Aquarist 2 – Saltwater Team
This position is for an intermediate-level aquarist responsible for the care and wellbeing of the Aquarium’s saltwater collection. This consists of a diverse array of species including large sharks and rays, sea turtles, tropical and cold-water marine fish, coral, cephalopods and other marine invertebrates. Areas of focus include marine animal care and feeding, water quality, aquatic system maintenance, 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 marine animal collections.
- Monitoring and maintaining appropriate environmental parameters for marine exhibits.
- Providing high-level animal care and nutrition to animals within the marine animal collection.
- Monitoring and assisting in responding to signs of illness/injury, stress, or other factors that may impact animal health and well-being.
- Maintaining all necessary records and reviewing those records regularly in support of ensuring excellent animal care.
- Responsible for supporting institutional and industry best practice standards and procedures.
- Supports excellent animal well-being through providing enriching environments\interactions and behaviors supporting animal health.
- Mentoring and training colleagues in areas of expertise to expand team skill sets.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working with marine animals and aquatic systems.
- 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.
- 2 – 3 years of paid experience in the field of aquatic animal care at a zoological facility.
- Candidates with prior experience working in one of the following fields will be viewed favorably: Syngnathid husbandry and rearing, Cuttlefish husbandry and rearing, Coral husbandry, plumbing and maintenance of smaller LSS equipment unique to coral and invertebrate systems.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, ability to swim, ability to stand for long periods of time, ability to walk up and down ladders, ability to work with various cleaning chemicals, ability to operate power tools or heavy machinery, ability to drive aquarium vehicles.
Working Conditions
Outdoor and indoor environments in varying weather conditions including: elevated platforms, aquarium habitats, uneven surfaces, enclosed spaces, underwater environments, noisy work spaces.
