Senior Aquarist

Position: Senior Aquarist 

Facility: Ripley's Aquarium of Canada Reports to: Director of Husbandry

Job Purpose: The Senior Aquarist role is curatorial in nature with direct management of staff and programs, as well as oversight of exhibits.  We are seeking a motivated, team-oriented individual who will be responsible for a variety of marine and freshwater aquarium life support systems and their associated animals.  Other duties include ordering animals, equipment and supplies, the collection of animals from local and remote collecting sites, transport of animals and the operation of animal transport trailers and equipment. 

Please remember that due to the nature of our business, we work when others play in an attraction that is open 365 days of the year You will be expected to be regularly available to work any shift during, before or after these hours of operation.  

Special Skills and Requirements: 

• Degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Aquaculture or related field.
• Five years' experience as a curator/aquarist preferably in a public aquarium.
• Knowledge/experience with AZA/CAZA standards and practices is an asset.
• Experience and good working knowledge of water quality parameters and testing.
• Experience and good working knowledge of life support systems to include filters (sand and cartridge), pumps, ozone generators and fractionators.
• Knowledge of the taxonomy of marine and freshwater fishes and invertebrates.
• Experience with quarantine and holding protocols for aquatic animals.
• Experience with necropsy procedures and techniques.
• The ability to develop and present husbandry animal research findings to professional meetings and workshops.
• Ontario Class G driver's license or equivalent and ability drive a company vehicle.
• Valid Open Water SCUBA certification or higher. 
• Ability to pass a dive physical for the purposes of aquarium diving.
• Valid passport and ability to travel to United States.
• Excellent observational, computer and written skills.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. and able to work in Aquarium back areas which requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, etc.
• Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and travel for extended periods of time, including periods on call.

Pay Rate: $50,000-$55,000/annually 

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is dedicated to providing an atmosphere free from barriers in order to promote equity and diversity and will ensure the full participation and advancement of members of protected groups, which include but are not limited to women, Indigenous persons, members of visible minority groups, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is committed to ensuring that its hiring process is fair and equitable for all persons. 

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is committed to accessibility and to protecting the human rights of all persons in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario's Human Rights Code. We invite and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our organization. As such, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada will provide reasonable accommodation for any applicant, as requested during the recruitment process. Please contact us at if you require assistance with the accommodation process.

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology tools (including ADP Workforce Now) to assist in the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants as part of the recruitment process for this position. Please note that hiring decisions are made by department managers and human resource personnel.

Thank you for your interest in Ripley's Aquarium of Canada Only those selected for an interview will be contacted further.