Freshwater Aquarist III

Aza•Draper, UT

47d•$20•Onsite

About The Position

The Freshwater Aquarist III will help and care for our animals, including our arapaima, discus, electric eel, yellow anaconda, and caiman. They will lead the Journey to South America gallery, maintain vibrant freshwater habitats, and play a key role in training Aquarists I & II, interns, and volunteers. About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium: 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 a new expansion currently under construction and slated for completion in late 2025, LLPA will soon be the largest aquarium in the Mountain West, and 5th largest aquarium overall in the continental United States. Why Utah? Utah is an outdoor lover's dream. With five national parks and 46 state parks, adventure is always just a short drive away. In the winter, you'll find world-class skiing and snowboarding at resorts known for having the greatest snow on earth. Whether you love hiking, climbing, biking, paddling, or enjoying vibrant local arts and food, Utah offers an unbeatable quality of life and four beautiful seasons to explore it all.

Requirements

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
Four (4) years' experience caring for animals in a public aquarium or zoological facility
Experience with, understanding of, and aptitude for maintaining fish, invertebrates, and reptiles
Is a role model for performing consistent, high quality animal husbandry practices on a daily basis; consistently maintains excellent standards
Experience and proficiency in all Aquarium procedures
Shows excellence in at least one category (fish or reptile medicine, planted aquaria, species collection or propagation, life support, etc.)
Demonstrates competency in advanced plumbing skills (comfortable plumbing PVC pipe up to 2")
Is a role model for professionalism
Basic competency of all LLPA aquarium systems and ability to cover any fish or invertebrate system in the department
Valid Utah driver's license, or obtain one within 6 months of hire
CPR/First Aid certification to be obtained upon employment
Must possess or be willing to obtain current, negative drug and TB test results

Nice To Haves

Experience with animal collection methods preferred
SCUBA open water certification strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Function as the senior aquarist over the Journey to South America Gallery
Ensure the care of a diverse animal connection, including freshwater fish, reptiles, terrestrial invertebrates, and tropical and aquatic plants
Acts as a resource to Level I and II Aquarists, Interns and Volunteers
Train, develop and oversee the work of volunteers and interns assigned to work in the individual's area of responsibility
Has acquired and maintains appropriate skill set allowing for an advanced ability to cover and problem solve LLPA aquarium systems
Performs general husbandry functions without direct supervision
Maintains the highest level of cleanliness and artistic quality of the displays
Tests and maintains proper water quality to ensure the health of the organisms
Ensures the proper care of life support equipment by adhering to a regular preventative maintenance schedule and by keeping all items clean
Ensures proper lighting levels are achieved and maintained
Completes inspection rounds at least twice daily to check status of all exhibit and holding systems and their occupants
Makes daily observations of animals for health and behavioral assessment and report suspected incidence of disease immediately to the management
Administers medications as needed under the direction of the Curator, Director or Veterinarian
Reports all non-function life support equipment to the Curator, Director of Animal Husbandry, or Life Support Systems Manager
Assists with system design and fabrication during renovations
Prepares food according to LLPA Food Preparation Protocol
Maintains all established records in accordance with LLPA policy (acquisition, disposition, tank records, water quality records, etc.)
Demonstrates flexibility in completing tasks, which may extend after normal working hours, weekends and holidays
Collaborates with colleagues from other aquariums and zoos in aquarium techniques
Provides alternate coverage for other aquarists as assigned