Behind the scenes and in front of the scenes — I do it all!
Another job title — Sous Chef!
Hi, I’m Brianne, and I have not one, but THREE job titles at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea -- Visitor Experience Associate, Assistant Educator, and Aquarist Intern. I am a recent graduate of Marine Biology from the University of Victoria.
Why am I working so many positions? That’s where the needs are and to be honest, I enjoy having a variety of tasks to keep things interesting.
As a Visitor Experience Associate in the Salish Sea Store, I’m the first friendly face visitors experience, hence the job title! I especially enjoy getting to know our members who visit often. Fun fact -- some members pop in simply to experience our submarine and sometimes up to eight times, then leave! When newcomers are unsure about heading in to the submarine and ask if it’s worth it? My answer is a resounding, “Yes!” From my perspective, it feels like an underwater adventure, a journey to experience our incredibly diverse local flora and fauna. It brings me joy and satisfaction, when first timers spend hours in the Centre and come out and thank me for convincing them to go in.
If you’ve ever taken part in an “Octopus Creature Feature”, “Tot Tuesdays” or maybe even “Sea Shirt Sunday” you’ve met our wonderful education team. I’m continuously learning new information and as an Educator, my role is to package it into those fun activities and learning opportunities. My favorite part about being an educator is similar to working in the store; I get to know regular visitors. When a member remembers me from a previous visit, it feels great. I also like it when they approach me with more questions or want to play another round of a game like “Crab Survivor”.
As an Aquarist Intern, I gain knowledge of what happens behind the scenes. Having an understanding of how three different departments run, I am able to add to educational stories, like how we care for a particular species.
I fit!
What else do I do as an Aquarist Intern? Lots -- water quality monitoring, exhibit maintenance, food preparation, collection/transport of animals, record keeping and cleaning! Some of our habitats are small and awkward, so when one needs to be cleaned, I volunteer! Because who doesn't want to be covered in algae and fish poop?
When I am interacting with the Centre’s marine life, I really get to geek out and apply my marine biology education. Working with marine life has been my dream for a long time.
Love it or list it?
My favorite part of working at the Centre, is noticing small differences or day-to-day changes in exhibits. Sometimes fish move to a different barnacle shell, clam shell, or hide under a different rock (I like to think they are trying out new real estate until they find the perfect spot.). Even our wolf eels, Bob, Betty and Beatrice, don’t behave the same every day. They like to mix things up allowing their personalities to shine!
Three months into my job(s!), I find myself working from home during the COVID-19 crisis. I miss the routine, observing fishy friends, witnessing children's enthusiastic reactions when they first enter the submarine doors, and when visitors are fascinated by the aquarium and full of questions. I also really miss sharing all of my “Fun Fish Facts”.