Freshwater Aquarist II presso Living Planet Aquarium

Position: Freshwater Aquarist II

Reports To: Curator of Freshwater

Position Summary:

LLPA is looking for an experienced herpetologist for the Freshwater team. This person is responsible for providing the highest possible quality of care to the animals in his/her assigned area.  This responsibility includes the set-up, maintenance and care of holding enclosures and systems, preparing and dispensing food, disease recognition and treatment, life support system construction and operation, and species identification.  They should provide knowledge and ability to act as a resource for volunteers and interns, and assist in training interns and volunteers as directed. 

Qualifications:

• A 4 year college degree (B.A. or B.S.) is required with an emphasis on biology or science course work, or a 2 year degree (A.A or A.S.) with equivalent hands on work experience/ knowledge may be considered.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience caring for animals in a public aquarium or zoological facility, experience with large reptiles preferred, but not required.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and obtain a Utah driver’s license within 6 months of hire date
• An Aquarist/Herpetologist Level II must have previous exposure to aquariums, zoos and/or nature centers and a background related to living organisms
• Experience with, understanding of, and aptitude for maintaining fish, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles is essential
• Experience safely working with dangerous or hazardous animals a plus, including, but not limited to large snakes, crocodilians, other large reptiles

Critical Skills/Competencies:

• 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
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and digital record keeping
• Open Water SCUBA Certification strongly preferred

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintains live exhibits and specimen holding facilities at a high level of quality
• Determining an individual animal’s nutritional needs, securing, culturing, preparing and feeding the animals assigned to them
• Daily care and maintenance of reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates, including dangerous or hazardous animals
• Act as a resource to Interns and Volunteers
• Works well independently and in a team environment
• Follows directions easily
• Maintain proper water quality to ensure the health of the organisms
• Complete inspection rounds at least twice daily to check status of all exhibit and holding systems and their occupants
• Make daily observations of animals for health and behavioral assessment and report suspected issues immediately to the management
• Administer medications as needed under the direction of the Curator of Freshwater, Director of Husbandry, or Veterinarian
• 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
• Present workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs and behind the scenes tours
• Provide alternate coverage for other aquarists as assigned

Physical Demands of the Job:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to swim
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to walk up and down ladders, and work on platforms
• Ability to work with various cleaning chemicals
• Ability to operate power tools or heavy machinery

Special Working Conditions:

• Hot and cold environments
• Elevated platforms and ladders
• Uneven surfaces
• Confined spaces
• Underwater environments
• Noisy workspaces

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.