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Aquatic Fish Care Technician
Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
CAD 22-25 / hour
Posted on Aug 13, 2025
Location: Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC
Position Type: Full time permanent CUPE 401
Reports to: Head of Animal Care
Hourly Rate: $22.00 – 25.00 per hour (commensurate with experience)
Hours Worked: While anticipated to be ~37.5 hours per week, hours will fluctuate depending on animal care and operational requirements
Application Deadline: Open until filled
About Us
For over 50 years, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) has supported year-round education and research on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. BMSC is owned and managed by a not-for-profit organisation, the Pacific Marine Science Alliance (PMSA), whose members are the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University and University of Victoria. Our vision is to inspire transformational relationships with the ocean through science.
Position Overview
The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) supports research and educational activities with a vision of enabling life-changing exploration and discovery, and a mission of building research capacity for students and researchers. The Aquatic Fish Care Technician (AFCT) will help support the Animal Care and Research programs. This position includes a diverse range of duties including, but not limited to: assisting in the collection, husbandry, and care of research and display aquatic organisms; preparing and distributing feed for aquatic organisms; and, cleaning tanks, aquariums, lab spaces, and equipment for researchers and students. The AFCT will also aid in the training and mentorship of University Undergraduate Co-op students. The AFCT will be exposed to a broad network of researchers studying many aspects of marine science, and will receive training in WHIMIS, Basic Marine First Aid, and the operation of small boats.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the general husbandry of aquatic organisms (primarily fish), including daily feeding, cleaning, and maintenance of tanks, aquaria, and life support systems.
- Monitor the health and welfare of all aquatic organisms on site and maintain accurate records detailing the health of the organisms.
- Contribute to the ongoing care and oversight of aquatic organism health and welfare in compliance with institutional and regulatory guidelines.
- Assist in the collection and transport of local aquatic organisms to support educational and research programming.
- Work closely with the Research and Programs teams to provide hands-on assistance to researchers, students, and visiting clients during both laboratory and field-based activities.
- Mentor Co-op students and assist with their on-going training.
- Help organize and maintain research spaces, including the upkeep and inventory of equipment and supplies.
- Support the Field Trips and University Programs by helping ensure safe, inclusive, and positive experiences for all visitors, clients, researchers, and students.
- Assist with other operational, logistical, or facility-related duties as required to support BMSC’s programs and overall functioning.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Undergraduate or Graduate degree in biological sciences, marine biology, zoology, or related field.
Skills & Experience
- Must have experience in the care and husbandry of fish and/or other aquatic organisms. In particular, fish and/or aquatic organisms used within a research or laboratory setting.
- Experience working with aquatic organisms in a Research (University) Animal Holding facility, or within an Aquarium or Zoo.
- Experience in conducting or assisting with aquatic organism-based research.
- Knowledge of marine vertebrates and invertebrates. Knowledge on North Pacific marine organisms is considered an asset.
- Experience with data collection, field notes, and student science programs, including place-based learning.
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
- Ability to interact in a friendly and professional manner with a range of clients and visitors of varying ages and backgrounds.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, as required.
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for diverse audiences.
- Comfort working outdoors in challenging weather conditions.
- Physically able to lift gear, hike in variable terrain, and work in wet/cold environments.
- Proficiency in Office365 programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, MS Teams) and file management systems (SharePoint).
- Familiarity with boat operations (especially in coastal waters) is considered an asset. SVOP certification is considered an asset.
- Technical skills for equipment setup, troubleshooting, and SOP writing are considered an asset.
- SCUBA certification is considered an asset.
- Experience working within a CCAC or CAZA (or AZA) accredited facility is considered an asset.
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license.
- Satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as operational needs dictate.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter detailing previous experience working with fish, as well as CV, and the names of two references to Dr. Lisa Hoogenboom, Head of Animal Care (Lhoogenboom@bamfieldmsc.com). Please submit documents as PDFs and label them clearly with your first name, last name, the position you are applying for, and a short description (e.g., “FirstName_Lastname_ AFCT2025_CoverLetter”, “FirstName_Lastname_AFCT2025_CV”).
For further information about the BMSC and our research initiatives, please visit our website at [https://bamfieldmsc.com]. We look forward to receiving your application.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
BMSC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.
As we are located in a remote area, we understand that additional considerations may be needed during the hiring process. We’re committed to providing accommodations at every stage, in accordance with the British Columbia Employment Standards Act (ESA). If you need any support or adjustments during the process, please reach out to our Human Resources team. All requests will be handled with care and confidentiality.