Marine Mammal Trainer

National Aquarium•Baltimore, MD

18h•$18 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The National Aquarium is seeking a Marine Mammal Trainer Responsible for daily care and training of marine mammals. The Marine Mammal Trainer is responsible for applying operant conditioning techniques to train behaviors, as assigned. Responsible for preparing animal diets. Responsible for cleanliness and safety of all animal and back-up areas. Regularly participates in SCUBA diving to maintain dolphin habitat.

Requirements

Minimum of 1-2 years of full-time, professional experience working with marine mammals.
High school diploma or GED (General Educational Development).
Successful completion of all required trainer promotional criteria relating to the specific position, or equivalent experience in the field.
Open water SCUBA certification.
Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
Must be knowledgeable about marine biology, behavior/training concepts and application to the Aquarium setting.
Should be proficient in marine mammal husbandry (diet, behavior, enrichment) and training philosophies/techniques.
Must be able to train basic behaviors without supervision and have good knowledge of animal husbandry techniques.
Ability to observe signs of illness or injury, monitor eating patterns or any changes in behavior.
Must work well with direction and have capacity to absorb and apply feedback from senior staff.
Familiarity with computers; especially Microsoft Excel and Word programs.
Expected to act as a role model within and beyond the division; must professionally demonstrate good judgment and communication skills through interpersonal effectiveness and fostering a learning culture.
Promote teamwork and a positive and productive work environment.
Proficiency and detail oriented in observations and problem solving with the capacity to decide when to act independently and when to seek consultation from manager.
Willingness and ability to mentor and train new interns or volunteers.
Stays abreast of current trends in the related field to ensure that National Aquarium programs, policies, and protocols continue to evolve and improve.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, or related science.
Should be a proficient public speaker and be able to communicate effectively with the visitors and staff in both formal and informal presentations.
Employees assigned to this position may be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license, have an acceptable driving record, and can drive a variety of vehicles (cars, vans/trucks).

Responsibilities

Participates in the daily husbandry care of animal collections.
Responsible for preparing and dispensing daily food and prescribed medication to animals.
Responsible for ensuring completion of daily observations and enrichment sessions.
Maintains and ensures accuracy of all animal and related daily records.
Maintains animal behaviors within a team environment.
Interprets behavior during animal interactions and reacts in accordance with consistent training techniques.
Trains behavior as assigned; writes training plans and implements training without supervision.
Assists in the safe restraint of animals for husbandry procedures.
Supports daily departmental operations
Acts as mentor for Assistant Trainers, volunteers or interns.
Responsible for the safety and cleanliness of exhibit area, food preparation area, storage area, lounge and locker rooms.
Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
Participates in facility maintenance and cleaning projects as assigned.
Maintains all safety gear in good functioning condition.
Follow all safety procedures and protocols to ensure the safety of staff, visitors and animals.
Represents the Aquarium and the department in a professional manner.
Participates in formal and informal public presentations and interacts with visitors professionally.
Represents section on committees as assigned by management.
Supports departmental goals as assigned.
Other duties as assigned or required.