Assistant Trainer CSL/MT - Critical Care

JOB SUMMARY: Demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times through a positive, can-do attitude and teamwork focused work ethic.

Responsible for assisting in routine animal care procedures, training, diet preparation, habitat maintenance, record keeping, public presentations, feedings, enrichment and interactive programs with Aquarium animals, focusing on California sea lions. Must be comfortable performing in the California sea lion show. If the aquarium goes into a critical care period requiring overnight care of animals, this position shifts to that schedule and will be responsible for overnight animal care, including monitoring their health, maintaining records, and performing other duties as assigned during critical care needs.

Minimum Job Requirements: Must be willing to consistently provide excellent internal and external customer service above and beyond expectation.

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline preferred.
• One-year paid entry level experience with care and training of marine mammals and birds or equivalent 2 years related experience.
• Public presentation comfort and skill required.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills required.
• Ability to pass swim test.
• SCUBA certification and ability to pass dive physical required.
• Requires schedule flexibility, as primary shift could be overnight and will include evenings/weekends/holidays and overtime, and willingness to shift between various marine mammal areas for support.
• Multi-lingual desired, Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities & Essential Functions: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assist with the care and maintenance of the marine mammal and penguin collection and habitats, with a focus on pinnipeds, in particular California sea lions.
• Present public presentations and classroom demonstrations educating the public with approved institutional information.
• Execute routine husbandry procedures to maintain federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• In critical care periods, this position will switch to overnight coverage to assist with the observation, and care of aquarium animals after hours
• Keep proper records.
• Develop training skills consistent with Aquarium philosophy and procedures.
• Participate in planning and training of assigned species; this position has a focus on California sea lions..
• Work with other staff to fulfill area and facility programming needs.
• Perform regular scuba diving maintenance on animal habitats.
• Work in cold, hot, wet, indoor and outdoor environments.
• Monitor operation of life support systems and water quality.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.