Freshwater Aquarist II

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 Level II Aquarist is responsible for providing the highest possible quality of care to the animals in his/her care. This responsibility includes the set-up, maintenance and care of aquarium exhibits, preparing and dispensing food. The individual will maintain current on the husbandry and natural history of all fish, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians in the aquarist’s area of responsibility. The Level II Aquarist also ensures that all animal dispositions are conducted in a humane and ethical manner. The Level II Aquarist has the knowledge and ability to act as a resource for volunteers and interns.

Qualifications:

• A college degree (A.A, A.S. B.A. or B.S.) is preferred with an emphasis on biology/zoology or science course work, or equivalent hands on professional or volunteer experience/knowledge may be considered
• Two (2) years’ experience caring for animals in a public aquarium or zoological facility
• Experience with, understanding of, and aptitude for maintaining freshwater temperate and tropical fish, terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles
• A working knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial plants is preferred
• Possess a valid driver’s license and obtain a Utah driver’s license within 6 months of hire date

Critical Skills/Competencies:

• In-depth expertise in a specialized discipline of Aquarium/Husbandry Sciences, preferably amphibian husbandry and breeding or freshwater Teleost husbandry and breeding
• Familiarity with professional zoo/aquarium conservation and breeding projects, preferably amphibians and/or freshwater teleosts
• Extensive knowledge of biological processes as they pertain to water chemistry, physiology, animal health and psychological wellbeing
• Strong identification skills, ability to identify all animals and plants under your care
• Possesses familiarity with the natural history of all animals and plants in their section, including a good understanding of the requirements of individual species in captivity
• Attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• In-depth expertise in a specialized discipline of Aquarium/Husbandry Sciences. Preferably amphibian husbandry and breeding or freshwater Teleost husbandry and breeding
• Working knowledge of the Animal Health Lab (necropsies, skin scrapes, etc.)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains live exhibits and specimen holding facilities at a high level of quality
• Performs general husbandry functions without direct supervision
• Train, develop and oversee the work of volunteers and interns assigned to work in the individual’s area of responsibility
• Maintain all established records in accordance with established practice and policy (acquisition, disposition, tank records, water quality records, etc.)
• Complete inspection rounds at least twice daily to check status of all exhibit and holding/quarantine systems and their occupants. Make daily observations of animals for health and behavioral assessment and report suspected incidence of disease immediately to the management
• Ensure the proper care of life support equipment by adhering to a regular preventative maintenance schedule and by keeping all items clean
• Acts as a resource to Level I Aquarists
• Maintain the highest level of cleanliness and a unique and aesthetic artistic quality of the displays
• Maintain proper water quality to ensure the health of the organisms and high water clarity
• Ensure proper lighting levels are achieved and maintained
• Administer medications as needed under the direction of the Director or Veterinarian
• Assist with system design and fabrication during renovations
• Collaborate with colleagues from other aquariums and zoos in aquarium techniques
• Present workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs and behind the scenes tours as needed
• Maintain supplies and equipment needed for the department

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.