Job Description

What you get to do:

We have Animal Trainer positions in a variety of levels. All of them offer you the chance to provide care and compassionate training to a variety of magnificent animals. You will perform daily husbandry tasks, including administering vitamins and medications as directed, preparing food, and maintaining 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. This includes developing and implementing new behavior; training naïve animals with minimum supervision; training behavior to completion without supervision; proactively maintaining conditioned behavior; and forming relationships with animals.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with Ambassadors, Vendors and our Guests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What it takes to succeed:

• 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.
• Strong written/verbal communication skills; able to read, write and speak English.
• 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.

Position level and Compensation rate will be contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility. Level is determined through review and assessment of applicable experience by Zoo leadership. Experience required for each level is detailed below:
1. Associate: Entry level position
2. Specialist: Minimum of 12 months (2,080 hours) professional zoological experience
3. Senior: Minimum of 2.5 years (5,200 hours) professional zoological experience
4. Senior 1: Minimum of 5 years (10,400 hours) professional zoological experience

Compensation:

• 20.50 - 30.00 per hour, contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility

As a 365 day/year operation, candidates must be available to work varying shifts/hours to support year-round operating needs. This may include working opening, mid-day, closing shifts, weekends and holidays.

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