Animal Care Specialist - Marine Mammals - Pinnipeds

Clearwater Marine Aquarium • Clearwater, FL

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Care Specialist will support the goals and objectives of the Animal Care Department by performing the responsibilities including but not limited to the following standards of operations and care as identified in this position description. Provide the highest possible daily healthcare to the CMA animal population. Maintain and advance animal training with all animals in the CMA population. Maintain, create, implement and condition environmental enrichment devices. Ensure proper husbandry equipment is maintained. Perform educational and entertaining presentations. Conduct fun and educational animal interaction programs. Prepare daily animal diets. Maintain sanitary areas for food preparation and storage. Collect and record accurate animal data. Assess animal behavior and health daily and report any anomalies to the department manager. Ensure a high standard of guest service is carried out. Maintain a flexible work schedule and adapt to shifting priorities. Be familiar with and ensure all duties are to be performed in accordance with departmental and CMA policies and procedures. The Animal Care Specialist will work with CMA management to support the mission, vision and values of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The will also work with CMA management to support and participate in departmental plans and projects, enhance team knowledge and advance techniques.

Requirements

• MINIMUM of 2 years, paid marine mammal experience with a focus on pinnipeds (experience does not need to be solely with pinnipeds)
• Strong communication skills with clear, friendly, and effective verbal and nonverbal communication
• Great problem solving and time-management skills with ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple tasks at once
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Notice areas of improvement and present creative solutions to management
• Demonstrate ability to maintain previously established animal behavior
• Demonstrate ability to effectively shape, approximate and complete trained behaviors with all animals in the collection
• Demonstrate ability to develop, condition and implement enrichment with all animals in the collection
• Demonstrate proper use of training terminology
• Increase (personal and animal collection) behavioral repertoire working with mentor and/or animal point person
• Demonstrate the ability to assist other team members with their animal related goals and challenges
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct safe, educational and fun animal interaction programs
• Recognize precursors and respond appropriately to animal aggression
• Must have an understanding of proper net, gating and separation techniques
• Minimum of two years of experience in marine mammal care, with demonstrated proficiency in animal training, husbandry, and enrichment.
• Minimum requirement of high school diploma.
• Possess a valid SCUBA certification.
• Free diving experience required.
• Pass swim test – Annually
• Lift up to 50lbs to waist level - Frequently
• Lift up to 20lbs to shoulders and above head – Frequently
• Walk/stand for long periods of time - Frequently
• Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces - Frequently
• Safely climb ladders when needed – Frequently
• Squat, bend, kneel, twist and reach - Frequently
• Reach above the shoulders - Frequently
• Push and pull larger equipment – Frequently
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather – Frequently
• Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat – Frequently
• Demonstrate efficiency in computer related tasks or assignments, including but not limited to data entry, MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences, a related field, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide the best care possible to the animal collection
• Follow safe policies and provide a safe working environment for animals, team members and guests
• Maintain and advance animal training with all animals in the CMA population
• Maintain, create, implement and condition environmental enrichment devices
• Ensure proper husbandry equipment is maintained
• Perform educational and entertaining presentations
• Conduct fun and educational animal interaction programs
• Prepare daily animal diets
• Maintain sanitary areas for food preparation and storage
• Collect and record accurate animal data
• Assess animal behavior and health daily and report any anomalies to the department manager
• Ensure a high standard of guest service is carried out
• Maintain a flexible work schedule and adapt to shifting priorities
• Develop, condition and implement enrichment with all animals in the collection
• Continue to develop animal training skills while maintaining and improving animal behavior
• Develop ability to troubleshoot during atypical situations
• Research species specific enrichment and present ideas and information to Senior Enrichment Coordinator
• Mentor, guide and coach personnel within the department
• Develop knowledge of proper husbandry procedures applicable to the position, i.e. hydration, gastric collection, fecal collection, weight, etc.
• Assist with animal husbandry procedures including those involving restraint or the use of a net
• Ensure proper administer medications to all animals as prescribed by the veterinarian
• Prioritize human and animal safety as it pertains to exhibit doors and locks
• Responsible for entering the water to scan and remove any foreign objects that could injure our resident animals or team members – this may include standing on the pool ledge/rocks or diving
• Maintain animal habitats to highest standard outlined by USDA, ensuring that aesthetics as well as function are a primary focus
• Help develop the skills of Associate Animal Care Specialists and Animal Care Volunteers and Interns
• Learn USDA regulations pertaining to the Animal Care Department and assist in USDA walkthroughs
• Demonstrate proficiency in public speaking to provide guests with educational and entertaining presentations and interactions
• Carry out CMA’s mission, vision and values
• Maintain good working relationships with all internal and external entities, including but not limited to staff, volunteers, interns and guests.
• Unsupervised execution of opening and closing procedures
• Assist with tours, education programs and public relations or marketing events as assigned
• Complete training in safety programs including but not limited to: CPR certification, First Aid and dive safety
• Perform other duties as workload necessitates included but not limited to Enrichment Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Intern Coordinator and Research
• Assist with grant writing as needed
• Assist with research projects as needed
• Assist with creating ways to fund projects
• Assist at offsite rehabilitation facilities with cetacean and otter rehab if/when necessary
• Assist with in house sea turtle procedures adhering to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) Marine Turtle permits held by CMA

Benefits

• CPR certification
• First Aid
• dive safety

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED