sustainability of the collections through managed breeding programs; loans, exchanges or purchases from other zoological institutions.
• Works with Director of Animal Care to ensure development and implementation of capital projects with respect to animal care.
• Establishes and monitors compliance with best practices for housekeeping, general maintenance, and cleanliness of all animal facilities, including public and behind the scenes areas.
• Develops, plans, and organizes large scale maintenance / refurbishment of habitats.
• Ensures all habitats are clean and disinfected.
• Represents Vancouver Aquarium at conferences and with media.
• Works proactively and cooperatively with marketing department for promotion of the Vancouver Aquarium, the Amazon department, its activities, and team members.
• Ensures standardized, comprehensive, and accurate records for all the animals in the collection.
• Leads ongoing performance evaluation of direct reports, including a formal annual review.
• Assists with the concept development and design of new animal exhibits; working with contractors during the construction process to ensure the health and safety of the animal collection.
• Assists in conducting biological tests and laboratory analyses.
• Analyzes data and prepares reports.
• Conducts environmental monitoring and compliance activities for the protection of wildlife and other natural resources.
• Handles and collects samples from animals.
• Ensures that proper procedures are followed in the use of computerized document management systems.
• Supervises a team of Aquarium Biologists and Assistant Biologists.
• Any other projects assigned by the Director of Animal Care.

JOB REQUIREMENTS :

• Completion of a two to three-year college program in Biology (or related field), or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on husbandry experience.
• Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience.
• Experience coaching, training and / or mentoring teams.
• Experience in animal handling and training.
• Experience in plant breeding.
• Experience in basic research, data analysis and interpretation.
• Exceptional English communication skills (Verbal & Written).
• Required - valid driver’s license.
• Experience working with terrestrial animals such as reptiles, amphibians, tropical fish, birds and mammals preferred.
• Excellent leadership and management skills.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent project management and time management skills, with the ability to keep on task with strategic items while managing day-to-day responsibilities.
• Strong customer service skills with both internal and external stakeholders.

WORKING CONDITION :

• Fast-paced environment.
• Work under pressure.
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking.
• Standing for extended periods.
• At heights.
• Hot and wet / damp environments.
• Exposure to odours.

BENEFITS PACKAGE :

• Extended Health and Dental Benefits.
• Health and Wellness Spending Account.
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan.

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