Senior Marine Mammal Trainer

Mississippi Aquarium•Gulfport, MS

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Curators, Area Supervisors and/or Sr. Vice President of Property Operations in carrying out the animal care routine and maintenance for an assigned set of habitats. The position will also be responsible for maintaining organized written records pertaining to health, feeding, water quality, animal welfare and behavioral observations. This position is responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety, protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) accreditation standards.

Requirements

A four-year degree in aquatic sciences, zoology, biology, psychology, or a related field is preferred
Four or more years of full-time animal care experience from an accredited AMMPA or AZA institution, or equivalent
Certified SCUBA diver
Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, SCUBA dive physical, and area swim test
Detailed knowledge of the biology, behavior, and natural history of marine mammals, especially cetaceans, mustelids and other major taxa as needed
Detailed knowledge of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement animal behavioral conditioning techniques
Extensive experience with free contact, in-water training with bottlenose dolphins in a interactive programming and/or public presentation setting
Experience with protected contact training techniques
Record-keeping; experience with TRACKS software preferred
Familiarity with basic medications and vaccination programs
Knowledge of proper animal conformation & body conditions, gestation/incubation periods and nutrition
Excellent observation and communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills that generate and sustain a positive team atmosphere and professional environment
A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel if necessary
Ability to work weekends, holidays, days closed due to inclement weather, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting and other duties
Experience in preparing and conducting public educational programs
Experience in conducting interactive programming
Able to lift a minimum of sixty (60) pounds
Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal

Responsibilities

Assists and participates as one of the management team in overseeing all aspects of the daily care and behavioral conditioning of bottlenose dolphins, North American river otters, and other taxa as assigned
Under the direction of upper-management, coordinate the execution of daily and long-term animal training goals, including enrichment, new learning, presentation/interactive program content & quality, and staff development
Assist the management team in coordinating the implementation of dynamic animal training projects and programs that serve to enhance animal care, animal management, guest experience, and public relations
Implement and maintain a comprehensive animal enrichment program for the Animal Care department
Coordinates with management to organize staff assignments for daily area husbandry, presentations, guest interaction programs, and other special events
Interacts with guests and crew members in a positive and professional manner
Performs the execution of all interactive programs
Participate in media events, film shoots, PR events
Ensure the facility is following industry and government standards in the areas of husbandry/cleanliness, diet preparation, record keeping, and facility maintenance
Serve as a mentor and oversee the developmental goals of MSAQ Volunteers, Interns, Assistant Marine Mammal Trainers, Marine Mammal Trainers I, and Marine Mammal Trainers II. This includes providing feedback to management for staff performance appraisals
Facilitates daily area operations as lead in the absence of management, including communication with other department leads as needed
In absence of management, capable of overseeing veterinary procedures
Ensure the implementation and compliance with dive safety guidelines established by the dive safety officer
To perform other duties as workload necessitates, regardless of time, day, or location