Aquarist 1 – Freshwater Team
This position is for an entry-level keeper responsible for the care and wellbeing of the Aquarium’s Freshwater Aquatics, Herptile, and terrestrial invertebrate collections. This consists of a diverse array of species including exotic and Utah native freshwater teleosts, complex planted displays, large reptiles including komodo dragon, amphibians including conservation propagation, and terrestrial invertebrates. Areas of focus include freshwater aquatic animal care and feeding, water quality, aquatic system maintenance, herptile husbandry, terrestrial invertebrate management, 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.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Cleaning and maintenance of equipment, supplies, animal habitats, and support spaces associated with the Freshwater’s Team animal collections to LLPA standards.
- Monitoring and maintaining appropriate environmental parameters for aquatic and terrestrial exhibits.
- Providing high-level animal care and nutrition to animals within the Freshwater’s Team animal collections.
- Monitoring and assisting in responding to signs of illness/injury, stress, or other factors that may impact animal health and wellbeing.
- Maintaining all necessary records, and review those records regularly in support of ensuring excellent animal care.
- Responsible for supporting institutional and industry best practice standards and procedures.
- Supports excellent animal wellbeing through providing enriching environments\interactions and behaviors supporting animal health.
- Understanding and maintenance of associated Life Support Systems, water chemistry and filtration.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working with freshwater animals and aquatic systems herpetology, or terrestrial invertebrates.
- Good interpersonal verbal and written communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Maintaining a consistent professional attitude, high motivation, and ability to accept feedback.
- Interest in developing efficiency, good time management, and demonstrated desire for growth.
- Knowledge of ZIMS software is a plus.
Education & Experience
- Two or four-year degree in zoological or biological sciences. Candidates with a suitable combined equivalent of education and hands-on experience will be considered.
- Minimum 6 months of internship or paid experience in an area of animal care at a zoological facility.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
- 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 an hourly position calculated at 40 hours per week.
