Aquarist/Interpreter

This position is funded through Canada Summer Jobs - a federal initiative to create jobs for Canadian youth. All applicants must fit the criteria of being Canadian residents/citizens, and be between 15 - 30 years of age on the position’s start date. 

The Ucluelet Aquarium seeks efficient, enthusiastic individuals who are capable both of self motivating during individual projects and working with a team. Aquarist/Interpreters monitor and maintain exhibit health and cleanliness, orient visitors through the facility as well as the community, and act as ambassadors for the surrounding marine environment. Through delivery of public talks and programs, Aquarist/Interpreters tell the stories of our complex marine ecosystems and the life histories of the inhabitants that reside within them. The Aquarist/Interpreter should be familiar with the marine life found on the west coast and should be an effective communicator of that knowledge. The Ucluelet Aquarium values teamwork, creativity and knowledge sharing. Applicants should be comfortable multi-tasking, public speaking and collaborating with others on projects. 

Applicants must be able to work for the duration of the Aquarium’s busy summer season and must be able to work holidays and weekends. The Ucluelet Aquarium is an education-based public aquarium that aims to foster respect for local marine environments. With over 35,000 visitors per year, the Ucluelet Aquarium is a hub of excitement about fish, invertebrates, and seaweeds. As Canada’s first Collect-and-Release aquarium, marine organisms are showcased temporarily in diverse exhibits, including beautiful recreations of sub-tidal zones, and accessible touch tanks. The Ucluelet Aquarium offers a diverse array of opportunities to learn about local ecology, and the connectedness between humans and nature. With the rich biodiversity of the coast just outside our door, we are ever changing and constantly finding new organisms to showcase.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure animals are well cared for and healthy 
• Interact with visitors while sharing knowledge of the aquarium’s collection 
• Greet visitors, handle admissions, and retail transactions 
• Design educational displays and programs 
• Participate in and lead educational events for the public 
• Communicate with the public and the media in a professional manner 
• Work with the aquarium team to collect and release aquarium specimens 
• Assist in the maintenance of the flow-through sea water system 
• Provide support to other areas of the Aquarium 
• Assist in the organization, cleaning and maintenance of the aquarium
• Assist in the collection, handling, feeding and monitoring of aquarium specimens and water quality 
• Communicate regularly with other staff members and offer assistance on their projects