Senior Keeper/Trainer

Facility

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

POSITION: Senior Keeper/Trainer
REPORTS TO: Curator of Birds and Mammals
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is seeking a Senior Keeper/ Trainer to provide assigned specimens with excellent day-to-day care through approved husbandry practices, keeps exhibits, reserve holding, support equipment and work spaces well maintained to the Living Planet Aquarium’s standards; plans and participates in the acquisition/disposition of specimens, transport and acclimation of specimens and participates in the design, construction of new exhibits and exhibit renovations, as assigned. The position will participate in and assist with the development of mammal, reptile and bird training programs, which will consist of behavioral demonstrations presented to the public on a scheduled basis. The position will also be responsible for maintaining organized written records pertaining to health, feeding, water quality and behavioral observations.
The position will be fully accountable for animals and associates areas under care in assigned areas. Responsible for providing coverage for other areas and serves as the primary contact for assigned areas. Serves as an advisor and mentor to staff on all aspects of husbandry procedures and protocols. Trains staff and supervises volunteers, interns and project teams, as assigned. Acts as a leader and role model for other staff mentors.
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…).
• 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.
• Function as Lead Worker as assigned.
• Serve as designated lead worker as required by Curator of Mammals and Birds. Involves: Guide, monitor and train less knowledgeable employees. Schedule and assign work. Review and check work. Guide others in work processes. Recommend areas for employee skills improvement. Provide input to employee performance evaluation process.
• Respond to and assist supervisor in guiding the resolution of emergency situations within the zoo.
• Attends departmental meetings and participates in developmental seminars and workshops as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• 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.
• 5 years minimum (7+ 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.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• 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).
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
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

Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off, 401K

Application instructions

Click the link below:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=LvgPlanet&jobId=122939&lang=en_US&source=CC3

Or apply through our website: