Senior Aquarist – Freshwater

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
• Strong 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