We are seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Aquarist – Freshwater to lead daily aquatic husbandry operations, support a high standard of animal care, and deliver exceptional customer education. This role combines advanced aquarium maintenance, livestock health management, retail customer engagement, and frontline team leadership.

The ideal candidate is highly knowledgeable in freshwater systems, confident in customer‑facing education, and capable of mentoring junior staff while maintaining excellence across all aquatic systems and store operations.

Key Responsibilities
Aquatic Husbandry & Livestock Health

Monitor the health and welfare of fish, invertebrates, and aquatic plants across all freshwater systems

Perform daily husbandry tasks including feeding, dosing, water testing, and tank maintenance

Conduct water changes, filtration maintenance, and algae management

Identify early signs of disease or stress and implement appropriate treatments

Maintain accurate logs of water parameters, livestock health, and system conditions

Follow strict biosecurity and quarantine protocols for all livestock handling

Customer Service & Education

Provide a welcoming, professional, and knowledgeable customer experience

Advise customers on fish compatibility, aquascaping, planted tank design, and system setup

Assist with livestock selection, acclimation guidance, and troubleshooting

Promote responsible fishkeeping practices and product knowledge

Build long‑term customer relationships and support hobby success and retention

Inventory & Store Operations

Receive, inspect, and properly acclimate livestock shipments

Maintain accurate inventory tracking for livestock, aquatic plants, and dry goods

Ensure proper mineral dosing and system replenishment (including sumps)

Maintain clean, organized,



and visually appealing aquatic displays and retail space

Process sales transactions and respond to customer inquiries (in‑store and phone)

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Supervise, support, and mentor Junior Aquarists (team of 2)

Train new hires and reinforce best practices in aquatic care and customer service

Proactively identify operational needs and recommend improvements

Collaborate closely with the Store Manager on daily operations and long‑term goals

Support large‑scale maintenance projects and store‑wide initiatives

Required Qualifications

Minimum 2 years of hands‑on experience in freshwater aquarium husbandry (planted tanks and nano systems preferred)

Minimum 2 years of experience in an aquarium retail fish store.

Strong understanding of aquatic water chemistry, filtration systems, and planted aquarium ecology

Experience in a retail aquarium store or public aquarium environment is highly valued

Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly

Solid organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment

High school diploma required; post‑secondary education in biology, aquaculture, or related field is an asset

Working Conditions

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and remain on feet for extended periods

Regular exposure to wet environments, aquariums, cleaning agents, ladders, and uneven surfaces

Comfortable working around livestock and occasional visiting animals

Availability to work 10‑hour shifts, including weekends and select evenings

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $55,000 – $80,000 per year (commensurate with experience)

Medical benefits after 3 months

Bonus structure based on performance

25% livestock discount

In‑store product discounts

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Senior Aquarist – Freshwater (British Columbia)
🏢 Nexxuz Jobs
📍 British Columbia