Vancouver Aquarium AquaVan Manager Job Vacancy in Canada

avel 3-5 times per year for 3+ weeks per
trip.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Leads and manages the AquaVan education team by overseeing the delivery of
sound educational programs, ensuring funding deliverables are met and
appropriate fiscal and organizational controls are deployed in communities
throughout Canada by:
• Travelling with the team on-the-road for a total average tour length of
approximately 23 days and total travel time of up to 77 days per year outside
the Lower Mainland delivering educational and community programs;
• Supporting cross-training and delivery of education programs onsite and
across Canada;
• Working closely with External Relations and Finance with respect to grant
applications and grant reporting;
• Ensuring programs are sufficiently funded by working with staff to prepare
proposals, pursue sponsorship and other funding sources, and oversee timely
reporting requirements to funders;
• Broadening and strengthening the relationship of AquaVan Education program
with relevant stakeholders and pursue new partnerships;
• Working collaboratively with the Manager of Curriculum Programs to continue
fostering positive inter-organizational relationships and leveraging
opportunities with and among educational organizations and affiliates.

Supports plans and objectives for the department by:
• Working with team to plan and track year-long regional tour delivery, grant
deliverables, fiscal targets, animal care, vehicle and systems maintenance and
project timelines in accordance with organizational policy and standards;
• Tracking, supporting and setting objectives, targets and goals to meet and
exceed Environmental Management Systems (EMS) targets in conjunction with the
EMS manager and manager of Curriculum Programs ;
• Conducting regular review and evaluation of program delivery and providing
recommendations for departmental efficiency and improvement;
• Ensuring staffing levels across the department(s) are at optimum levels to
support effective and efficient service delivery;
• Coaching and developing Direct Reports and entire team to accomplish
strategic growth objectives; recruits, selects and hires the talent needed to
meet the department’s goals;
• Ensuring compliance to Aquarium wide, EMS and other Health & Safety
policies by all team members;
• Establishing metrics for the department(s) along with the VP, ensuring all
team members clearly understand the metrics, and what is expected of them;
• Reviewing and reporting results monthly, and ensuring timely escalation of
issues/obstacles/trends to the VP with recommendations/solutions;
• Reviewing and approving time and attendance for direct reports prior to
established deadlines;
• Participating in the development of the annual budget, and managing
department expenses at or below budget.

Provides management, coaching and mentoring to Direct Reports and extended team
members and contributes to and fosters the development of the team by:
• Creating an environment conducive to individual development, productivity,
and achievement while ensuring open lines of communication;
• Ensuring that staff are well organized, sufficiently trained/cross-trained to
perform their responsibilities, developed to their potential and deployed in a
manner that permits a cost-effective operation;
• Planning and facilitating individual touch bases (ITBs), group touch bases
(GTBs), and skill-building sessions where appropriate;
• Providing direction, guidance and support to team members and motivating
staff to achieve a high level of performance and productivity;
• Establishing performance objectives/goals, reviewing progress throughout the
year, and completing formal performance reviews for direct reports as required;
• Recognizing and rewarding success, and managing poor performance;
• Developing and obtaining agreement on development plans for all direct
reports, recommending training courses and seminars where appropriate;
• Recruiting, hiring and promoting team members in accordance with standard
Aquarium policies.
• Monitoring and controlling expenditures to ensure that Aquarium education
standards are met while continuing to maintain monthly budget. Tracking budget
and maintaining financial records throughout the year;

Other Duties:
• Maintaining a good working knowledge of marine and freshwater animals, and
ecosystems;
• Continually improves our impact on the environment and greening of operations
through support of EMS protocols;
• Maintains organizational safety standards;
• Other Duties as Required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience
• College or Bachelor’s degree in Science, Education, Conservation or related
field required;
• Three to five years management/supervisory experience and proven strong
leadership skills;
• Interpretive teaching experience is required; emphasis on conservation
education and marine/freshwater biology;
• Clean driving record; capable and comfortable with driving a 32’ truck
(professional training is provided). (This role requires the employee to
maintain a valid BC driver’s license in good standing. The role requires the
employee to drive the AquaVan and support vehicles for program delivery
throughout BC and Canada.);
• Strong, demonstrated experience in project management, budgeting experience
and strong time management skills;
• Animal care or husbandry experience an asset.

Skills/Technical Competencies
• Excellent leadership and management skills and abilities;
• Strong communication skills and writing skills;
• General understanding of mechanical systems and vehicles;
• Ability to lead and motivate a team as well as to work as a cooperative team
member;
• Must be creative, flexible and enthusiastic;
• Strong problem solving and decision making skills;
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, energetic personality;
• Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic environment;
• Knowledge of geography of Western Canada a plus;
• Active demonstration of the company’s values and code of conduct;
• Strong customer service skills.

Working Conditions
• Workday often involves long hours and early mornings; flexible schedule;
• Travel outside of the Lower Mainland up to 77 days per year in various sized
communities;
• Lifting heavy objects on a daily basis –must be able to lift 40lbs. to chest
level;
• Handling live marine invertebrates and their food;
• Long stretches of time away from home;
• Driving Aquarium vehicles, including a 32’ truck;
• Typical office environment when not travelling.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please visit us online at the link
below to apply to this exciting opportunity:
http://www.vanaqua.org/join/careers

We look forward to receiving your application!