Curator of Saltwater

Position: Curator of Saltwater

Salary starting at: $75,000/yr

Position Summary:

The Curator of Saltwater leads the strategic and day-to-day management of the aquarium’s marine animal programs, overseeing a diverse collection that includes large sharks and rays, sea turtles, coral, tropical and cold-water fish, cephalopods, and other marine invertebrates. This position is responsible for the leadership and development of saltwater animal care teams and plays a key role in advancing institutional goals related to animal welfare, exhibit quality, and staff growth.

Come work alongside a dedicated team of aquarists, life support specialists, divers, and other animal care professionals in a collaborative environment focused on innovation, animal wellness, and environmental stewardship.

Institutional Summary:

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium provides learning opportunities for all levels, interests, and ages, with the mission to inspire people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems since 1997. Since opening its new facility in Draper in March 2014, the Aquarium has welcomed over ten million visitors and provided more than 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to more than 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium showcases ecosystems from around the planet including kelp forests, coral reefs, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, Asian cloud forests, South American rain forests, and the waterways of our home state of Utah. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019. With a new expansion currently under construction and slated for completion in mid-2025, LLPA will soon be the largest aquarium in the Mountain West, and 5th largest aquarium overall in the continental United States.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of skilled and passionate marine aquarists, while collaborating with peers and other departmental leads, representing one of the organization’s most high-profile animal care teams.
• Responsible for all aspects of the Saltwater team’s Core Job responsibilities through scheduling, team development, one-on-one meetings, and performance management. Team Core Job responsibilities include:
  • Cleaning and maintenance of all marine animal habitats, related support spaces, equipment and supplies.
  • Monitoring and maintaining environmental parameters
  • Diet preparation and feeding to ensure appropriate nutrition
  • Monitoring and responding to signs of illness/injury, stress, or other factors that may have an impact on animal wellbeing
  • Maintenance and review of all necessary records.
  • Ensuring animal wellbeing through enrichment and training.
• Support and collaborate on institutional collection planning, and lead coordination of acquisition, disposition, and transport of marine animals in alignment with institutional and AZA best practices.
• Support and collaborate on the planning and execution of new exhibits, habitat renovations, and upgrades to animal spaces and life support infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory standards (AZA, DWR, USDA, FWS) through regular inspections, documentation review, and staff coaching.
• Responsible for ensuring appropriate support and planning for after-hours and emergency response for the saltwater collection.
• Foster a positive, growth-oriented team culture through active mentorship, effective communication, and alignment with institutional values and departmental leadership.
• Guide the development of staff skills and operational practices by identifying growth opportunities, supporting cross-training, and implementing process improvements.
• Oversee administrative functions including team budgeting, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, and long-term staff planning to ensure strategic growth and accountability.

Experience and Qualifications:

• 4 year degree in zoological or biological sciences. Candidates with a suitable combined equivalent of education and hands-on experience will be considered.
• 8 years of paid experience in the field of marine animal care at a zoological facility.
• 3 years of experience serving in a supervisory role at a zoological facility preferred.
• Valid Utah driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• Open water dive certification (PADI or NAUI) or higher. AAUS Scientific Diver certification is ideal.

Critical Competencies:

• Proven leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to inspire, develop, and manage a team in alignment with organizational values and AZA standards.
• Strong business acumen, including experience with budgeting, scheduling, project oversight, and resource planning in a zoological or aquarium environment.
• Committed to professionalism and ethical conduct, with a strong understanding of the responsibility zoological institutions carry in conservation, education, and guest engagement.
• Demonstrated proficiency in collection planning and marine husbandry techniques, grounded in contemporary best practices and in support of institutional goals.
• Advanced expertise in marine animal care, including exhibit design, water quality and life support, training, welfare monitoring, and safe capture and restraint—especially of large teleosts and elasmobranchs.
• Certified SCUBA diver with excellent in-water performance and experience supporting animal care diving operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and lead by example.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with a proactive mindset and dedication to continuous improvement.
• Passion for mentorship and team development, with a focus on cultivating future leaders within the profession.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Sitting, standing, climbing, swimming, and carrying intermittent weights of up to 50 lbs.
• Hot, cold, humid, and wet environments
• Driving Aquarium vehicles, operating heavy machinery, using power tools, and working around chemicals.
• Ladders, elevated platforms, enclosed spaces and uneven surfaces.
• Hours and availability: This is a salaried position calculated at 40 hours per week; Position is responsible for ensuring on-call support for after-hours emergencies, weekends, and holiday coverage.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.