Position: Assistant Curator of Mammals and Birds
Reports to: Curator of Mammals and Birds
Starting salary: $56,000 per year
Position Summary:
We are expanding! With a new building set to open in 2025 we are seeking an additional Assistant Curator to assist the Curator of Mammals and Birds in overseeing the care of the Mammals, Birds, and some Reptiles of the Endotherm team as well as supervise assigned staff. This position will assist the Curator in the development, implementation of policies and procedures relevant to the collection. This individual will also assist in orchestrating all aspects of animal care, including but not limited to; daily care, record keeping, husbandry, enrichment, 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.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Zoology, Biology or related field.
- A minimum 7 years proven experience in an aquarium or zoo environment, demonstrating a proven record of animal husbandry, enrichment and exhibition of a variety mammals, birds, and reptiles. In lieu of a degree, significant experience required.
Critical Competencies
- General knowledge of all animal phylum and their characteristics and habits.
- Ability to successfully manage the animal collection.
- Understand exhibit design and construction.
- Recognize any deficiencies in habitat or animal holding facilities.
- Ability to prioritize issues affecting animals and staff.
- Basic knowledge of veterinary procedures and vaccinations.
- 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.
- Efficiency, good time management, and a passion for staff mentorship and development.
- 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.
For winter sports, Utah's "Greatest Snow on Earth" provides world-class skiing and snowboarding at destinations like Park City and Snowbird.
Dinosaur enthusiasts will also find plenty to be excited about, with numerous fossil sites and museums showcasing Utah's rich prehistoric past. The state's geological history has made it one of the best places in the world to see dinosaur fossils both in museums and out in nature!
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.
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 the adherence to the policies.
