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.
The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR) is a registered charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals. As Canada’s only dedicated marine mammal hospital, we respond to hundreds of marine mammal emergency reports each year and provide expert veterinary and rehabilitative care to sick, injured, and orphaned animals.
Beyond rescue operations, VAMMR engages communities across British Columbia to promote ocean stewardship and awareness of marine wildlife in distress, helping ensure timely reporting and support for marine mammals along our coast.
Role Overview
The VAMMR Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) works closely with animal care staff, RVT’s and veterinarians to provide both routine and emergency veterinary care to marine mammals. This includes performing diagnostic imaging, clinical pathology, and diagnostic sampling for ongoing research. The RVT is responsible for implementing treatment protocols, administering medications, maintaining detailed records, and assisting with the daily operations of the rehabilitation center. In addition, the role involves supervising and training volunteers, students, and veterinary externs, while also engaging in public education about marine mammal care and rehabilitation.
Hours
- Up to 37.5 hours per week, with the potential for overtime during peak season.
- Flexible hours may extend beyond peak season, including weekend and on-call shifts, with occasional overnight shifts.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct daily rounds to monitor patient progress, note any variations, and escalate issues as needed.
- Assist in a variety of routine and non-routine veterinary procedures such as anesthesia, surgery, diagnostics, and necropsies.
- Provide medical care, including administering medications, performing laboratory procedures, blood collection, fluid therapy, physical exams, and wound care.
- Participate in research by collecting, processing, and storing biological samples.
- Prepare and administer prescriptions, maintain quality control, and ensure proper dispensing of medication.
- Educate the public about marine mammal care as needed.
- Supervise and train volunteers, practicum students, and veterinary externs.
- Participate in fieldwork, including the capture, transportation, and in-field assessment of marine mammals.
- Assist in preparing animals for release, including tagging and microchipping.
- Manage and maintain accurate administrative records, including data entry, reports, and phone logs.
- Communicate with veterinarians and apply treatment plans remotely.
- Ensure adherence to safety and organizational standards.
- Assist with the release of rehabilitated animals back into the wild.
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Veterinary Technology or Veterinary Technician Diploma/Degree.
- Proof of current registration with the British Columbia Veterinary Technologists Association or other provincial associations
- Basic understanding of marine mammal anatomy and physiology.
- Valid Driver's License.
- Experience with wildlife or marine mammals is an asset but not required.
Skills:
- Strong animal handling, husbandry, and technical abilities.
- Proficient in data entry and computer applications such as Word and Excel.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Excellent leadership and teamwork skills.
- Flexibility in scheduling and availability.
- Quick decision-making and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations.
- Effective time management and ability to juggle multiple priorities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Alignment with the organization's values and mission.
Working Conditions:
- Exposure to animal bites, pathogens, and chemicals.
- Requires a high level of alertness when working with animals, particularly under changing conditions.
- Physical demands include standing for long periods and lifting to 20 kg.
- Rotating shifts, weekend work, and the potential for overnight shifts.
- Exposure to slippery surfaces and extreme weather conditions.
This role requires a passion for marine mammal conservation and a commitment to providing exceptional care in a dynamic and challenging environment
SALARY RANGE: $24 - $34 PER HOUR
