Assistant Curator, Canadian Waters and Propagation

Description

Vancouver Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, prides itself on working towards bringing families closer together and to creating memories worth repeating.   Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.      

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Curator, the Assistant Curator, Canadian Waters and Propagation is responsible for supporting the development, management and maintenance of the Aquarium’s temperate and Arctic fish/invertebrate and frog displays, propagation programs, protocols and procedures.  The Assistant Curator, Canadian Waters and Propagation trains, coaches, mentors and ensures proper performance management for department employees.  Supports the Aquarium’s live collection, habitats, displays and programs and directs and coordinates the activities of staff.  Gives input and supports the development of educational and engaging exhibits and presentations to the public.  Contributes to, and supports, the long term goals of the department (1-5 years).

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Supports the planning and execution of agreed upon strategies related to the world class care of our animal collections:

• Supporting all aspects and requirements of the Canadian Waters and Propagation department required to meet or exceed all professional accredited standards and guidelines, and remain in compliance with all laws and regulations.
• Supporting appropriate animal management and husbandry practices on a daily basis;
• Supporting the compliance of off-site Vancouver Aquarium animal operations with professional standards of animal care;
• Supporting a strong collaborative relationship with the veterinary staff and the continuous advancement of a preventative animal health care program consistent with the size and complexities of the animal collection.
• Supporting an investigative and research based approach to on-going improvements in the display and husbandry of the animal collection, including development of reports, articles, papers and presentation and encouraging presentation at conferences etc.;
• Providing animal expertise to the Exhibits Committee in the absence of the Curator, and supporting the exhibits and marketing teams to create and launch new exhibits;
• Supporting the implementation and utilization of a rigorous animal records system

Supports the delivery of a world-class visitor experience that engages, amazes and inspires the visitor through flexible and creative planning of the animal collection and animal exhibits:

• Participating as an active member of the exhibits process to ensure world class visitor experience delivery;
• Ensuring that best practices for animal exhibit standards are maintained;
• Ensuring that animal operations teams deliver the guest experience according to expectations.
• Working closely with the Curator of Canadian Waters and Propagation to develop new animal-based programming;
• Promotes internal and external education and awareness of the collection through educational and entertaining informal and formal presentations.

Provides assistance and support to the Curator of Canadian Waters and Propagation:

• Reviewing and approving employee timesheets;
• Maintaining a shift schedule;
• Assisting in overseeing departmental budgets and providing regular status updates to the Curator, noting any variances;
• Contributing to department goals;
• Providing guidance to employees on projects and daily logistics;
• Leading departmental meetings as assigned by the Curator; ensuring proper agendas are set and action items are followed up;
• Coordinating special projects as assigned by the Curator.

Provides management, coaching and mentoring to Direct Reports and contributes to and fosters the development of the team:

• Supporting an environment conducive to individual development, productivity, and achievement while ensuring open lines of communication;
• Ensuring that employees are well organized, sufficiently trained/cross-trained to perform their responsibilities, developed to their potential and deployed in a manner that permits a cost-effective operation;
• Planning and facilitating individual touch bases (ITBs), group touch bases (GTBs), and skill-building sessions where appropriate;
• Providing direction, guidance and support to team members and motivating staff to achieve a high level of performance and productivity;
• Establishing performance objectives/goals, reviewing progress throughout the year,  and completing formal performance reviews for direct reports as required;
• Recognizing and rewarding success, and managing poor performance;
• Developing and obtaining agreement on development plans for all direct reports, recommending training courses and seminars where appropriate;
• Recruiting, hiring and promoting team members in accordance with standard Aquarium policies as assigned.
• Monitoring and controlling expenditures to ensure that Aquarium standards are met while continuing to maintain monthly budget. Tracking budget and maintaining financial records throughout the year.

Supports the goals of the Vancouver Aquarium:

• Coordinating breeding, rearing and care of various fish, invertebrate and amphibian species;
• Assisting with partnerships and planning;
• Ensuring compliance with organization and government regulations and documenting such through appropriate record keeping in collaboration with VA Animal Registrar;
• Assisting with the maintenance of all relevant records in an accessible and transferable format and documenting progress and next steps.

Oversees and monitors the Volunteers, Practicum and Work Experience Student Volunteers:

• Training them on Propagation department standards and expectations;
• Providing recognition initiatives;
• Conducting regular performance coaching and reviews;
• Providing guidance, leadership and management of volunteer team members.

Consistently improves the Vancouver Aquarium and its processes:

• Promptly aiding in Emergency protocol;
• Maintaining organizational safety standards;
• Continually improving our impact on the environment and greening of operations through support of EMS protocols;
• Actively demonstrating the Aquarium’s values and code of conduct;
• Performing additional duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• Degree in Biology, Marine Biology or Zoology or equivalent experience is required;
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on husbandry experience with animal breeding, cultivation and rearing techniques;
• Experience coaching, training and/or mentoring others;
• Current diver certification an asset;
• Required OFA1 certification;
• Required WHMIS certification (onsite training will be provided);
• Required valid BC driver’s licence.

Skills:

• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail during husbandry procedures;
• Excellent leadership and management skills and abilities;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Must be able to lift at least 50lbs;
• Ability to crouch, bend and stand for periods of time;
• Active demonstration of the company’s values, mission and code of conduct;
• Excellent project management and time management skills, with the ability to keep on task with strategic items while managing day-to-day responsibilities;
• Strong customer service skills; internal and external stakeholders.

Working Conditions:

• Exposure to animal bites, potential pathogens & chemicals;
• Job requires high degree of alertness to changing conditions when working around water and animals;
• Requires standing for periods of time;
• Exposure to slippery conditions and uneven surfaces.  Required to work in extreme weather conditions;
• Some computer/office work required.