Senior Trainer - Penguins

Sea Research Foundation•Mystic, CT

About The Position

JOB SUMMARY: Demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times through a positive, can-do attitude and teamwork focused work ethic. Responsible for executing routine animal care procedures, feedings, daily planning, animal training, diet preparation, public programs, habitat maintenance and enrichment for marine mammal and bird collection. Focus on penguins. Minimum Job Requirements: Must be willing to consistently provide internal and external customer service above and beyond expectation. Bachelor’s degree in related discipline preferred. Five years of paid professional experience with care and training of marine mammals and birds, penguin experience preferred, or 8 years of equivalent experience. Public presentation and animal ambassador program experience preferred. Strong communication and teamwork skills required. SCUBA certification and the ability to pass a dive physical required. Requires schedule flexibility, evenings/weekends/holidays, and overtime. Multi-lingual, Spanish preferred. Responsibilities & Essential Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Must be willing to consistently provide internal and external customer service above and beyond expectation.
Five years of paid professional experience with care and training of marine mammals and birds, penguin experience preferred, or 8 years of equivalent experience.
Strong communication and teamwork skills required.
SCUBA certification and the ability to pass a dive physical required.
Requires schedule flexibility, evenings/weekends/holidays, and overtime.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in related discipline preferred.
Public presentation and animal ambassador program experience preferred.
Multi-lingual, Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Assume leadership role in working with training staff, interns and volunteers.
Be a role model for staff demonstrating positive customer service and teamwork with other departments at MA.
Execute routine husbandry procedures to maintain federal, state and institutional guidelines.
Plan and execute daily training sessions and enrichment sessions to ensure all animals receive stimulation, exercise, variability, variety, and positive reinforcement in accordance with guidelines established by AMMPA, AZA, IMATA, and AH.
Care for and maintain penguin and marine mammal collection and habitats.
Keep proper records, monitor record keeping practices.
Present public and classroom demonstrations educating public with approved institutional information.
Perform regular scuba diving maintenance on habitats.
Assist area supervisor with staff evaluations and administrative tasks as assigned.
Assist with daily supervisor responsibilities as scheduled and assigned by supervisor.
Assist with development of staff schedule to ensure area and departmental coverage.
Monitor operation of life support systems and water quality.
Maintain consistent professional attitude, motivation and willingness to accept feedback.
Develop training skills consistent with MA philosophy and procedures.
Develop leadership skills through management courses.
Work in cold, wet, indoor, and outdoor environments as needed to ensure care and safety of animals.
Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.