Animal Trainers Jobs Near Me in Utah
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Keeper II - Endotherms
Keeper II - Endotherms in Draper, Utah at The Living Planet Aquarium
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Job Description
Position: Keeper II - Endotherms
Reports To: Curator of Birds and Mammals
Compensation: Starting at $18/hour
Why Utah?
Utah is home to five national parks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning deserts, mountains, and lakes, all within easy driving distance. Outdoor adventure is part of everyday life. The Salt Lake Valley consistently ranks high for safety, clean communities, short commute times, and family-friendly amenities. Draper offers a balance of suburban comfort and urban access, with downtown Salt Lake City just 15 minutes away. Enjoy all four seasons without extremes—sunny summers, colorful falls, snowy winters, and mild springs, perfect for both outdoor recreation and city living. Utah’s communities are known for being engaged, supportive, and service-oriented, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.
About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a mission-driven institution dedicated to inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Founded in 1997, the Aquarium provides impactful educational experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.
Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world, including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the opening of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, the Aquarium became the largest in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.
Position Summary:
The position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the Lead Keeper, Area Assistant Curator, Area Curator, and/or Director of Husbandry in carrying out the operations of the mammal, reptile and avian exhibits of the aquarium, including all aspects of animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance and holding area management. The position will participate in and assist with the development of mammal, reptile and bird training programing, which will consist of behavioral demonstrations presented to the public on a scheduled basis by the trainers. The position will also be responsible for maintaining organized written records pertaining to health, feeding, water quality and behavioral observations.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field is required (3-4 years of full time mammal or avian training experience at a zoo or aquarium may be considered in lieu of a degree) with specific knowledge of animal husbandry and behavioral conditioning
- 2-3 years (5+ years without a degree) of experience working with animals in a zoo or aquarium setting is required. Emphasis should be on animal care and exhibit and holding area maintenance. (Domestic pets do not count)
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
- Possess a valid driver’s license and obtain a Utah driver’s license within 6 months of hire date
- CPR/First Aid certification to be obtained upon employment
- Must possess, or being willing to obtain upon hire, current negative TB test results
- Open Water SCUBA certification
Critical Skills/Competencies:
- Must have demonstrated discipline and have a history of a consistently high degree of work quality
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, which will include weekends and/or evenings, and holidays
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and TRACKS
- Must have good written and oral communication skills
- Experience in the maintenance of zoological exhibits, including identification of exhibit conditions and minor repair work
- Maintains a professional attitude, high motivation, and ability to give and receive feedback
- S.C.U.B.A. certification preferred (required if assigned duties include diving)
- Ability to pass Dive Program annual swim test required (if assigned duties include diving)
- Ability to pass Dive Program physical exam required (if assigned duties include diving)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provides for the needs of all animals related to the Bird and Mammal Team throughout the aquarium by doing exhibit cleaning, diet preparation, enrichment, and training
- Maintains daily records pertaining to feeding, behavioral observations, training activities, enrichment, and medical procedures
- Cooperates with Animal Health Services staff for animal health issues, treatments, and veterinary procedures
- Participate in Aquarium related education, public relations and membership programs including facility tours, lectures, and keeper chats
- At the requests of supervisors, interact with and respond to public/media requests for information.
- Prepares and continually enhances animal areas for aesthetic, reproductive, behavior, and animal safety (i.e. perching material, nest boxes, “furniture”, live or artificial plants, etc.)
- Acts as a resource for Keeper I staff members as well as non-husbandry staff
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Physical Demands of the Job:
- Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor
- No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work
- Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop
- Ability to work in all weather conditions
- No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work
- Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and be able to move up to 100 lbs.
- Immuno-competence (possible exposure to zoonotic infections/disease)
Benefits & Perks
- Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus optional FSA/HSA accounts
- Paid time off & 12 paid holidays per year
- Paid bereavement leave and paid new child leave (birth, adoption, or placement)
- Employer-paid short-term disability; optional long-term disability coverage
- Convenient onsite childcare (employees pay approximately 20% of the cost)
- 401(k) with match up to 4% - fully vested from day 1 of contribution
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Free Aquarium membership
- Discounts on tickets, gift shop, and café purchases
- Free and discounted animal encounters
- Pet insurance and discounts
- Footwear discounts
- Entertainment, travel, and retail savings through Tickets at Work
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.