Position: Assistant Curator of Ambassador Programs
Reports to: Curator of Ambassador Programs
Salary starting at: $56,000 per year
Position Summary:
As the LLPA continues to grow we are adding a new position to our husbandry team! This position will oversee the care of the raptor mews and show animals as well as supervise assigned staff. Reporting to the Curator of AA, this position will assist the Curator in the development, implementation of policies and procedures relevant to the mews and raptor presentations and animal educational shows. This individual will also assist in orchestrating all aspects of animal care, including but not limited to; daily care, record keeping, husbandry, and enrichment, training, research implementation of balanced and nutritional diets, and medical procedures.
Institutional Summary:
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 eight 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 since 2019. With a new expansion currently under construction and slated for completion in 2025, LLPA will soon be the largest aquarium in the Mountain West, and 5th largest aquarium overall in the continental United States.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Supports all aspects of team Core Job responsibilities through scheduling, management, team development, and direct participation. Team Core Job responsibilities include:
- Cleaning and maintenance of all team equipment, supplies, animal habitats, and support spaces
- Monitoring and maintaining environmental parameters
- Diet preparation and feeding to ensure appropriate nutrition
- Monitoring and responding to signs of illness/injury, stress, or other factors that may have an impact on animal wellbeing
- Maintenance and review of all necessary records.
- Ensuring animal wellbeing through enrichment and training.
- Liaison between frontline staff, Curator, and Veterinary staff. Maintain the “big picture” of team operations.
- Collaborate with other teams and departments for institutional project development, marketing initiatives, and signage needs.
- Serve as a resource for development of new skills, processes, and professional growth by staff
- Lead by example in demonstrating skills for staff advancement - Communication, Culture, Efficiency, Growth, Mentorship, and Project Management
- Responsible for supporting and updating institutional and best practice standards
- Supports curator in managerial oversight through performance reviews, one-on-one meetings, and disciplinary coaching.
Experience and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Zoology, Biology or related field.
- A minimum 7 years of paid experience in an aquarium or zoo environment, demonstrating a proven record of animal husbandry, enrichment and training in an ambassador animal or bird show setting.
- Extensive raptor experience required.
Critical Competencies
- Comprehensive experience in developing, implementing, and reviewing public educational programming.
- Advanced animal training knowledge and experience.
- Ability to successfully manage assigned animal collection.
- Understand exhibit design and construction.
- Ability to prioritize issues affecting animals and staff.
- Basic veterinary knowledge, ability to recognize injury and/or illness in collection animals.
- Knowledge and skills to plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve problems.
- Knowledge of concepts, principles and practices of zoo record keeping methods and collection management standards. Working knowledge of ZIMS.
- Possess excellent communication skills. Must be able to give and take direction: both verbally and written.
- Ability to multi-task as well as delegate.
- Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including weekdays, weekends, holidays and evenings.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
- Valid Utah driver’s license.
- CPR/First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain it in-house upon employment.
- Must possess or be willing to obtain current, negative TB test results.
Physical Demands of the Job:
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.
Perks of working for LLPA:
- Health benefits including: vision, dental, medical, HSA, FSA, pet insurance, paid maternity/paternity leave, free employee assistance program
- Generous PTO and holiday package with 12 paid holidays and PTO accrual starting at 80hrs a year and reaching 176hrs by year 5.
- 401K eligibility within 90 days of employment with an employer match of up to 4%.
- Individual Aquarium membership and 16 VIP passes per year plus 1 family membership or 3 individual memberships per year to gift to family/friends.
- 25% discount at the gift shop and 50% discount at the café.
- Catered staff lunches twice a month
- Coming in 2025: onsite staff gym and onsite daycare options for staff with children
Living in Utah
Utah is a treasure trove of outdoor adventure and unique experiences! The state's five national parks—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef—each offer their own stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, canyoneering, rock climbing or just soaking in the views, there’s something for everyone.
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And of course, the Sundance Film Festival is a major draw for film buffs, providing a platform for independent films and attracting celebrities and industry insiders from around the world.
