Assistant Trainer Belugas

About the role

The Assistant Trainer, Belugas supports the beluga whale husbandry program by executing routine animal care procedures, training, diet preparation, habitat maintenance, record keeping, public presentations, feedings, interactive programs, and enrichment for the marine mammal collection, with a primary focus on belugas and daily assistance to the outdoor pinniped collection. The ideal candidate brings hands-on animal care experience, an interest in cetacean training, and a positive, team-focused approach to representing Mystic Aquarium at all times.

Responsibilities

• Assist in executing routine husbandry procedures for the marine mammal collection to maintain federal, state, and institutional guidelines, with a primary focus on beluga whales and daily assistance to the outdoor pinniped collection
• Care for and maintain the marine mammal collection and habitats
• Assist in executing daily training 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
• Develop training skills consistent with Mystic Aquarium philosophy and procedures
• Perform regular SCUBA diving maintenance on habitats
• Assist with monitoring the operation of life support systems and water quality
• Keep proper husbandry and training records
• Present public and classroom demonstrations, educating guests using approved institutional information
• Serve as a role model and mentor for interns and volunteers, demonstrating positive customer service and teamwork with other departments at Mystic Aquarium
• Assist Senior Trainers and Trainers with administrative tasks as assigned
• Maintain a consistent professional attitude, motivation, and willingness to accept feedback
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor
• Work in a safe manner at all times
• Properly use and maintain, in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied for protection from recognized hazards
• Report any unsafe conditions
• Maintain a working knowledge of all facility-wide and department-specific safety procedures, including but not limited to Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline preferred, with one year of paid professional experience in the care and training of marine mammals, or two years of equivalent experience
• Cetacean experience required
• Comfort and skill in public presentation preferred
• Strong communication and teamwork skills required
• SCUBA certification with the ability to pass a dive physical required
• Requires schedule flexibility with the ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime
• Multi-lingual desired, Spanish preferred

Physical Demands

• Ability to maintain a stationary position, move from place to place, move equipment, and operate, inspect, and position equipment on a consistent basis
• Ability to ascend and descend ladders and position themselves to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Ability to communicate and exchange information, and maintain hearing along with close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust visual focus
• Frequent guest contact and regular work with others
• Work performed both indoors and outdoors and in cold, hot, and humid environments with temperature changes, wet conditions, and occasional exposure to noise, fumes, odors, and dust
• Ability to drive and regularly use computers and telephones
• May be exposed to solvents, acids, corrosives, and cleaning agents as part of routine duties

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and all supplemental insurances