Position: Saltwater Aquarist II
Reports To: Curator of Salt Water
Compensation: Starts at $18.00 per hour
Position Summary
The Saltwater Aquarist II is responsible for providing the highest possible quality of care to the animals in their assigned area. This role includes the set-up, maintenance, and care of aquarium exhibits, and the preparation and dispensing of food. The individual must maintain current knowledge of the husbandry and natural history of all fish, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians within their responsibility. Knowledge of coral husbandry and marine invertebrates is preferred for this role. The Aquarist ensures all animal dispositions are conducted in a humane and ethical manner. This position acts as a resource and mentor for volunteers and interns.
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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Performs the daily cleaning and maintenance of all animal habitats, related support spaces, equipment, and supplies to ensure the highest level of cleanliness and aesthetic quality.
- Monitors daily assigned areas and respond to signs of illness, injury, stress, or other factors impacting animal wellbeing; reports all suspected issues immediately to management.
- Responsible for determining individual nutritional needs, as well as the preparation and feeding of diets to ensure appropriate nutrition for all assigned animals.
- Monitors environmental parameters and water chemistry while ensuring the proper care and preventative maintenance of life support infrastructure and equipment.
- Enhances animal wellbeing through the implementation of enrichment and training programs in alignment with contemporary best practices.
- Administers medications as needed under the direction of the Veterinarian.
- Maintains and reviews all necessary records, including those for acquisition, disposition, daily tank observations, and water quality data.
- Works effectively in a team environment, follows directions without direct supervision, and provides alternate coverage for other aquarists 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.
Experience and Qualifications
- A four-year college degree (B.A. or B.S.) is preferred with an emphasis on zoological or biological sciences or equivalent hands-on work experience/knowledge may be considered
- Minimum of one (2) year of paid experience caring for animals in a public aquarium or zoological facility.
- Demonstrated proficiency in aquatic husbandry techniques and an understanding of contemporary best practices.
Critical Competencies
- Extensive knowledge of biological processes as they pertain to water chemistry, physiology, animal health, and psychological well-being.
- Strong identification skills with the ability to identify all animals and plants under your care, as well as a deep familiarity with their natural history and specific requirements in captivity.
- Proven proficiency in aquatic husbandry techniques, with a preferred emphasis on coral systems and marine invertebrates.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with institutional leadership.
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong time management skills, particularly regarding digital record-keeping and data accuracy.
- Open water dive certification (PADI or NAUI) or higher is strongly preferred, with the ability to obtain certification within the first 6 months of hire.
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: Position is responsible for ensuring on-call support for after-hours emergencies, weekends, and holiday coverage.
Special Working Conditions:
- Hot and cold environments
- Elevated platforms and ladders
- Uneven surfaces
- Confined spaces
- Underwater environments
- Noisy workspaces
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.
