What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Trainer, Penguins position at Sea Research Foundation?
JOB SUMMARY: Demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times through a positive, can-do attitude and teamwork focused work ethic.
Responsible for overnight husbandry care of belugas, including monitoring, feeding, and other husbandry duties. There will be periodic opportunities to participate in routine operations of the day shift. Responsible for assisting in routine animal care procedures, animal training, diet preparation, habitat maintenance, record keeping, public presentations, feedings, and interactive programs. Focus on penguins.
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 – penguin experience preferred, or
- Equivalent 2 years related experience.
- Public presentation experience and comfort required.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills required.
- SCUBA certification and ability to pass dive physical required.
- Requires schedule flexibility, as primary shift will be overnight and will include evenings/weekends/holidays and overtime, and willingness to shift between various marine mammal areas for support.
- Multi-lingual, 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 critical care and maintenance of marine mammals after hours, with focus on belugas.
- Assist with the care and maintenance of the penguin and marine mammal collection and habitats.
- Present public and classroom demonstrations educating public with approved Institutional information.
- Execute routine husbandry procedures to maintain federal, state and institutional guidelines.
- Foster customer service and teamwork with all departments at MA.
- Keep proper records.
- Develop training skills consistent with MA philosophy and procedures.
- Participate in planning and training of assigned species.
- Maintain consistent professional attitude, motivation and willingness to accept feedback.
- Work in cold, wet, indoor and outdoor environments.
- Perform regular scuba diving maintenance on animal habitats.
- Monitor operation of life support systems and water quality.
- Participate in development of husbandry techniques and practices.
- Work with other staff to fulfill area and facility interactive programming needs.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Safety/Security
- Work in a safe manner at all times.
- Properly use and keep, in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied to them as protection from recognized hazards.
- Report any unsafe condition
- Must have a working knowledge of all Facility wide, and Department specific, safety procedures that relate to their position, including, but not limited to: Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use.
Sea Research Foundation, Inc. (dba Mystic Aquarium) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation. Women and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.