Seasonal Pinniped Team Member

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks • Powell, OH

16h • Onsite

About The Position

Passionate about marine mammals, animal welfare, and conservation? Join the Columbus Zoo and gain hands-on experience working alongside a dedicated team caring for California sea lions and Harbor seals. As a Seasonal Pinniped Team Member, you'll support daily animal care operations, engage guests through educational experiences, and develop foundational skills in marine mammal husbandry and training. This unique developmental role is designed to provide increasing responsibility and learning opportunities over multiple seasons, creating a pathway for growth within the department.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• New-hire TB test required.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent guest service skills with the ability to positively engage guests and uphold departmental service standards.
• Ability to maintain courteous, professional, and helpful interactions with guests and coworkers.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Ability to perform heavy physical work for extended periods.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Ability to work in humid and/or dusty environments.
• Ability to work safely with a variety of cleaning chemicals.
• Ability to maintain professional appearance standards in accordance with employee uniform guidelines.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Zoology or a related field preferred.
• Prior animal care experience preferred.
• Strong interest in marine mammal training preferred.
• Previous public speaking experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare daily animal diets for 9 California sea lions and 3 Harbor seals, including thawing, weighing, and handling various fish and invertebrate species.
• Ensure all fish preparation areas remain compliant with USDA regulations.
• Observe animal behavior and report any changes or concerns to Pinniped Specialists.
• Enter daily feeding and behavioral records into the ZIMS database under supervision.
• Assist with the Pinniped enrichment program, including the cleaning, placement, and removal of enrichment items.
• Execute daily cleaning of exhibit acrylic and glass according to established protocols.
• Maintain department facilities and Zoo grounds by vacuuming, sweeping, scrubbing, squeegeeing floors, picking up litter, doing laundry, and cleaning restrooms, walkways, tables, and windows.
• Assist with cleaning animal habitats and brushing pools as needed.
• Adhere to all departmental and Zoo safety policies and procedures.
• Deliver educational and conservation-focused messages to guests both on and off microphone.
• Share information regarding animal behavior, habitats, and conservation efforts.
• Provide exceptional guest service while creating positive and engaging visitor experiences.
• As skills develop, additional responsibilities may include: Feeding animals in protected-contact and free-contact settings, Learning and practicing established animal behaviors, Assisting with behavioral training programs, Conducting animal welfare assessments, Assisting with behavior plan development, Leading behind-the-scenes guest tours, Learning and performing as a Show Speaker, Designing and building environmental enrichment devices (EEDs), Assisting with the training and onboarding of new seasonal team members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Gain hands-on experience with marine mammals in a professional zoological setting.
• Learn from experienced animal care and training professionals.
• Develop public speaking, animal husbandry, and behavioral observation skills.
• Follow a structured developmental path with opportunities for increased responsibility and advancement over multiple seasons.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED