Aqualab Manager - Integrative Biology

University of Guelph•Guelph, ON

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aqualab Manager is responsible for the overall management, operation, and strategic direction of the Hagen Aqualab, a complex aquatic research and teaching facility supporting a wide range of users and programs. The role is critical to maintaining regulatory compliance by ensuring all facility infrastructure operates safely, efficiently and in full alignment with applicable standards and requirements. Through technical expertise, proactive operational planning and dedicated user support, this role is a central facilitator for research and teaching activities within the Aqualab. The incumbent oversees facility sustainability, long-term planning, and service continuity, including management of infrastructure, financial operations, including revenue-generating opportunities and partnerships, while ensuring compliance with all applicable animal care standards and regulatory requirements. This position will be required to be on call on a rotational basis and will be expected to respond to after-hours emergencies. During the on-call hours, you will require the ability to be on site within 30 minutes. The Aqualab Manager is responsible for supervising two full-time staff members, ensuring their work effectively aligns with the facilities’ operational, research and compliance requirements.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Biology or a related field is required.
2-3 years of experience working in aquatic animal holding facilities, including knowledge of diverse aquatic species and care requirements.
Experience supporting research programs and academic teaching activities within a laboratory or facility environment.
Experience driving process improvements, implementing best practices and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Experience in facility operations, administration, or program coordination, including budgeting and operational oversight.
Demonstrated ability to provide technical guidance and build effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and students.
Knowledge of animal husbandry techniques, regulatory requirements, and laboratory practices.
Strong leadership and team management skills with proven ability to align facility operations with institutional goals.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage complex technical systems.
Practical technical skills (e.g., mechanical, electrical, or systems troubleshooting) relevant to facility operations.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including training and advisory capabilities.
Organizational and planning skills to manage competing priorities in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

Lead the overall operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of a complex aquatic research facility, including infrastructure, systems, and environmental controls.
Develop and implement long-term strategic plans, capital plans, and lifecycle maintenance strategies to ensure sustainability and effective facility utilization.
Establish and maintain operating procedures, safety protocols, and compliance standards in alignment with University and regulatory requirements.
Manage facility operations, including monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and coordinating repairs and upgrades.
Responsible for facility safety.
Rotational on-call responsibility shared equally with other full-time Aqualab staff for responding to after-hours and/or weekend and holiday emergencies that include both facility operations and animal care.
Oversee all aspects of animal husbandry, welfare, and facility biosecurity to ensure compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory bodies.
Maintain animal care records and reporting requirements, and serve as the primary contact for inspections and regulatory reviews.
Develop, implement, and monitor standard operating procedures and protocols related to animal care and facility use.
Promote best practices and continuous improvements in animal care and compliance processes.
Provide technical expertise and consultation to faculty, researchers, and students on facility capabilities, experimental design, and research implementation.
Central facilitator for teaching and research activities in Aqualab through training, guidance, and development of facility-based protocols and systems.
Design and support aquatic systems and infrastructure to meet evolving research and instructional needs.
Build and maintain partnerships to enhance research, teaching, and facility utilization.
Provide supervision and comprehensive leadership to two full-time staff members and student employees, including recruitment, scheduling, performance management, and training.
Manage facility budgets, billable services, forecasting, and financial sustainability.
Oversee revenue-generating opportunities by strategically identifying and leveraging facility capabilities.
Oversee administrative processes, reporting, and operational planning to support effective facility management.
Lead and oversee day-to-day operations, resource allocation, and user access to ensure effective service delivery.