Position: Keeper III
Reports To: Curator of Mammals and Birds
Compensation: $22 per hour
Position Summary:
We are currently seeking candidates with a background in avian and/or mammal care to join the Mammal and Bird (Endotherm) team at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. This position encompasses all aspects of animal care, exhibit maintenance, and off-exhibit management areas under the direction of the Curator and Assistant Curator of Mammals and Birds. As a Keeper III, you will be part of mammal, reptile, and bird training programs, which will consist of behavioral demonstrations presented to the public on a scheduled basis. Additional responsibilities for this position include enrichment, accurate record keeping, and behavioral observations. As well as training and mentoring level I and II Keepers.
Why Utah?
Utah is home to five national parks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning deserts, mountains, and lakes, all within easy driving distance. Outdoor adventure is part of everyday life. The Salt Lake Valley consistently ranks high for safety, clean communities, short commute times, and family-friendly amenities. Draper offers a balance of suburban comfort and urban access, with downtown Salt Lake City just 15 minutes away. Enjoy all four seasons without extremes—sunny summers, colorful falls, snowy winters, and mild springs—perfect for both outdoor recreation and city living. Utah’s communities are known for being engaged, supportive, and service-oriented, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.
About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a mission-driven institution dedicated to inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Founded in 1997, the Aquarium provides impactful educational experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.
Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world—including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center currently under construction, the Aquarium will soon become the largest in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.
Qualifications:
- Associate or bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology or related field and at least 4 years of animal care experience (zoo/aquarium experience preferred). In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 5 years paid animal care experience is required.
- Must have good written and oral communication skills.
- Advanced knowledge of mammal and bird characteristics, habits, and contemporary husbandry techniques.
- Must have a working knowledge of the practical application of operant conditioning in a zoological setting. (operant conditioning experience with Felidae preferred)
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
- Maintains a good rapport with team members and supervisors.
- Capable of participating in a team environment.
- Maintains a consistent professional attitude, high motivation, and ability to accept feedback.
- Learns and maintains proper time management
- Knowledge of ZIMS programming is a plus.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides daily husbandry and exhibit maintenance for the bird, mammal and reptile collection including, diet preparation and feeding
- Design and provide species appropriate and safe enrichment
- Acts as a mentor and resource to Level I and II Keepers, Interns and Volunteers
- Train, develop and oversee the work of volunteers and interns assigned to work in the individual’s area of responsibility
- Design and participate in operant conditioning and behavioral training.
- Maintains records pertaining to feeding, exhibit conditions, water quality analysis, behavioral observations, training activities, enrichment and medical procedures.
- Maintains all necessary records, including those for acquisition, disposition, daily tank observations, and water quality data.
- Cooperates with veterinarians and staff for animal health issues, treatments, and veterinary procedures, transfers and crating.
- Works effectively in a team environment, follows directions without direct supervision, and provides alternate coverage for other keepers as assigned.
- Presents workshops, seminars, member programs, and behind-the-scenes tours to inspire guests to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems.
- Adheres to all institutional safety protocols (fire, diving, etc.) and ensures all husbandry areas are kept organized and hazard-free.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
- Valid driver’s license.
- CPR/First Aid certification or the ability to obtain it in-house upon employment.
- Must possess current, negative TB test results or obtain prior to start.
- Scuba certification preferred, if not certified willingness to become certified 6 months upon hire.
Physical Demands of the Job:
- Lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds
- Stand for long periods of time
- Drive aquarium vehicles
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
- Regularly required to talk or hear
- Use hands and fingers to handle, reach or feel and manipulate objects or controls
- Sit, walk distances, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch and stand for long periods for time
While this job description attempts to describe the essential functions of the position, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. It does not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time. The overall work environment while performing this job includes exposure to weather conditions and the noise level is usually moderate. The employee is expected to adhere to all policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies.
