Job Posting: BMSC Animal Care Technician/Animal Care Administrator

BMSC is seeking an Animal Care Technician

Location: Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC

Term: 8 months (may be renewed) –  37.5 hours/week

Reporting to the Animal Care Coordinator, the Animal Care Technician is responsible for technical support in the animal care unit, assisting with and upholding ethical care of animals used in research and education at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC). This position works closely with the Animal Care Coordinator with regards to: animal care priorities on site, including regular monitoring of animal holding facilities in ensuring compliance with Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) standards, and is heavily involved in general husbandry of marine aquatic animals (including assisting with maintenance and organization of aquatic equipment and spaces). Additionally, this position will help support the administration and coordination of BMSC’s Animal Care Committee, the body responsible for the review of scientific and educational protocols. The position involves working collaboratively with the organization, including participating in strategic initiatives that enhance community engagement and partnerships for the BMSC as well as supporting research and education clients.

We are committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive campus that is accessible to all and free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. The BMSC recognizes that diverse staff and clients benefit and enrich our workplace and the broader community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been, and continue to be, encountered by equity seeking groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible/racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. 

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Animal Care Coordinator regarding animal care priorities on campus, and liaising between the Animal Care Coordinator and research/students/public on site.
• Monitoring of animal holding facilities (research, teaching and field trips) in compliance with Canadian Council for Animal Care (CCAC) standards.
• Providing oversite of all animals on site, ensuring care is being provided by responsible party, and advising on animal care holding and procedures.
• Providing husbandry of marine aquatic animals (e.g. fish and large variety of invertebrate species) used in research, teaching and field trips.
• Providing habitat development and enrichment of display animals held on site.
• Assisting in the field collection of marine organisms (possibly with scientific diving and/or driving boats if qualified).
• Assisting in the transport of marine animals (either collected or returning to collection site).
• Assisting in and ensuring animal collection records are submitted by animal users and submitting BMSC’s required collections data to the appropriate external bodies.
• Assisting in maintaining records workflow of site checks for each BMSC client holding animals.
• Providing logistical planning support and administrative support with regards to the relevant activities (e.g., permitting, advising, planning, managing projects etc.).
• Assisting in the administration of processing animal use protocol applications and coordination of animal care committee.

Other responsibilities:

• Delivering animal care seminars to the university summer students and field trips staff.
• Assisting in other duties related to animal care as required.
• Assisting with supervision of interns.
• Assisting in troubleshooting animal health situations alongside coordinator and veterinarian.
• Assisting new researchers, facilitating research, and informing users of available resources.
• Assisting with the maintenance and organization of aquatic equipment, spaces, and inventory.

Required qualifications:

• Degree/diploma in biology or related field with strong interest in animal welfare, husbandry, and aquatics
• Knowledge of Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and standards.
• Ability to interact in a friendly and professional manner with a range of clients; meticulous and careful handling of administrative tasks
• Excellent communication skills (diplomacy and tact are essential)
• Past husbandry experience in non-research facility may be considered in the absence of above noted qualifications
• Attention to detail is crucial in following procedures and standard operating procedures
• Meticulous record keeping skills
• Must be fluent in written and oral English language
• Must be willing to work some weekends and after hours as required.
• Ability to work and live in a remote location

Desired qualifications:

• Pleasure Craft Operator Card (training can be provided to the successful candidate)
• Animal User Training certification (through institution or online through the UPEI Experimental Fish Course – can be provided to the successful candidate)
• Prior experience in animal care (e.g., preferably at a certified aquarium or facility)
• WHMIS training (can be provided to the successful candidate)
• SVOP (Small Vessel Operator’s Proficiency), SDV-BS (Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety – formally MED-A3) and ROC-M (Restricted Operator’s Certificate-Maritime) certifications are assets
• Familiarity with local marine fauna and its natural history/ecology is a strong asset
• Knowledge of local waters and ability to interpret weather forecasts, employing best practices for the safety of staff, students, and clients

Hourly Wage: Subject to experience and qualifications.

Application Deadline: April 20, 2023 (but applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. If this post is live, the position is still available)

How to Apply: Please apply by sending your resumé or CV and a cover letter to the

Coordinator of Animal Care and Ethics at acc@bamfieldmsc.com