Temporary Aquarist I

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:

This is a 2.5 month temporary aquarist position, and may be eligible to apply for a full time aquarist. This aquarist is responsible for providing the highest possible quality of care to the animals under their assigned care, under the guidance of the Aquariums protocols and operational procedures.  This includes, but is not limited to, the set-up, maintenance and care of Exhibits and holding systems, preparing and dispensing diets, testing and maintaining water quality and record keeping.  The individual explores and stays up to date on the Natural history, environmental parameters, and husbandry requirements of the animals under the Aquarists assigned area of responsibility.  The individual assists others, and is engaged in seeking further knowledge and experience.

Qualifications:

• A College degree (A.A, A.S, B.A, or B.S) is preferred with an emphasis on biology/zoology or related scientific course work. Or, Equivalent hands on professional or volunteer experience and knowledge may be considered.
•  Open water SCUBA certification from a recognized agency preferred, but not required. It is required for permanent staff.

Critical Skills/Competencies:

• Maintain proper water quality and clarity to ensure the health of all inhabitants per LLPA standards and protocols.
• Ensure proper care of Life Support equipment (LSS) through regular preventative maintenance and cleaning and reporting
• Administer medications as needed under the direction of the Veterinarian, Director of Husbandry or Curator/Assistant Curator with supervision
• Strong identification skills, ability to identify all animals and plants under the Aquarist care
• Dive any assigned and other systems on a schedule or as assigned for presentations, cleaning, or animal care
• Any other duties and tasks as assigned
• Adherence to all LLPA safety training, SOP’s, protocols and standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Acts as a resource and mentor for Volunteers and Interns
• Train, Develop, and oversee the work of Volunteers or Interns assigned to work in the Aquarists assigned area of responsibility
• Complete inspection rounds at least twice daily (AM and PM), assessment of inhabitant behavior and health, LSS component function, reporting any signs of disease or issue immediately to Curator, Director of Husbandry, and Veterinarian accordingly.
• Provides secondary coverage, and other coverage as assigned or needed.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in ZIMS, Email, and direct communication
• Performs general husbandry functions without direct supervision
• Maintains live exhibits and holding systems at a high level of quality
• Prepare and dispense diets according to LLPA standards
• Maintain the highest levels of cleanliness for systems, and work areas, including back of house space, at a level that is safe and hazard free, and presentable at all times
• Areas should be presentable for any VIP or Back of House tours
• Viewing windows should be clean and free of Algae, Backgrounds and décor should be presentable to guests
• Routine maintenance of systems as guided by LLPA SOP’s
• Report all non-functioning Life support equipment to the Curator/Assistant Curator and LSS Manager, or in an emergency the Director of Husbandry
• Ensure proper lighting levels are achieved and maintained for the animals under the Aquarists care and responsibility
• Maintain all daily and other records in accordance with LLPA SOP’s and protocols
• Demonstrate flexibility in completing tasks, which may extend after normal working hours, Weekends and Holidays.
• Collaborate with coworkers and/or colleagues from other institutions in aquarium techniques
• Present lectures, workshops, VIP tours, public encounters, with some supervision and guidance
• Assist in maintaining supplies, inventories and equipment for the area or department
• Assist with and participate in animal transport, transfers and procedures
• Participation in approved research opportunities, such as not to detract from primary responsibilities as outlined. As approved by Director of Husbandry and/or Curator. 
•  Any other duties, responsibilities or tasks as assigned

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.