Zoological Specialist (Associate - Senior 1)

SeaWorld•Orlando, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

SeaWorld is seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to join their team as Ambassadors in Animal Trainer positions across various levels. These roles involve providing care and compassionate training to a variety of magnificent animals. The company is passionate about animal care, having rescued over 40,000 animals, and is dedicated to delivering positive, memorable experiences to guests. United Parks & Resorts, a world-renowned leader in the themed-park and entertainment industry, is the parent company, committed to helping ambitious people achieve their professional best.

Requirements

SCUBA certified and have the ability to pass a dive physical
Able to complete provided CPR training/certification
At least 3 years of marine mammal experience
Able to demonstrate strong verbal communication skills and enthusiastically share a passion for the animals and conservation with our guests
Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people on stage during presentations
Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs
Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and climb/ascend heights, if needed
Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, to include extreme heat
Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors and cold/heat temperature extremes
Perform cleaning duties; including use of cleaning chemicals
Work a flexible schedule/hours based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts; nights, weekends, and holidays
Must be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities
Professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility (required for specific levels)
Associate level: Entry level position
Specialist level: Minimum of 12 months (2,080 hours) professional zoological experience
Senior level: Minimum of 2.5 years (5,200 hours) professional zoological experience
Senior 1 level: Minimum of 5 years (10,400 hours) professional zoological experience
Candidates must be available to work varying shifts/hours to support year-round operating needs, including opening, mid-day, closing shifts, weekends and holidays

Responsibilities

Provide care and compassionate training to a variety of magnificent animals
Perform daily husbandry tasks, including administering vitamins and medications as directed
Prepare food
Maintain a safe and sanitary working area for all animal habitats
Observe animals and report any abnormalities to supervisor and team
Maintain all animal records and equipment
Ensure working environment follows established guidelines and safety procedures
Consistently display consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability
Support education and general public shows in order to develop speaking skills and stage presence
Proactively engage with guests and respond to guest inquiries
Help prepare educational aspects of shows
Serve as secondary animal person and safety spotter when needed
Act as primary trainer when approved and as directed by leadership
Work with animals on basic behavior and behavioral modification techniques under supervision
Perform primary roles as assigned by area leadership
Engage in and execute all aspects of guest interaction programs
Work with animals using behavioral modification techniques as instructed
Train behavior to completion under minimal supervision
Lead education and general public shows, and guest interaction programs
Be proficient in application of behavioral modification techniques used across the organization
Develop and implement new behavior
Train naïve animals with minimum supervision
Train behavior to completion without supervision
Proactively maintain conditioned behavior
Form relationships with animals
Communicate professionally and effectively with Ambassadors, Vendors and our Guests
Perform other duties as assigned