Assistant Curator of Freshwater

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a 501(c3) non-profit organization that provides the community with countless educational opportunities to understand and respect our precious Earth and its living ecosystems, from the Utah deserts and mountains, to rain forest habitats, to the planet’s vast oceans.  Working at The Living Planet Aquarium is more than just a job, it is purpose-driven work.  We need exceptionally talented and hardworking team members to join us on our mission of inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems.  We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages including medical, dental, life insurance, disability, flexible spending account, 401(k) with match, PTO, Holiday Pay, New Child Leave, Aquarium Memberships and passes, and much more. 

Position Summary:

The Assistant Curator of Freshwater will help oversee the care of the freshwater animals as well as supervise staff. Reporting to the Curator of Freshwater, this position will develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures relevant to the personnel and the Freshwater collection at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. This individual will also help orchestrate all aspects of animal care, including but not limited to; acquisition, disposition, record keeping, husbandry, enrichment, implementation of balanced and nutritional diets, translocations, medical procedures and vaccinations. This individual will also collaborate with other Assistant Curatorial staff as needed to meet these goals.

Qualifications:

• A college degree (A.A, A.S, B.A, OR B.S) with an emphasis in biology/zoology or related scientific course work Equivalent hands-on professional or volunteer experience and knowledge may be considered
• Five (5) or more years' experience caring for animals in a public aquarium or zoological facility
• Possess a valid driver's license and obtain a Utah driver's license within six (6) months of hire date
• Open water SCUBA certification from a recognized agency
• Must be able to SCUBA dive for collections, animal care, and routine maintenance of exhibits
• Must be compliant with all Dive team requirements within first full quarter of hire date
• Stay up to date with all Dive team training and requirements

Critical Skills/Competencies:

• Excels in at least one specialty (Planted systems, coral systems, elasmobranchs, jellyfish, propagation techniques, difficult species, water chemistry, etc.)
• Project management including but not limited to, developing timelines, organizing tasks with other departments, and completing tasks within the established timeline
• Ability to recognize potential problems in department, demonstrate ability to problem solve and find solutions in a timely manner
• Is a role model for producing consistent, high-quality, husbandry practices on a daily basis
• Is a role model for professionalism, including:
• Contributes to a positive and productive work environment, promotes teamwork
• Demonstrates self-motivated initiative
• Represents LLPA well in all actions, words, and gestures
• Possesses good communication and organizational skills
• Demonstrates ability to help team accomplish goals
• Strong attention to detail and standards cleanliness and aesthetics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in ZIMS, email, and direct communication
• Ability to plumb up to or greater than 2", under the direction of the LSS Engineer or manager with no supervision
• Any other duties and tasks as assigned
• Strict adherence to all LLPA safety training, SOPs, protocols, and standards

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as a liaison between upper management and the veterinarians, animal care staff and registrar regarding animal health, care and habitats
• Evaluate, assist in approving animal enrichment and operant conditioning programs 
• Assist in the development and enforce standards of animal care policies and procedures for the entire specimen collection
• Help schedule, assign and direct Freshwater staff and volunteers, as needed, which includes performance management and disciplinary action
• Assist in developing and maintaining the Institutional collection plan
• Collaborate with Department Directors and Curators on animal habitat designs, renovation, and collection plans
• Lead others in the research and development of new habitats, renovations, and collections
• Lead by example to animal care staff; providing encouragement, coaching, training, mentoring and opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally
• Collaborate with curator, marketing, and graphic design in the production of all identification labels and interpretive graphics associated with animal exhibits
• Represent the department at professional meetings, conferences or in the media (as requested by upper management)
• Help with crisis management, safety drills and participate in safety meetings with fellow department representatives when required
• Oversee management of assigned Taxa, or sections of the Freshwater department and staff
• Willing to care for assigned systems as primary on a husbandry level as assigned
• Oversee and coordinate day to day operations of the exhibit floor, tasks, and standards
• Act as a resource and mentor for volunteers, interns, and level I, II, and III aquarists
• Mentor and train incoming Level I Aquarists and participate in the onboarding of new hires
• May manage the intern or volunteer programs
• Provide secondary coverage and other coverage as assigned or needed
• Participate in approved research opportunities, such as not to detract from primary responsibilities as outlines (as approved by Director of Husbandry and/or Curator)
• Other duties as assigned

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.  

Depending on the volume of interests and submissions, we will only be contacting applicants who meet all of the minimum requirements listed in the job posting. Only those applicants who align most closely with our minimum and preferred qualifications will be contacted for an interview. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium will retain your application materials for one year and may contact you regarding future opportunities.