Position: Saltwater/Freshwater Aquarist I
Reports To: Curator of Freshwater/Curator of Saltwater
Compensation: $17 per hour
Position Summary:
The Level I Aquarist is a split position between the Freshwater and Saltwater departments, splitting their time evenly between departments. Their primary responsibilities will be covering systems assigned for call outs, or managing other systems for the day. In addition, to assist with group projects and activities, like shark feeds. This person is responsible for providing the highest possible quality of care to the animals throughout the building, under the guidance of the Aquariums protocols and operational procedures. This can include the set-up, maintenance and care of Exhibits and holding systems, preparing and dispensing diets, testing and maintaining water quality and record keeping. The individual explores and stays up to date on the Natural history, environmental parameters, and husbandry requirements of the animals they are working with. The individual assists others, and is engaged in seeking further knowledge and experience.
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.
- Up to One (1) Year experience caring for animals in a public aquarium or zoological facility, or other related experience
- 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 may be needed
- May need to be able to SCUBA dive for collections, animal care, and routine maintenance of exhibits
- May need to be be compliant with all Dive team requirements within the first full quarter of hire date
- If a member of dive team, stay up to date with all Dive team training and requirements
Critical Skills/Competencies:
- Maintain proper water quality and clarity to ensure the health of all inhabitants per LLPA standards and protocols.
- Ensure proper care of Life Support equipment (LSS) through regular preventative maintenance and cleaning and reporting
- Administer medications as needed under the direction of the Veterinarian, Director of Husbandry or Curator/Assistant Curator with supervision
- Strong identification skills, ability to identify all animals and plants under the Aquarist care
- May need to dive any assigned and other systems on a schedule or as assigned for presentations, cleaning, or animal care
- Any other duties and tasks as assigned
- Adherence to all LLPA safety training, SOP’s, protocols and standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Acts as a resource and mentor for Volunteers and Interns
- Train, Develop, and oversee the work of Volunteers or Interns assigned to work in the Aquarists assigned area of responsibility
- Complete inspection rounds at least twice daily (AM and PM), assessment of inhabitant behavior and health, LSS component function, reporting any signs of disease or issue immediately to Curator, Director of Husbandry, and Veterinarian accordingly.
- Provides secondary coverage to their assigned area that day, and other coverage as assigned or needed.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in ZIMS, Email, and direct communication
- Performs general husbandry functions without direct supervision
- Maintains live exhibits and holding systems at a high level of quality
- Prepare and dispense diets according to LLPA standards
- Maintain the highest levels of cleanliness for systems, and work areas, including back of house space, at a level that is safe and hazard free, and presentable at all times
- 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
- Report all non-functioning Life support equipment to the Curator/Assistant Curator and LSS Manager, or in an emergency the Director of Husbandry
- Ensure proper lighting levels are achieved and maintained for the animals under the Aquarists care and responsibility
- Maintain all daily and other records in accordance with LLPA SOP’s and protocols
- Demonstrate flexibility in completing tasks, which may extend after normal working hours, Weekends and Holidays.
- Collaborate with coworkers and/or colleagues from other institutions in aquarium techniques
- Present lectures, workshops, VIP tours, public encounters, with some supervision and guidance
- Assist in maintaining supplies, inventories and equipment for the area or department
- Assist with and participate in animal transport, transfers and procedures
- Participation in approved research opportunities, such as not to detract from primary responsibilities as outlined. As approved by Director of Husbandry and/or Curator.
- Any other duties, responsibilities or tasks as assigned
Physical Demands of the 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 lab chemicals and cleaning chemicals
- Ability to work with and operate power tools or heavy machinery
Special Working Conditions:
- Hot and cold environments
- Outdoor and indoor environments in varying weather conditions
- Elevated platforms
- Aquatic/Aquarium habitats
- Uneven or unlevel work surfaces
- Confined work spaces
- Underwater environments (SCUBA)
- Loud, noisy work spaces
- Occasional sudden changes in routine, especially in emergent situations
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.
The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status. The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.
