Cur of Mammals & Birds

Position:Curator of Mammals and Birds

ReportsTo:Director ofZoological Operations

Compensation: $75-77000 per year

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Position Summary:

The Curator oversees the care and welfare of the Aquariums mammal and bird collection and supervises assigned animal care staff. This position develops implements and enforces policies and procedures related to the husbandry enrichment training acquisition disposition and health management of a diverse specimen collection. The Curator schedules assigns and directs personnel; participates in hiring performance evaluations training and corrective actions; and ensures compliance with all regulatory safety and accreditation standards.

The Curator collaborates closely with veterinarians the registrar Department Director and Vice President on exhibit design renovation projects institutional collection planning and conservation initiatives. This role also participates in crisis management procedures safety drills and public-facing programs as requested.

About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:

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 ten 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 and slated for completion in early 2026 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:

• Lead a team of skilled and passionate aquarists while collaborating with peers and other departmental leads.
• Responsible for all aspects of the teams Core Job responsibilities through scheduling team development one-on-one meetings and performance management. Team Core Job responsibilities include:
  • Cleaning and maintenance of all animal habitats related support spaces equipment and supplies.
  • Monitoring and maintaining environmental parameters
  • Diet preparation and feeding to ensure appropriate nutrition
  • Monitoring and responding to signs of illness/injury stress or other factors that may have an impact on animal wellbeing
  • Maintenance and review of all necessary records.
  • Ensuring animal wellbeing through enrichment and training.
• Support and collaborate on institutional collection planning and lead coordination of acquisition disposition and transport of animals in alignment with institutional and AZA best practices participates in Species Survival Plan (SSP) management.
• Support and collaborate on the planning and execution of new exhibits habitat renovations and upgrades to animal spaces and life support infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory standards (AZA DWR USDA FWS) through regular inspections documentation review and staff coaching.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate support and planning for after-hours and emergency response for the collections.
• Participate in crisis management safety drills and maintain proficiency in chemical restraint equipment and dart guns.
• Foster a positive growth-oriented team culture through active mentorship effective communication and alignment with institutional values and departmental leadership.
• Guide the development of staff skills and operational practices by identifying growth opportunities supporting cross-training and implementing process improvements.
• Oversee administrative functions including team budgeting performance evaluations disciplinary action and long-term staff planning to ensure strategic growth and accountability.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Four (4)-year degree in zoological or biological sciences. Candidates with a suitable combined equivalent of education and hands-on experience will be considered.
• Eight (8) years of paid experience in the field of animal care at a zoological facility. Minimum Three(3) years of experience working with birds and mammals.
• Three (3) years of experience serving in a supervisory role at a zoological facility preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of mammal and bird characteristics habits and contemporary husbandry techniques.
• Must have a working knowledge of the practical application of operant conditioning in a zoological setting. (operant conditioning experience with felidae preferred)

Critical Competencies:

• Proven leadership and supervisory skills with the ability to inspire develop and manage a team in alignment with organizational values and AZA standards.
• Strong business acumen including experience with budgeting scheduling project oversight and resource planning in a zoological or aquarium environment.
• Committed to professionalism and ethical conduct with a strong understanding of the responsibility zoological institutions carry in conservation education and guest engagement.
• Demonstrated proficiency in collection planning and aquatic husbandry techniques grounded in contemporary best practices and in support of institutional goals.
• Advanced expertise in terrestrial animal care including exhibit design training welfare monitoring and safe capture and restraint.
• Certified SCUBA diver with excellent in-water performance and experience supporting animal care diving operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and lead by example.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with a proactive mindset and dedication to continuous improvement.
• Passion for mentorship and team development with a focus on cultivating future leaders within the profession.

Certificates Licenses Registrations

• Valid Utah drivers license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• Preferred Open water dive certification (PADI or NAUI) or higher. AAUS Scientific Diver certification is ideal or ability to acquire dive 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: This is a salaried position calculated at 40 hours per week; Position is responsible for ensuring on-call support for after-hours emergencies weekends and holiday coverage.

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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 managements 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.â