Saltwater Aquarist III

Facility

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Position: Saltwater Aquarist III

Reports To: Curator of Marine Aquatics

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a 501(c3) 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.

Position Summary:

The Saltwater Aquarist III is responsible for providing the highest possible quality of care to the animals in his/her care. This responsibility includes the set-up, maintenance and care of aquarium exhibits, preparing and dispensing food. The individual will maintain current on the husbandry and natural history of all fish, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians in the aquarist’s area of responsibility. The Aquarist also ensures that all animal dispositions are conducted in a humane and ethical manner. The individual has the knowledge and ability to act as a resource for volunteers and interns. The Saltwater Aquarist III has the knowledge and ability to act as a resource for Aquarist I, II, as well as interns and volunteers as directed.

Qualifications:

A college degree (A.A, A.S. B.A. or B.S.) is required with an emphasis on biology or science course work, or equivalent hands on work experience/knowledge may be considered
Three (3) to Four (4) years’ experience caring for animals in a public aquarium or zoological facility
Experience and proficiency in all Aquarium and Quarantine Procedures
Demonstrates competency in advanced plumbing skills (comfortable plumbing PVC pipe over 1”)
Basic competency of aquarium systems and ability to cover any fish, invertebrate, reptile, amphibian, bird, and small mammal systems or enclosures within the department
Demonstrates husbandry expertise of fish, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals
Possess a valid driver’s license and obtain a Utah driver’s license within 6 months of hire date

Critical Skills/Competencies:

Experience with, understanding of, and aptitude for maintaining fish, invertebrates, amphibians and
Strong identification skills, ability to identify all animals and plants under your care
Extensive knowledge of biological processes as they pertain to water chemistry, physiology, animal health and psychological well-being
Possesses familiarity with the natural history of all animals and plants in their section, including a good understanding of the requirements of individual species in captivity
Attention to detail
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Is a role model for professionalism including:
Contributes to a positive and productive work environment
Demonstrates self-motivated initiative
Assist others when opportunities arise; promotes teamwork
Represents LLPA in words and actions
Possesses good communication and organizational skills

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Acts as a resource to Level I and II Aquarist, Interns, and Volunteers
Train, develop and oversee the work of volunteers and interns assigned to work in the individual’s area of responsibility
Maintains live exhibits and specimen holding facilities at a high level of quality
Performs general husbandry functions without direct supervision
Works well in a team environment and follows directions easily
Maintain the highest level of cleanliness, and aesthetic and artistic quality of the displays
Maintain proper water quality to ensure the health of the organisms and high water clarity
Ensure the proper care of life support equipment by adhering to a regular preventative maintenance schedule and by keeping all items clean
Ensure proper lighting levels are achieved and maintained
Complete inspection rounds at least twice daily to check status of all exhibit and holding/quarantine systems and their occupants. Make daily observations of animals for health and behavioral assessment and report suspected incidence of disease immediately to the management
Administer medications as needed under the direction of the Curator of Marine Aquatics, Director of Husbandry, or Veterinarian
Report all non-function life support equipment to the Curator of Marine Aquatics, or in emergency situations, Life Support Systems Manager
Assist with system design and fabrication during renovations
Prepare food and feed organisms
Maintain all established records in accordance with established practice and policy (acquisition, disposition, tank records, water quality records, etc.)
Maintain a clean work area to facilitate a presentable and safe environment for work and behind the scenes tours
Adhere to all safety protocols (fire, diving, etc.)
Demonstrate flexibility in completing tasks, which may extend after normal working hours or to weekends and holidays
Collaborate with colleagues from other aquariums and zoos in aquarium techniques
Present workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs and behind the scenes tours
Provide alternate coverage for other aquarists as assigned
Ensure all husbandry areas are kept clean, organized and hazard free
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 accomodation@thelivingplanet.com.

Depending on the volume of interests and submissions, we will only be contacting applicants who meet all of the minimum requirements listed in the job posting. Only those applicants who align most closely with our minimum and preferred qualifications will be contacted for an interview. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium will retain your application materials for one year and may contact you regarding future opportunities.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits