Assistant Curator of Saltwater en Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Position: Assistant Curator of Saltwater

Reports To: Curator of Saltwater

Compensation: $55,500 annually

Position Summary: 

This position is for a managerial level aquarist responsible for the care and wellbeing of the Aquarium’s saltwater collection. This consists of a diverse array of species including large sharks and rays, sea turtles, tropical and cold-water marine fish, coral, cephalopods and other marine invertebrates. Areas of focus include marine animal care and feeding, water quality, aquatic system maintenance, and animal training.

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 ten 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 (AZA) since 2019. With our new Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center that is currently under construction, LLPA will soon be the largest aquarium in the Mountain West, and 5th largest aquarium overall in the continental United States.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Zoology, Biology or related field
• 7+ years proven experience in an aquarium or zoo environment, demonstrating a proven record of animal husbandry, enrichment and exhibition of a variety reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates

Critical Skills/Competencies:

• Awareness of current animal issues in zoos and aquariums and outside in the wild
• Ability to successfully manage the animal collection
• Understand exhibit design and construction
• Recognize any deficiencies in exhibit or animal holding facilities
• Ability to prioritize issues affecting animals and staff
• Knowledge of annual budget process and ability to operate within departmental budget
• Knowledge and skills to interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve problems
• Knowledge of laws and permits regulating acquisition, disposition, exhibition, husbandry standards and transportation within the US and abroad
• Knowledge of concepts, principles and practices of zoo record keeping methods and collection management standards. Working knowledge of ZIMS
• Possess excellent communication skills. Must be able to give and take direction: both verbally and written
• Ability to multi-task as well as delegate
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including weekdays, weekends, holidays and evenings
• Evaluate, assist in approving animal enrichment and operant conditioning programs 
• Assist in the development and enforce standards of animal care policies and procedures for the entire specimen collection
• Help schedule, assign and direct Saltwater staff and volunteers, as-needed, which includes performance management and disciplinary action
• Lead by example to animal care staff; providing encouragement, coaching, training, mentoring and opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally
• Help with crisis management, safety drills and participate in safety meetings with fellow department representatives when required
• Care for assigned systems on a husbandry level as assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: 

• Valid Utah driver’s license
• Current scuba certification from a valid organization, or ability to make current
• Must possess or be willing to obtain current, negative TB test results

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. 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.