Temp Keeper I Ambassador Animals bei Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Position: Temp Keeper I Ambassador Animals

Starting Salary: $17hr

Duration: 1-2 month period

Position Summary:

The Living Planet Aquarium is currently seeking candidates with a background in avian, small mammal, and herp care for an open position on our Ambassador Animal team. The position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the Curator of Endotherms and Ambassador Animals as well as the Assistant Curators in carrying out the operations of the Education Animal Room. This includes all aspects of animal care including, husbandry, welfare, maintenance, and training. The position will participate in and assist with the development of the mammal, reptile and bird training programs, which will consist of behavioral demonstrations presented to the public on a scheduled basis. In addition to husbandry duties this position is responsible for training educators on animal handing skills with all animals and ensuring all Aquarium and AZA regulations are being met.

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 Earth’s 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 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to more than 4,000 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 since 2019. With a new expansion currently under construction and slated for completion in 2025, 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:

• Provides for the needs of all Animal Ambassador Collection including cleaning, feeding, enrichment and training of animals in the Education Animal Room.
• Maintains records pertaining to feeding, exhibit conditions, water quality analysis, behavioral observations, training activities, enrichment and medical procedures.
• Trains Education Presenters to appropriately handle and present each species according to the approved protocols and procedures.
• Ensures all Education Presenters are following LLPA Ambassador Animal protocols and procedures.
• Handles and assesses new ambassador animals to get them ready for handing in presentations
• Assists in training new animal behaviors through positive reinforcement techniques
• Input data into Google Drive spreadsheets, ZIMs, and other program logs in a professional and timely manner
• Cooperates with veterinarian and staff for animal health issues, treatments, and veterinary procedures, transfers and crating.
• Acts as a resource for Education Presenters.
• At the direction of supervisors, interact with and respond to public/media requests for information.

Experience and Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology or related field, or two years of experience working with animals in a zoo or aquarium setting to be considered for a Keeper I.
• General knowledge of all animal phylum and their characteristics and habits.
• Must have good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which will include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Critical Competencies

• Experience giving public presentations
• Knowledge of animal handling and training others to handle animals
• Experience working with raptors highly preferred
• Comfortability giving presentations in front of a camera for local media or internal events.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid driver’s license in Utah or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• CPR/First Aid certification or the ability to obtain it in-house upon employment.
• Must possess current, negative TB test results or obtain prior to start.
• Scuba certification a plus but not a requirement.

Physical Demands of the Job:

Must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds, stand for long periods of time and drive aquarium vehicles. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, reach or feel and manipulate objects or controls. The employee is frequently required to sit, walk distances, climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch and stand for long periods for time. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

 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 [email protected].