Aquatics Technical Specialist

Job Details

The Aquatics Technical Specialist will be responsible for maintaining the aquatic life support systems for aquatic animals in accordance with national and provincial requirements and guidelines. Under the direction of the Team Lead-Logistics and Facility Monitoring (TL-LFM), this position provides significant and varied technical activities to support the operation of aquatic life support systems. This position is critical to ensure consistency of animal care for animal welfare, high quality of research and reproducible research results.

Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance - 75%
• Administration Duties - 15%
• Animal Care Responsibilities and Additional Duties - 10%

Requirements

• An applicable post-secondary qualification (e.g. B.Sc. in Biological or Environmental Sciences focused on aquaculture/fish/wildlife OR technical training in plumbing/electrical/mechanical/aquaculture systems).
• Aquatic Life Support Operators (AALSO) certification within 24 months of hire.
• Able to identify critical control points, provide and install appropriate safeguards and monitoring, implement solutions for a variety of systems and needs.
• Ability to read, understand and implement technical documentation, and to prepare such documentation in institutional standard operating procedure (SOP) format.
• Strong work ethic, well organized, good initiative, ability to work independently, excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, good written and oral communication skills.
• Physical strength and full mobility required. Work activities involve combinations and varying degrees of standing and/or walking and sitting. Work activities may involve handling loads between 10 and 20 kg regularly. Must be able to lift and carry 20 kg.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. Proficiency in other applications such as aquatic life support system and environmental monitoring software applications is desirable.
• Knowledge and experience with WHMIS, chemical safety, biosafety, lab safety and hazardous waste management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training, knowledge and proficiency in plumbing with PVC pipes and fittings, aquatic mechanical systems, bio-filters, recirculation systems and associated basic electronics and general laboratory equipment and maintenance thereof.
• Familiarity with aquatic life support systems including flow-through, recirculating rack systems (e.g. Tecniplast ZebTECH).
• Experience in an aquaculture, aquatic research or related field.
• CALAS certification is an asset.
• Proficiency in handling of aquatic organisms.
• Knowledge of fish health requirements and disease prevention.

Contact Information