Freshwater Aquarist I

Position: Aquarist 1 Freshwater Team

Reports To: Curator of Freshwater

Compensation: $17.00 / hour

Position Summary:

This position is for an entry-level keeper responsible for the care and wellbeing of the Aquariums 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 Earths 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 650000 educational experiences to students. Home to more than 4000 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 LLPA will soon be the largest aquarium in the Mountain West and 5th largest aquarium overall in the continental United States.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cleaning and maintenance of equipment supplies animal habitats and support spaces associated with the Freshwaters 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 Freshwaters 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 environmentsinteractions and behaviors supporting animal health.
• Understanding and maintenance of associated Life Support Systems water chemistry and filtration.

Experience and Qualifications:

• 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.

Critical Competencies:

• 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.

Certificates Licenses Registrations

• Valid Utah drivers license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• Open water dive certification (PADI or NAUI) or better.

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: This is an hourly position calculated at 40 hours per week.

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. Should you require accommodations please contact .

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. Should you require accommodations please contact .