Keeper I-III

Position: Keeper I-III

Reports To:  Curator of Mammals and Birds

Position Summary:  

We are currently seeking candidates with a background in avian and/or small mammal care to join the Mammal and Bird (Endotherm) team at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. The position encompasses all aspects of animal care, exhibit maintenance, and off exhibit management areas under the direction of the Curator and Assistant Curator of Mammals and Birds. 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.  The position will also be responsible for maintaining organized written records pertaining to health, feeding, water quality and behavioral observations.

Education:

• Keeper I
  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology or related field and at least 6 months of animal care experience (zoo/aquarium experience preferred).
  • In lieu of a degree a minimum of 2 years paid animal care experience is expected.
• Keeper II
  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field with a minimum of 2 years relevant experience in a zoo or aquarium setting.
  • In lieu of a degree a minimum of 5 years of paid experience is expected.
• Keeper III
  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology or related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant paid experience in a zoo or aquarium setting.
  • In lieu of a degree a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience expected.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

•  Valid driver’s license. 
• 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 preferred, if not certified willingness to become certified in the future.

Critical Skills/Competencies:  

• Must have good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Maintains a good rapport with team members and supervisors.
• Capable of participating in a team environment.
• Maintains a consistent professional attitude, high motivation, and ability to accept feedback.
• Learns and maintains proper time management
• Knowledge of ZIMS programming is a plus.
• Keeper II-III expected to be mentors for newer keepers
• Keeper III eligible to participate in SSP, and other management groups

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Provides for the needs of all animals related to the bird, mammal and small reptile collection including daily cleaning of habitats and holdings, diet preparation, feeding, training, and enrichment.
• Maintains records pertaining to feeding, exhibit conditions, water quality analysis, behavioral observations, training activities, enrichment and medical procedures.
• Maintains exhibit quality standards through regular maintenance and cleaning activities.
• Cooperates with veterinarian and staff for animal health issues, treatments, and veterinary procedures, transfers and crating.
• Assist in habitat improvement projects
• Assess and maintain animal welfare
• Keep area SOPs up to date with latest animal care techniques and safe practices
• Participate in Aquarium related education, public relations, and membership programs including facility tours, presentations and lectures.
• Prepares and continually enhances animal areas for aesthetic, reproductive needs, behavior, and animal safety.
•  Performs other duties as assigned

Special Working Conditions:

Must frequently lift and/or move up to 25lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75lbs, 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. 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.

https://livingplanetaquarium.org/jobs/