Part-Time Apprentice Trainer - Mammals & Birds

Georgia Aquarium Careers•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Apprentice Trainer is an entry-level, part-time position in Georgia Aquarium’s Mammals & Birds department. The role assists with daily care and behavioral conditioning of the Mammal & Bird collection, supporting daily shows, guest interactions, and other programs. Work also includes diet preparation, environmental enrichment, habitat and facility maintenance, record keeping, and animal observation and monitoring. Routine operations are performed in accordance with the department’s standard operating procedures. Under close supervision, the Apprentice Trainer assists with animal training according to Georgia Aquarium’s protocols and supports development and implementation of animal training projects and programs. The position helps maintain animal health and welfare, contributes to the enrichment program, and performs underwater habitat maintenance and cleaning. The employee may serve in dive roles during Aquarium underwater activities and must follow dive safety guidelines. The role involves interacting professionally with guests and crew members, supporting the development of interns and volunteers, and fostering positive relationships with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and colleagues. Duties may be performed regardless of time of day or location as workload necessitates.

Requirements

Strong team skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Valid State of Georgia driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
Valid passport or ability to obtain one.
Proficiency with personal computer hardware and contemporary software, including Microsoft Office products.
SCUBA certification.
Ability to pass the departmental swim test, including requirements for treading water, breath holding, free diving, and endurance.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds for 100 feet.
Ability to travel by car, boat, and air as needed.
Ability to use SCUBA equipment physically, conduct field work in animal collection and research, and maintain daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals.

Nice To Haves

Preferred internship or volunteer experience at an AZA/AMMPA-accredited institution or equivalent, with a proven track record of team-oriented and professional performance.

Responsibilities

Assist with the daily care and behavioral conditioning of the Mammal & Bird collection.
Under close supervision, assist with training animals in accordance with Georgia Aquarium’s animal training protocols.
Support the development and implementation of animal training projects and programs that enhance animal care, animal management, guest experience, and public relations.
Help ensure the daily health, care, and welfare of the Mammal & Bird collection.
Support daily shows, guest interactions, and other programs while maintaining a high level of showmanship.
Interact with guests and crew members in a positive and professional manner.
Carry out the Mammal & Bird environmental enrichment program and develop novel enrichment devices and activities.
Follow standard operating procedures for animal care, food preparation, cleanup, and maintenance and sterilization of equipment.
Help maintain cleanliness and sanitation, prepare diets, keep records, observe animals, and perform general maintenance.
Maintain and enter information in records management systems for animal inventory, care, training, and enrichment, as directed.
Perform underwater maintenance and habitat cleaning.
Maintain SCUBA certification and function as a diver, dive tender, standby diver (TSBD), or designated person in charge (DPIC) during Aquarium underwater activities.
Follow dive safety guidelines established by the dive safety officer.
Foster positive relationships with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and staff through cooperation and high standards of service.
Comply with Georgia Aquarium policies, procedures, and programs.
As needed, interact on behalf of Georgia Aquarium with guests, media, and the general public.
Assist with the developmental goals of interns and volunteers.
Perform other duties as workload necessitates, regardless of time of day or location.