Zoological Specialist (Associate - Senior) | Full-Time SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld•San Diego, CA

4d•$21 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

SeaWorld San Diego is hiring Animal Trainer positions at a range of levels to provide care and compassionate training to park animals. The work includes providing proper nutrition, sanitary living conditions, and ongoing care, while safely carrying out animal and guest interactions, training, husbandry, enrichment, public presentations, and research. Position level and compensation depend on professional zoological animal-care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility, as assessed by Zoo leadership. The role may involve supporting shows and guest-interaction programs, developing presentation skills, and progressing to leading presentations and training animals with greater independence. The position operates in a year-round park environment with varied shifts and work indoors and outdoors.

Requirements

SCUBA certification and ability to pass a dive physical.
Ability to complete provided CPR training and certification.
Strong verbal communication skills and enthusiasm for sharing a passion for animals and conservation with guests.
Comfort speaking to large groups on stage during presentations.
Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including opening, mid-, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in conditions including direct sunlight, wetness, and humidity.
Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and work with moderate noise levels.
Ability to manage time wisely and set priorities effectively.
Ability to interact positively with guests and coworkers of all ages and with different ethnic or cultural backgrounds, languages, and special needs.
Availability for varying shifts and hours to support year-round operations.
For the Specialist level: at least 12 months (2,080 hours) of professional zoological experience.
For the Senior level: at least 2.5 years (5,200 hours) of professional zoological experience.
For the Senior 1 level: at least 5 years (10,400 hours) of professional zoological experience.

Nice To Haves

Marine mammal experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide proper nutrition, appropriate and sanitary living conditions, and ongoing care for park animals.
Safely carry out animal and guest interactions, animal training, husbandry, enrichment, public presentations, and research.
Observe animals and report abnormalities to a supervisor and team.
Maintain animal records and equipment.
Follow established workplace guidelines and safety procedures.
Support educational and general public shows and help prepare their educational content.
Proactively engage with guests and respond to inquiries.
Serve as a secondary animal person and safety spotter when needed.
Act as primary trainer when approved and directed by leadership.
Work with animals on basic behavior and behavioral modification techniques under supervision.
Perform primary roles assigned by area leadership and execute guest-interaction programs.
Train behaviors to completion under minimal supervision or, at senior levels, without supervision; proactively maintain conditioned behavior and develop relationships with animals.
Apply behavioral modification techniques, including developing and implementing new behaviors and training naïve animals with minimal supervision.
Lead educational and general public shows and guest-interaction programs at applicable levels.
Communicate professionally and effectively with Ambassadors, Vendors, and Guests.
Perform other duties as assigned.