Saltwater Aquarist III

Position: Saltwater Aquarist III

Reports To:  Curator of Saltwater

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Salt Lake County, Utah is currently recruiting for a Saltwater Aquarist III position.  This is an ever expanding facility, soon to be the fifth largest aquarium in the United States, in a fast pace environment working with a diverse collection of marine animals.  There is plenty of sun, snowboarding/skiing, mountain biking, and outdoor fun experiences! 

Qualifications:  

• A College degree (A.A, A.S, B.A, or B.S) is preferred with an emphasis on biology/zoology or related scientific course work. Or, Equivalent hands on professional or volunteer experience and knowledge may be considered.
• Three (3) or more years’ experience caring for animals in a public aquarium or zoological facility
• Possess a valid driver’s license and obtain a Utah driver’s license within six (6) months of hire date.
• Open water SCUBA certification from a recognized agency required
  •  May need to be able to SCUBA dive for collections, animal care, and routine maintenance of exhibits

Critical Skills/Competencies:  

• Excels in at least one specialty (Planted systems, Coral systems, Elasmobranchs, Jellyfish, Propagation techniques, difficult species, water chemistry, etc.)
• Burdens extra workload with demonstrated ability to manage time and priorities
• Lesser project management
• Ability to recognize potential problems in department, demonstrate ability to problem solve and find/present solutions in a timely manner
• Is a role model for producing consistent, high quality, husbandry practices on a daily basis
  • Is a role model for professionalism including:
    • Contributes to a positive and productive work environment,
    • promotes teamwork
    • Demonstrates self-motivated initiative
    • Represents LLPA well in all actions, words and gestures
    •  Possess good communication and organization skills
  • Acts as a resource and mentor for Volunteers, Intern, Level I and Level II Aquarists
    • Train, Develop, and oversee the work of Volunteers or Interns assigned to work in the Aquarists assigned area of responsibility
    • Mentor and train incoming Level I Aquarists, and participate in the onboarding of new hires.
  • Performs general husbandry functions with little to no supervision
    • Areas should be presentable for any VIP or Back of House tours
    • Viewing windows should be clean and free of Algae, Backgrounds and décor should be presentable to guests
    • Routine maintenance of systems as guided by LLPA SOP’s
  • Demonstrate flexibility in completing tasks, which may extend after normal working hours, Weekends and Holidays.
  • Present lectures, demonstrations, workshops, VIP tours, public encounters, with little supervision and/or guidance
  • Organize, assist with and participate in animal transport, transfers and procedures
  • Demonstrated ability to plumb up to 2”, under the direction of the Curator and LSS Engineer or manager with no supervision
  •  Any other duties, responsibilities or tasks as assigned

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 adherence to the policies. 

https://livingplanetaquarium.org/jobs/