Facility

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Closing Date

Description

Position: Primary Ambassador Animal Keeper

Reports To: Curator of Freshwater and LSS

POSITION SUMMARY

The Primary Ambassador Animal Keeper is responsible for providing the highest possible quality of care to the animals in his/her care. This position provides daily care of all animals in the Aquarium’s Ambassador Animal Program, and works closely with the Curator of Freshwater and LSS, and the Ambassador Animal Manager to ensure the health and wellbeing of all Ambassador Animals. This position will also be trained in the care and maintenance of many terrestrial and freshwater exhibits in the gallery spaces. The individual will maintain a current understanding of current husbandry practices, and natural history of all invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals in the program. The Primary Ambassador Animal Keeper has the knowledge and ability to act as a resource for Education Animal Handlers, Presenters, volunteers and interns.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide daily care of all Ambassador Animals
• Ensure proper lighting, heating and other environmental factors are achieved and maintained in all Ambassador Animal enclosures
• Ensure all animal enrichment and operant conditioning adheres to established protocols and is recorded appropriately
• Train, develop and oversee the work of volunteers and interns assigned to work in the individual’s area of responsibility
• Maintains live exhibits and specimen holding facilities at a high level of quality
• Performs general husbandry functions without direct supervision
• Complete inspection rounds at least twice daily to check status of all enclosures and their occupants. Make daily observations of animals for health and behavioral assessment and report suspected incidence of disease immediately to the management
• Administer medications as needed under the direction of the Associate Curator, Director or Veterinarian
• Report all non-functioning life support equipment to the Curator of FW and LSS or the Director of Husbandry
• Prepare food and feed organisms
• Record all pertinent information in the Daily Area Report, and ZIMS as required
• Maintain all established records in accordance with established practice and policy (acquisition, disposition, enclosure, treatment 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
• Collaborate with colleagues from other aquariums and zoos in current and appropriate techniques
• Present workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs and behind the scenes tours
• Provide alternate coverage for other aquarists and keepers as assigned
• Maintain supplies and equipment needed for the department

Education and Pre-requisites

QUALIFICATIONS

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, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals 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.

• A college degree (A.A, A.S. B.A. or B.S.) is required with an emphasis on biology or science course work. Equivalent hands on work experience/knowledge may be considered
• Three (3) years of paid FT experience caring for invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds and/or mammals in a public aquarium or zoological facility
• 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 LLPA procedures
• 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 area on the FW team as needed
• Demonstrates husbandry expertise of amphibians, reptiles and/or birds
• Attention to detail
• Excellent troubleshooting skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of all exhibit galleries
• Working knowledge of the Animal Health Lab (necropsies, skin scrapes, etc.)
• 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this 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
• Ability to work with various cleaning chemicals
• Ability to operate power tools

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Hot and cold environments
• Outdoor and indoor environments in varying weather conditions
• Elevated platforms
• Aquarium habitats
• Uneven surfaces
• Confined spaces
• Underwater environments
• Noisy workspaces
• Working with and around potentially dangerous animals and equipment

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 basis protected class under federal, state or local laws.

Compensation and benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Holidays, PTO, etc.

Application instructions

Link to Apply:
Apply online at www.thelivingplanet.com/jobs

direct link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=LvgPlanet&jobId=120038&lang=en_US&source=CC3