Job Description

The Aquatron Laboratory offers services to the Dalhousie Community including animal care of aquatic animals. Reporting to the Aquatron Manager, the Aquarist is a critical job within the Aquatron Laboratory, they are responsible to see that animals are properly cared for, other staff are trained and meeting animal care standards, equipment is operating correctly, and all required supplies are onsite.
Key Responsibilities

• Ensure appropriate care of animals including feeding, tank cleaning, data collections, health assessments, water changes and flow rates. Movement of fish feed bags, gas cylinders and other items.
• Working as part of a team, assist in the operation and maintenance of freshwater supply system, seawater supply system and the Recycling Aquatic Systems (RAS). This includes changing broken, worn out or failed components and other maintenance of the water treatment and aquatic life support systems.
• Maintains and supervises the use of the following scientific equipment: DO Meters, CO2 Meters, microscopes, Spectrophotometer, Water Quality Analyser, Ph Meter, Conductivity Meter and others. Ensures algae production schedule is appropriate, this is a multiple phase exercise requiring forecasting to ensure proper production, may be working 6 to 8 weeks ahead.
• Ensure recording keeping is performed, stored appropriately, and shared with appropriate persons (Manager, Grad Students, Researchers and Principal Investigators.
• Schedule data collection and other procedures (eg: fish movements). Observe animals for illness or poor condition. Reporting issues to the Manager or the University Vet. Coordinates with Aquatron Users in Wet Labs, schedule access for procedures, lab set ups and research access. Purchase supplies such as lab consumables and fish feed with PCard.
• Supervise Animal Care and Customer Service technicians, casual staff, students, and volunteers. Supervise Coop Students and Experiential Learning Students ensure their work is completed to approved standard and records are up to date.

Note

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• Completion of an advanced diploma program in Lab Sciences, Aquaculture or Ocean Technology with approximately, five years\' working in a similar research facility, aquaculture hatchery with fish, extensive field work or large commercial aquarium (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Demonstrated knowledge of fish biology, marine invertebrate biology, microbiology, and aquatic organism care and feeding.
• Supervisory experience with staff and students in a research environment.
• Demonstrated strong communication and organizational skills.
• Experience using databases and spreadsheets.
• Valid Nova Scotia drivers license.
• Heavy lifting of fish feed bags on a daily basis (20 kg) is a key responsibility of this position.

Assets

• Current WHMIS and/or fall protection certification.
• Knowledge and experience working in Claris FileMaker or basic scripting and coding.
• Experience working with trout, salmon, lobster and oysters in culture.
• Experience in maintenance of an aquatic research facility or land based aquaculture facility

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie\'s core competencies (https://www.dal.ca/dept/leaders.html), in particular:

- Self-Awareness & Professionalism
- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
- Service
Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.
Application Consideration

Bargaining unit employees (NSGEU local 77) are given priority consideration and will be notified on the status of their application following assessment. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or Human Resources.
Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi\'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit .

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 2
Open Date 02/23/2024
Close Date 03/08/2024
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents * R\xc3\xa9sum\xc3\xa9 / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Optional Documents * Cover Letter

Dalhousie University