Job Description

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).


This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location -

This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.


The University of Alberta's Animal Care and Use Program, under the direction of the University Veterinarian, in the Vice President Research and Integrity (VPRI) office, is responsible for providing support to the animal-based research and teaching community associated with the University of Alberta and its affiliates through its veterinary services team, Research Integrity Support compliance team, and its animal facilities. The University of Alberta is committed to providing excellence in support to all UA faculty, staff and trainees with accountability, communication, cooperation, customer service and integrity.


The North Campus Animal Services (NCAS) is composed of three operationally consolidated animal facilities, namely, the Health Sciences Facility, the Biosciences Facility and services to Alternate Animal Housing sites, encompassing over 100,000 square feet (~9200 sqm) on the University's North Campus. NCAS supports over 150 Principal Investigator groups.


NCAS supports 22 researchers in over 62 protocols involving aquatic species. The species currently housed in the facility include xenopus, zebrafish, trout, goldfish, carp, cichlids, minnows and Atlantic salmon). The main flow-through life support water production system encompasses four carbon filter tanks, multiple chlorine, pH and temperature probes, with multiple water reservoirs as well as multiple chillers, pumps and heat exchangers, integrated with central control monitoring. The facilities also include multiple separate stand-alone recirculating systems, with approximately 36 racks housing over 70,000 aquatic animals (primarily housing zebrafish). As well, there is a unique aquatic biocontainment system that is certified with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and requires daily oversight, maintenance and upkeep.


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.


At The Office of the Vice President - Research (VPR), research is at the core of what we do. The VPR team supports and advances the university's large and complex research enterprise, providing leadership, guidance and diverse research services.



VPR supports the university's research function, helping ensure those involved in research and partnership activities adhere to the highest operational, financial, legal, ethical and safety standards. We also develop and administer policies to ensure regulatory compliance.
Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance - 75% Administration Duties - 15% Animal Care Responsibilities and Additional Duties - 10% 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.

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and cover letter.


The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.




The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.




Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.




At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms--physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.




The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.




L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identite et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.