Ambassador Animal Trainer - Harborview Aquarium

Full time, $18/hour

About the role

This position is responsible for the day-to-day husbandry, behavioral conditioning, and daily public presentations within the Ambassador Animal department of the Aquarium. Primary responsibilities include the training, care, and wellbeing of all ambassador animals under the facility’s care; maintenance of all habitats; and a positive team approach within the Life Sciences Department. Additionally, this position leads public presentations with the facility’s wide variety of ambassador animals, which include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Responsibilities

• Develop and train animal behavior and enrichment activities as directed by the Senior Trainer and department Curator.
• Hold public animal chats, training, and enrichment demonstrations consistent with the facility’s philosophy and procedures on an assigned schedule.
• Assist with animal/guest interactions and encounters on a regular basis.
• Assist in area training for new employees.
• Assist in the preparation and operation of special events after normal business hours as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date electronic records on animal health, water quality, system maintenance, system checks, and stock reports.
• Monitor and identify animal health concerns, disease diagnosis, and water quality concerns.
• Communicate animal health concerns to Senior Trainer and department Curator; work with veterinary and water quality staff to implement care plans as directed.
• Undertake daily operations within the Life Sciences Department to ensure the highest level of safety, courtesy, education, efficiency, and operational readiness at all times.
• Maintain positive representation to professional agencies, institutions, and various committees.
• Comply with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality, state, and federal rules and regulations.
• Provide animal care and ensure habitats meet compliance with facility-specific policies and procedures.
• Perform duties in order to reduce loss/waste, control costs, and accurately communicate expenses.
• Assist in the implementation of new habitats and educational opportunities to maximize guest experience.
• Assist in emergency situations to minimize damage, loss, or injury to guests, team members, animals, or company property.
• In collaboration with all departments, ensure habitats and programs engage, educate, and entertain diverse audiences.
• Work closely with all departments to ensure volunteers and educators provide exemplary guest service and engagement.
• Perform dive requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications

• One year or more experience with animal husbandry required; training animals in a show or presentation capacity highly preferred.
• PADI Open Water or equivalent (or able to obtain within 90 days of employment) required.
• First Aid, Emergency O2, and AED certification are preferred but will be provided if needed.
• Degree in wildlife/marine biology or relevant work experience required.
• Proven aptitude for developing compelling habitats preferred.
• Experienced animal care staff with a strong background in reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals required.
• Strong working knowledge of animal husbandry, disease prevention and treatment, and breeding/rearing techniques.
• Working knowledge of operant conditioning and environmental enrichment.
• Extensive knowledge of the disposition, habits, food requirements, and environmental needs of a diverse animal collection.
• Experience in the care of flora and fauna in a public aquarium setting.
• Experience working with relevant authorities and accrediting associations.
• Competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal, and organizational skills conducive to a positive work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong listening, presentation, and decision-making skills.
• Creative problem solver who thrives when presented with a challenge.

Abilities

• Requires walking/standing for long periods of time, bending and crouching, climbing, working in small/tight spaces, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• May require driving aquarium vehicles, operating heavy machinery, using power tools, and working around chemicals.
• Ability to read, listen, and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system.
• Hearing and visual ability to observe and detect signs of emergency situations.
• Requires the ability to perform the physical, visual, and hearing requirements in the working conditions described.
• May require immunizations including TB testing and rabies.

Schedule

The leisure business functions seven days a week. Due to the seasonal nature of the industry, team members may be required to work varying schedules, weekends, holidays, and overtime to reflect the business needs of the property. Team members may also be required to attend group and/or department meetings in addition to the work shift as necessary.