Sr. Trainer

Shedd Aquarium•Chicago, IL

23h•$30 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Trainer level is responsible for the overall care and behavior modification of animals on the team they are on- Cetaceans, Penguins & Otters, Sea lions, or AEIT (animal engagement interpretive training/ambassador animals). They have thorough husbandry knowledge for the animals under their care. This position requires advanced behavioral knowledge. They demonstrate strong operant conditioning knowledge and behavior modification skills and can condition complex behavior with minimal oversight. They are skilled at presentations and animal engagements. All of these skills are used to provide excellent welfare for the animals under their care. They are relied upon extensively to teach operant conditioning, husbandry, and guest interpretation to developing team members. This position works well within their team and collaborates across other departments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Life Sciences, or a related area is preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered instead of a degree.
5+ years of experience in animal husbandry, training, and guest programming working with marine mammals, birds, or other exotic animals in an AZA-accredited institution.
Proficient computer skills.
Efficient use of SCUBA for exhibit maintenance and/or open water diving.
Effective use of strong leadership skills.
Proven ability to work well within teams and departments
Advanced behavioral knowledge and application of behavior modification skill sets with a variety of taxa.
Strong knowledge of animal training techniques, focusing on positive reinforcement.
Open water diving certification required.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate commitment to the vision, mission, and values of the Shedd Aquarium.
Daily lifting in excess of 40 pounds, with periodic lifting up to 70 pounds.
Work in an environment with daily exposure to salt water
Embrace a flexible work schedule that includes weekends, holidays, and non-standardized hours. sometimes in excess of 40 hours per week.
Ensure compliance with industry and government standards.
Develop and enhance a comprehensive enrichment program.
Mentors less experienced staff in the development of novel enrichment devices and activities.
Perform various tasks including evening functions, special employee training and seminars, volunteer guidance and interactions, special maintenance or construction projects, public speaking and student interviews.
Dive and snorkel for purposes of cleaning, pool inspection, and general maintenance.
Demonstrate a commitment to good relations with fellow staff members, visitors, volunteers, and contractors by promoting positive attitudes, goodwill, cooperation, and providing high standards of customer service.
Assist in the development and coaching of staff members, including mentoring less experienced staff on animal training, animal care, enrichment, animal handling, public presentation, and general operations.
Collaborate with management to create and drive through to completion animal and personnel goals.
Represent Shedd Aquarium through engaging and educational public presentations such as media appearances, tours, and facilitated programs.
Maintain a superior level of customer service while performing primary/key roles in daily shows, guest-animal interactions, and animal programming.
Teaches less experienced staff advanced concepts of operant conditioning and how to apply when training complex behaviors.
Applies advanced concepts of operant conditioning to train complex behaviors.
Actively condition new behavior that assists in the care of the animals and animal programming with Shedd’s guests.
Engage in regular animal interactions including training sessions, physical exams, public presentations, and enrichment sessions.
Coordinate animal handling for animal interactions, shows, medical care, and transport.
Assist the leadership in overseeing all aspects of the daily care and behavioral conditioning of the animals.
Coordinate the daily execution of animal training goals including enrichment, public presentations, and new behavioral conditioning.
Maintain detailed animal records.
Maintain a clean, healthy, and safe environment for the animals, staff, and aquarium guests.
Prepare diets for animals.
Ensure the health and welfare of the animal collection.
Perform other duties as assigned.