Description:
Position: Aquarist III- Freshwater (Full-Time)
Reports To: Curator of Freshwater and Life Support Systems
Position Summary
The Level III Aquarist is responsible for providing the highest possible quality of care to the animals in his/her care. This responsibility includes the set-up, maintenance and care of aquarium exhibits, preparing and dispensing food. The individual will maintain current on the husbandry and natural history of all fish, invertebrates and reptiles in the aquarist’s area of responsibility. The Level III Aquarist also ensures that all animal dispositions are conducted in a humane and ethical manner. The Level III Aquarist has the knowledge and ability to act as a resource for Aquarist I, Aquarist II, volunteers and interns.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Acts as a resource to Level I and II Aquarists, Interns and Volunteers
o 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
• Maintains live exhibits and specimen holding facilities at a high level of quality
• 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.)
• Maintains a clean work area to facilitate a presentable and safe environment for work and behind the scenes tours
• Adheres to all safety protocols (fire, diving, 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
• Presents at workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs and leads behind the scenes tours
• Provides alternate coverage for other aquarists as assigned
• Ensures all husbandry areas are kept clean, organized and hazard free
• Maintains supplies and equipment needed for the department
Qualifications:
Qualifications
An Aquarist Level III must have previous exposure to aquariums and/or zoos and a background related to living organisms. Experience with, understanding of, and aptitude for maintaining fish, invertebrates, and reptiles is essential. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or abilities required.
• 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
• Demonstrates competency in advanced plumbing skills (comfortable plumbing PVC pipe over 1")
• Is a role model for professionalism including:
o contributes to a positive and productive work environment
o demonstrates self-motivated initiative
o assist others when opportunities arise; promotes teamwork
o represents LLPA in words and actions
o possesses good communication and organizational skills
• Basic competency of all LLPA aquarium systems and ability to cover any fish or invertebrate system in the department
• Demonstrates husbandry expertise of a fish, invertebrate or reptile species or an area of specialization
Possess a valid driver’s license and obtain a Utah driver’s license within 6 months of hire date
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• Valid Utah driver’s license
• CPR/First Aid certification to be obtained upon employment
• Must possess current, negative drug and TB test results
Education/Experience
• 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
Physical Demands of the Job
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following have been identified as physical requirements of the job.
• The employee 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
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.
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. LLPA does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other protected class under federal, state or local laws.
Application Instructions:
Click the link below to apply online.