Aquarist

Job Summary

The Aquarist is responsible for maintaining all in-store aquariums and providing aquarium maintenance services for customers. This role includes caring for freshwater and saltwater fish, treating diseases, aquascaping, selling aquarium livestock and products, and assisting customers with aquarium setup and care.

Main Responsibilities

Aquarium Care (In-Store)

• Maintain freshwater, saltwater, reef, and planted aquariums
• Perform water testing, water changes, and cleaning
• Keep aquariums healthy, clean, and visually appealing
• Maintain filters, pumps, heaters, and other equipment

Fish & Livestock Care

• Handle and acclimate freshwater and marine fish
• Feed fish, corals, and invertebrates
• Monitor fish health and behavior
• Quarantine new or sick fish

Disease Treatment

• Identify common fish diseases
• Treat fish using appropriate medications
• Advise customers on fish health and treatments

Aquascaping

• Design and maintain aquascapes for freshwater, planted, and reef aquariums
• Arrange rocks, driftwood, sand, plants, and corals
• Trim and maintain aquatic plants
• Create attractive in-store displays
• Provide basic aquascaping advice to customers

Customer Aquarium Maintenance

• Perform on-call and scheduled maintenance for customer aquariums
• Visit residential and commercial locations
• Clean tanks, change water, and check equipment
• Troubleshoot aquarium problems and suggest improvements

Sales & Customer Service

• Sell freshwater and saltwater fish responsibly
• Assist customers with aquarium setup and stocking
• Sell aquarium products including:
• Aquariums and stands
• Filters, media, pumps, heaters, and lighting
• Fish food, supplements, and medications
• Provide friendly, knowledgeable customer service

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Freshwater and saltwater aquariums
• Basic reef and planted tank knowledge
• Fish diseases and treatments
• Aquascaping basics
• Good communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work independently

Qualifications

• Experience with aquariums preferred
• Retail or customer service experience is an asset
• Valid driver’s license for customer visits

Work Environment

• Retail store with live animals and water
• Some lifting required