Aza - Draper, UT
posted 1 day ago
About the position
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.
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.
- 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- 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.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience giving public presentations.
- Knowledge of animal handling and training others to handle animals.
- Experience working with raptors highly preferred.
- Comfortability giving presentations in front of a camera for local media or internal events.
Benefits
- 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.
