Senior Trainer Pinnipeds

Primary Functions

• Execute routine husbandry procedures to maintain federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Plan and execute daily training and enrichment sessions to ensure all animals receive stimulation, exercise, variability, and positive reinforcement in accordance with guidelines established by AMMPA, AZA, IMATA, and AH.
• Care for and maintain the marine mammal and penguin collection and habitats.
• Maintain the operation of life support systems and water quality.
• Perform regular scuba diving maintenance on habitats.

Leadership and Staff Development

• Assume a leadership role in working with and training staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Serve as a role model for staff, demonstrating positive customer service and teamwork with other departments at Mystic Aquarium.
• Assist the area supervisor with staff evaluations and administrative tasks as assigned.
• Assist with daily supervisor responsibilities as scheduled and assigned by the supervisor.
• Assist with development of staff schedules to ensure area and departmental coverage.
• Develop leadership skills through management courses.

Public Presentations, Education, and Records

• Present public and classroom demonstrations, educating guests with approved institutional information.
• Keep proper records and monitor record-keeping practices.

Safety and Security

• Work in a safe manner at all times.
• Properly use and maintain all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied as protection from recognized hazards.
• Report any unsafe conditions.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all facility-wide and department-specific safety procedures relevant to the position, including Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in a related discipline preferred. Minimum of five years of paid professional experience in the care and training of marine mammals, or eight years of equivalent experience.
• Certifications: SCUBA certification and the ability to pass a dive physical required.
• Communication and Presentation: Strong communication and teamwork skills required; public presentation experience preferred.
• Flexibility and Availability: Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Language Skills: Multi-lingual ability desired; Spanish preferred.

Physical Demands

• This role is primarily performed in and around marine mammal habitats, requiring extended periods of standing, walking, and moving equipment, as well as climbing ladders and positioning oneself by stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Employees must be able to communicate clearly, hear effectively, and meet visual requirements including close, distance, and color vision, along with depth perception and peripheral vision.
• The role involves regular scuba diving, operation of computers and telephones, and occasional driving.
• Employees must be able to work in cold, hot, wet, humid, and temperature-variable conditions, both indoors and outdoors, and in high places, with exposure to noise, fumes, odors, dusts, solvents, acids, corrosives, and cleaning agents.
• Weekend, evening, and holiday availability is required.