Assistant Curator of Quarantine

This position oversees the operation of the Aquarium’s quarantine facilities, both aquatic and terrestrial, and the quarantining of new collection animals in conjunction with a team of two full-time aquarists. This position is responsible for all aspects of quarantine animal care, including but not limited to; feeding and nutrition, system and life support maintenance, water quality, disease diagnosis and treatment, enrichment, and record-keeping.

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 since 2019.
• With a new expansion currently under construction and slated for completion in 2025, 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:

• Supports all aspects of team Core Job responsibilities through scheduling, management, team development, and direct participation.
• Team Core Job responsibilities include:
• Cleaning and maintenance of all team equipment, supplies, animal habitats, and support spaces
• Monitoring and maintaining environmental parameters
• Diet preparation and feeding to ensure appropriate nutrition
• Monitoring and responding to signs of infectious diseases, injury, or stress, and coordination of treatment with the veterinary team.
• Maintenance and review of all necessary records.
• Preservation of biosecurity through disease management and prevention best practices.
• Liaison between frontline staff, Curator, and Veterinary staff.
• Maintain the “big picture” of team operations.
• Serve as a resource for development of new skills, processes, and professional growth by staff
• Lead by example in demonstrating skills for staff advancement - Communication, Culture, Efficiency, Growth, Mentorship, and Project Management
• Responsible for supporting and updating institutional and best practice standards
• Supports curator in managerial oversight through performance reviews, one-on-one meetings, and disciplinary coaching.

Experience and Qualifications

• Two (2) or four (4)-year degree in zoological or biological sciences. Candidates with a suitable combined equivalent of education and hands-on experience will be considered.
• Five (5)+ years of paid experience in the field of animal quarantine, with a focus on aquatic animal care at a zoological facility.
• One (1) year of experience serving in a supervisory role at a zoological facility preferred.

Critical Competencies

• Demonstrated expertise in more than one (1) relevant areas of animal care including animal quarantine and biosecurity, husbandry technical competency, disease diagnosis and treatment
• Ability to work with a wide array of aquatic and terrestrial taxa.
• Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Efficiency, good time management, and a passion for staff mentorship and development.
• 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 or be willing to obtain current, negative TB test results. 

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 a salaried position calculated at 40 hours per week; Position is responsible for ensuring on-call support for after-hours emergencies, weekends, and holiday coverage.

Equal Opportunity Employer

• 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.

Salary

• 56,000