Facility

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Closing Date

Description

The Living Planet Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) 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.

We are eagerly searching for a Keeper/Trainer II to join our Husbandry Team. This position will work with our diverse collection of birds and mammals. To find out more about this position, keep reading. We hope to hear from you!

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The position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the Lead Keeper/Trainer, Area Supervisor/Curator and/or Director of Husbandry in carrying out the operations of the mammal, reptile and avian exhibits of the aquarium. This includes all aspects of animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance and holding area management. The position will participate in and assist with the development of the mammal, reptile and bird training program, which will consist of behavioral demonstrations presented to the public on a scheduled basis by the trainers. The position will also be responsible for maintaining organized written records pertaining to health, feeding, water quality and behavioral observations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

-As a member of the Husbandry team, you will lead by example by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest, and committed when interacting with one another and guests.
-Provides for the needs of all animals related to the bird, mammal and reptile collection-Journey South America, Penguin Research Station, Discover Utah, Bird Holding/TQ and our new Expedition Asia exhibit by doing exhibit cleaning and holding system maintenance, diet preparation and feeding, and enrichment.
-Presents daily shows and presentations for the public.
-Maintains records pertaining to feeding, water quality analysis, behavioral observations, training activities and medical procedures.
-Maintains exhibit quality standards through regular maintenance and cleaning activities.
-Cooperates with Animal Health Services staff for animal health issues, treatments, and veterinary procedures, transfers and crating.
-Keeps work area clean and organized and reports mechanical failures to supervisors in a timely way.
-Assists in collecting and other Husbandry department activities when needed.
-Participate in Aquarium related education, public relations and membership programs including facility tours and lectures.
-Comply with safety and security directives, policies and procedures.
-At the direction of supervisors, interact with and respond to public/media requests for information.
-Adherence to area specific standard operating procedures (SOP’s)
-Must be able to maintain discretion with confidential information.
-Prepares and continually enhances animal areas for aesthetic, reproductive, behavior, and animal safety (i.e. perching material, nest boxes, “furniture”, live or artificial plants, etc…).
-Acts as a resource for Apprentice Keeper/Trainers and Keeper/Trainer 1’s and other newly hired Keeper/Trainer 2’s.
-Possesses knowledge of research and conservation initiatives in nature and in zoos.
-Strong knowledge of zoo/aquarium layout and general animal collection to respond quickly during animal emergencies and also assist guests.
-Knowledge of safety SOP, safety concerns, and reporting protocols.
-Good knowledge of species-specific enrichment and protocols.
-Appropriate animal restraint and handling techniques.
-Attends departmental meetings and participates in developmental seminars and workshops as required.
-Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

-Must have previous exposure to aquariums and/or zoos and a background related to living organisms. Experience with, understanding of, and aptitude for maintaining fish, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals is essential. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or abilities required.
-Bachelor’s Degree in biology or a related field is required (3-4 years of full time mammal or avian training experience at a zoo or aquarium may be considered in lieu of a degree) with specific knowledge of animal husbandry and behavioral conditioning.
-2-3 years (5+ years without a degree) of experience working with animals in a zoo or aquarium setting is required. Emphasis should be on animal care and exhibit and holding area maintenance. (Domestic pets do not count)
-Must have demonstrated discipline and have a history of a consistently high degree of work quality.
-A valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
-Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include weekends and/or evenings and holidays.
-Ability to travel when necessary, usually not to exceed four weeks at one time.
-Ability to respond to emergencies on an on call basis.
-Knowledge of Word Processing and Spreadsheet software.
-Must have good written and oral communication skills.
-C.P.R./First Aid certification (preferred) or ability to obtain within 90 days of being hired.
-Experience in the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and use of water quality testing equipment preferred.
-S.C.U.B.A. certification preferred (required if assigned duties include diving).
-Ability to pass Dive Program annual swim test required (if assigned duties include diving).
-Ability to pass Dive Program physical exam required (if assigned duties include diving).
-Remain current and follows all diving related institutional safety protocols as assigned.
-Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.
-Possess an intermediate understanding of all species within the collection.
-Ability to perform all basic and intermediate husbandry tasks relating to care for all species within the facility.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

-Valid driver’s license.
-CPR/First Aid certification to be obtained upon employment.
-Must possess current, negative drug and TB test results.

Physical Demands of the Job

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

-In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor.
-No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work.
-Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
-Ability to work in all weather conditions.
-No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
-Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and be able to move up to 100lbs.
-Immuno-competence (possible exposure to zoonotic infections/disease).

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

-Hot and cold environments
-Outdoor and indoor environments in varying weather conditions
-Elevated platforms
-Uneven surfaces
-Confined spaces
-Underwater environments
-Noisy work spaces
-Working with and around potentially dangerous animals and equipment

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 management’s right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. LLPA does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected class under federal, state or local laws.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Please submit an online application at: www.thelivingplanet.com/jobs