Animal Life Support Systems Trainee

Position: Animal Life Support Systems (LSS) Trainee (Full-Time)

Facility:  Ripley's Aquarium of Canada    Reports to:  Manager of Life Support Systems 

Job Purpose: Reporting to the Manager of Life Support Systems, the LSS Trainee is an entry level position with Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (RAC). The Trainee will be part of the LSS team responsible for the oversight, operation and maintenance of all small and large-scale LSS mechanical systems within Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. The Trainee is also involved in the routine preventative maintenance and operation of all LSS systems and water filtration equipment for animal exhibits. The Trainee works collaboratively throughout the facility in a creative environment and contributes to the efficient operation of the department and aquarium. This position may encompass non-traditional days and hours, and may require on-site work after hours during emergencies.  

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.  

Critical Accountabilities: 

• Under the direction of the Manager performs regular mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs and preventative maintenance.
• Participates in the operation and maintenance of the LSS systems including the associated equipment (pumps, chillers, ozone generators, filters, piping systems and instrumentation). 
• Participates in exhibit and facility planning, research and design. 
• Conduct rounds of all filtration areas to inspect pumps, motors, ozone generators, chillers, boilers, and other related LSS equipment. 
• Maintain communication with manager and other disciplines within the Life Support Team, Maintenance and Animal Husbandry Department. 
• Use computers for communication, LSS monitoring/operation, reference, and reports/logs.
• Use of radio based communication equipment. 
• Keeping records and maintaining inventory. 
• Assist (if needed) in animal moves and transport operations. 
• Cleans back-up areas including scrubbing, mopping, vacuuming, water/dust and painting.
• Participate in system design and fabrication in keeping up with animal behavior and biological needs. 
• Responds to life support and animal related emergencies, at all times. 
• Provides back-up support to other departments as needed. 
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures. 
• Ensures that goals for an excellent visitor experience are met and maintained. 
• Must be willing to attend and participate in associated conferences and certification programs. 
• Must be willing to work around water, salt, power tools, hazardous chemicals, and potentially dangerous animals. 

Special Skills and Requirements:

The physical demands described here must be met in order to successfully perform the essential functions as an LSS Trainee:

• Must have effective communication skills and strong independent/teamwork abilities 
• Ability to carry 50 lbs. and perform physical labour along with other strenuous tasks. 
• Hand and power tools knowledge an asset 
• Experience of the safe and proper operation and maintenance of biological, mechanical and chemical aquatic/animal life support water filtration systems such as biological filters, high pressure sand/glass filters, ozone generation equipment and the ability to stay calm to trouble shoot problems in a high stress situation. 
• Skilled in LSS Plumbing (PVC), Minor Electrical 
• Ability to work a flexible shift to cover and on occasion flex schedule to meet other night time activities. 

Pay Rate: $48,360.00/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.