Assistant Trainer - Penguins

Sea Research Foundation•Mystic, CT

15h•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for assisting in routine animal care procedures, animal training, diet preparation, habitat maintenance, record keeping, public presentations, feedings, and interactive programs. Focus on penguins. Must be willing to consistently provide excellent internal and external customer service above and beyond expectation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline preferred.
One-year paid entry level experience with care and training of marine mammals and birds – penguin experience preferred, or Equivalent 2 years related experience.
Public presentation experience and comfort required.
Strong communication and teamwork skills required.
SCUBA certification and ability to pass dive physical required.
Requires schedule flexibility, evenings/weekends/holidays and overtime.
Multi-lingual, Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Assist with the care and maintenance of the penguin and marine mammal collection and habitats.
Present public and classroom demonstrations educating public with approved Institutional information.
Execute routine husbandry procedures to maintain federal, state and institutional guidelines.
Foster customer service and teamwork with all departments at MA.
Keep proper records.
Develop training skills consistent with MA philosophy and procedures.
Participate in planning and training of assigned species.
Maintain consistent professional attitude, motivation and willingness to accept feedback.
Work in cold, wet, indoor and outdoor environments.
Perform regular scuba diving maintenance on animal habitats.
Monitor operation of life support systems and water quality.
Participate in development of husbandry techniques and practices.
Work with other staff to fulfill area and facility interactive programming needs.
Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Work in a safe manner at all times.
Properly use and keep, in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied to them as protection from recognized hazards.
Report any unsafe condition
Must have a working knowledge of all Facility wide, and Department specific, safety procedures that relate to their position, including, but not limited to: Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use.