Keeper I-II Ambassador Animals

Facility

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Position: Keeper I-II Ambassador Animals

Reports to: Curator Of Endotherms and Ambassador Animals

Position Summary:

The Living Planet Aquarium is currently seeking candidates with a background in avian, small mammal, and herp care for an open position on our Ambassador Animal team. The position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the Curator of Endotherms and Ambassador Animals as well as the Assistant Curators in carrying out the operations of the Education Animal Room. This includes all aspects of animal care including, husbandry, welfare, maintenance, and training. The position will participate in and assist with the development of the mammal, reptile and bird training programs, which will consist of behavioral demonstrations presented to the public on a scheduled basis. In addition to husbandry duties this position is responsible for training educators on animal handing skills with all animals and ensuring all Aquarium and AZA regulations are being met.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides for the needs of all Animal Ambassador collection including cleaning, feeding, enrichment and training of animals in the Education Animal Room.
Maintains records pertaining to feeding, exhibit conditions, water quality analysis, behavioral observations, training activities, enrichment and medical procedures.
Trains Education Presenters to appropriately handle and present each species according to the approved protocols and procedures.
Ensures all Education Presenters are following LLPA Ambassador Animal protocols and procedures.
Handles and assesses new ambassador animals to get them ready for handing in presentations
Assists in training new animal behaviors through positive reinforcement techniques
Give regular feedback to staff based on observations of animal handing programming
Input data into Google Drive spreadsheets, ZIMs, and other program logs in a professional and timely manner
Cooperates with veterinarian and staff for animal health issues, treatments, and veterinary procedures, transfers and crating.
Acts as a resource for Education Presenters.
At the direction of supervisors, interact with and respond to public/media requests for information.
Attend professional development opportunities to improve education department capabilities as required. Out of state travel may be required
Participate in various promotional events for the organization as required

Education/Experience:

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology or related field, or two years of experience working with animals in a zoo or aquarium setting to be considered for a Keeper I.
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field AND a minimum two years of experience working with animals in a zoo or aquarium setting to be considered for a Keeper II.
Ambassador Animal experience highly preferred
General knowledge of all animal phylum and their characteristics and habits.
Must have good written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, which will include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Valid driver’s license in Utah or ability to obtain one.
CPR/First Aid certification or the ability to obtain it in-house upon employment.
Must possess current, negative TB test results or obtain prior to start.
Scuba certification a plus but not a requirement.

Special Working Conditions:

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.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits