This position is for an entry-level keeper responsible for the care and wellbeing of the Aquarium’s newest residents. As a Quarantine aquarist, you will provide for the husbandry needs of an assortment of fish, invertebrates, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, ensuring they are in good health status before they reach their habitats. These husbandry needs will range from water quality testing, performing necropsies, administration of medications, feeding, system maintenance, as well as training and enrichment.
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 Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s Quarantine operation.
- Monitoring and maintaining appropriate environmental parameters for freshwater & marine habitats.
- Providing high-level animal care and nutrition to animals within the aquarium’s animal collections.
- 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 review 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.
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.
- Minimum 6 months of internship or paid experience in an area of animal care at a zoological facility.
Critical Competencies:
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working with freshwater and saltwater teleost’s, elasmobranchs, invertebrates and terrestrial animals.
- 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.
- Open water dive certification (PADI or NAUI) or better (Preferred).
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
- Sitting, standing, climbing, swimming, and carrying intermittent weights of up to 50 lbs.
- Hot, cold, humid, and wet environments
- Driving Aquarium vehicles, operating heavy machinery, using power tools, and working around chemicals.
- Ladders, elevated platforms, enclosed spaces and uneven surfaces.
Hours and availability:
- This is an hourly position calculated at 40 hours per week.
- 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.
