This position is for an intermediate-level aquarist responsible for the care and wellbeing of the Aquarium’s saltwater collection. This consists of a diverse array of species including large sharks and rays, sea turtles, tropical and cold-water marine fish, coral, cephalopods and other marine invertebrates. Areas of focus include marine animal care and feeding, water quality, aquatic system maintenance, and animal training.
Institutional Summary:
- Loveland Living Planet Aquarium provides learning opportunities for all levels, interests, and ages, with the mission to inspire people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems since 1997.
- Since opening its new facility in Draper in March 2014, the Aquarium has welcomed over eight million visitors and provided more than 650,000 educational experiences to students.
- Home to more than 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium showcases ecosystems from around the planet including kelp forests, coral reefs, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, Asian cloud forests, South American rain forests, and the waterways of our home state of Utah.
- Loveland Living Planet Aquarium has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019. With a new expansion currently under construction and slated for completion in late 2024, LLPA will soon be the largest aquarium in the Mountain West, and 5th largest aquarium overall in the continental United States.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Cleaning and maintenance of equipment, supplies, animal habitats, and support spaces associated with the marine animal collections.
- Monitoring and maintaining appropriate environmental parameters for marine exhibits.
- Providing high-level animal care and nutrition to animals within the marine animal collection.
- Monitoring and assisting in responding to signs of illness/injury, stress, or other factors that may impact animal health and wellbeing.
- Maintaining all necessary records and reviewing those records regularly in support of ensuring excellent animal care.
- Responsible for supporting institutional and industry best practice standards and procedures.
- Supports excellent animal wellbeing through providing enriching environments\interactions and behaviors supporting animal health.
- Mentoring and training colleagues in areas of expertise to expand team skillsets.
Experience and Qualifications:
- Two or four-year degree in zoological or biological sciences. Candidates with a suitable combined equivalent of education and hands-on experience will be considered.
- 2 – 3 years of paid experience in the field of aquatic animal care at a zoological facility.
- Candidates with prior experience working in one of the following fields will be viewed favorably: Syngnathid husbandry and rearing, Cuttlefish husbandry and rearing, Coral husbandry, plumbing and maintenance of smaller LSS equipment unique to coral and invertebrate systems.
Critical Competencies:
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working with marine animals and aquatic systems.
- Good interpersonal verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Maintaining a consistent professional attitude, high motivation, and ability to accept feedback.
- Interest in developing efficiency, good time management, and demonstrated desire for growth.
- Knowledge of ZIMS software is a plus.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
- Valid Utah driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
- Must possess current, negative TB test results or obtain prior to start date.
- Open water dive certification (PADI or NAUI) or better, or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
- Outdoor and indoor environments in varying weather conditions including: elevated platforms, aquarium habitats, uneven surfaces, enclosed spaces, underwater environments, noisy workspaces.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, ability to swim, ability to stand for long periods of time, ability to walk up and down ladders, ability to work with various cleaning chemicals, ability to operate power tools or heavy machinery, ability to drive aquarium vehicles.
- The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
- We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status.
- The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process.
- Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.
