Senior Trainer Pinnipeds

Sea Research Foundation•Mystic, CT

17d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for executing routine animal care procedures, daily planning, animal training, diet preparation, public programs, habitat maintenance and enrichment for marine mammal and bird collection. Focus is outdoor Pacific Northwest collection of phocids (harbor, grey, and spotted), Northern fur seals and Steller sea lions. Must be willing to consistently provide internal and external customer service above and beyond expectation.

Requirements

Five years of paid professional experience with care and training of marine mammals or 8 years of equivalent experience.
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 experience preferred.
Strong communication and teamwork skills required.
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 marine mammal and penguin 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, hot, wet, indoor, and outdoor environments as needed to ensure care and safety of animals.
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.