Assistant Curator – Saltwater Team

This position is for a managerial 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:

• 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 illness/injury, stress, or other factors that may have an impact on animal wellbeing
• Maintenance and review of all necessary records.
• Ensuring animal wellbeing through enrichment and training.
• Liaison between frontline staff, Curator, and Veterinary staff. Maintain the “big picture” of team operations.
• Collaborate with other teams and departments for institutional project development, marketing initiatives, and signage needs.
• 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 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 training, welfare and wellbeing, husbandry technical competency, exhibitry, or reproduction.
• Excellent in-water dive skills.
• 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.
• Open water dive certification (PADI or NAUI) or better.

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.
• 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.