Reporting to the Head of Animal Care, the Animal Care Technician is responsible for technical support in the animal care unit assisting with and upholding the ethical care of animals used in research and education at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC).
This position works closely with the Head of Animal Care and the Animal Care Coordinator with regards to: animal care priorities on site, including daily monitoring of animal holding facilities in ensuring compliance with Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) standards, and is heavily involved in general husbandry of marine aquatic animals (including assisting with the maintenance and organization of aquatic equipment, spaces, and inventory). The position involves working collaboratively with the organization, including participating in strategic initiatives that enhance community engagement and partnerships for the BMSC as well as supporting research and education clients.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- Working closely with the Head of Animal Care and the Animal Care Coordinator regarding animal care priorities on campus and liaising between the Animal Care Coordinator and research/students/public on site.
- Daily monitoring of animal holding facilities (research, teaching, and field trips) in compliance with Canadian Council for Animal Care (CCAC) standards.
- Providing oversite of all animals on site, ensuring care is being provided by responsible party.
- Providing husbandry of marine aquatic animals (e.g., fish and large variety of invertebrate species) used in research, teaching and field trips.
- Providing habitat development and enrichment of display animals held on site.
- Advising on animal care holding and procedures on site.
- Assisting in and ensuring animal collection records are submitted by animal users and submitting BMSC’s required collections data to the appropriate external bodies.
- Assisting in the collection of marine organisms (possibly with scientific diving, if qualified).
- Assisting with delivering animal care seminars for the university summer students and field trips staff.
- Providing logistical planning support and administrative support with regards to the relevant activities (e.g., permitting, advising, planning, managing small projects etc.)
- Assisting in troubleshooting animal health situations alongside the Head of Animal Care and BMSC veterinarian.
Other responsibilities:
- May on occasion assist the Coordinator and Chair of the Animal Care Committee in the administration of animal use protocols and animal care committee.
- May on occasion assist with the coordination of BMSC’s animal care committee.
- Assisting in other duties related to animal care as required.
- Assisting with supervision of summer animal care assistant(s).
- Assisting new researchers, facilitating collaborative research.
- Informing users of available resources.
- Assisting with the maintenance and organization of aquatic equipment, spaces, and inventory.
Required qualifications:
- Degree or diploma in biology or related field with strong interest in animal welfare, husbandry, and aquatic science
- Knowledge of Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and standards.
- Excellent communication skills (diplomacy and tact are essential)
- Past husbandry experience in non-research facilities may be considered in the absence of the above noted qualifications
- Attention to detail is crucial in following procedures and standard operating procedures
- Must be fluent in written and oral English language
- Good record keeping skills required
- Must be willing to work weekends and after hours as required.
Desired qualifications:
- Pleasure Craft Operator Card (can be provided to the successful candidate)
- Animal User Training certification (through institution or online through the UPEI Experimental Fish Course—can be provided to the successful candidate)
- Prior experience in animal care (e.g., preferably at a certified aquarium or facility)
- WHMIS training (can be provided to the successful candidate)
- SVOP (Small Vessel Operator’s Proficiency), SDV-BS (Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety, formally known as MED-A3) and ROC-M (Restricted Operator’s Certificate-Maritime) certifications are assets
- Familiarity with local marine fauna and its natural history/ecology is a strong asset
- Adaptability to work and live in a remote location
Hourly Wage: Starting wage $21.50/hour (potential for increase based on experience and performance)
Term: 6-month contract (potential to be made permanent full-time)—37.5 hours/week
Application Deadline: October 24, 2023 (deadline will be extended if position is not filled)
