What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mammalogist 2 position at Oregon Coast Aquarium?
Please email a Resume and Cover Letter to: jobs@aquarium.org
This full time, permanent position offers competitive benefits including fully covered medical, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance. The Aquarium additionally offers a 403b matching retirement account, 16 vacation days, 9 holidays, paid sick time, and an Employee Assistance Program.
This position is non-exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
POSITION TITLE: Mammalogist 2
REPORTS TO: Curator of Marine Mammals
JOB SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Curator the Mammalogist is responsible for all activities relating to the daily care of the marine mammals and their habitats. The Mammalogist is responsible for utilizing appropriate techniques in animal training and public presentations.
GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Participates in the daily cleaning, feeding, and husbandry of the animals under their care in accordance with standards set by the Curator. Assures normal operation of exhibit and holding life support systems.
2. Participates in animal transport as needed.
3. Reports unusual conditions or illnesses in the animals and assists in their treatment.
4. Monitors exhibit water quality and performs water quality analysis as necessary and appropriate.
5. Participates in developing and delivering educational presentations to the public.
6. Utilizes operant conditioning techniques to train animals for husbandry and educational programs.
7. Utilizes record keeping system for animal diets, behavior, training, enrichment, medical, etc.
8. Works with other Aquarium functions as needed and appropriate, such as volunteer training, assisting with promotional events, and writing newsletter articles.
9. Positively and accurately represents the Aquarium in presentations and tours given to media, staff, and visitors with a positive attitude.
10. Remains current in all training and certification requirements for departmental needs.
11. Performs scuba diving, snorkeling, or tending as needed for exhibit maintenance or as required.
12. Presents at workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs, and behind the scenes tours when opportunities are available
13. May oversee volunteer or intern programs, including program development and training.
14. Leads a project of interest to the department, from inception through completion, benefiting animals or exhibits under his/her care.
15. Works to create efficiencies, improve working experience, and standardize processes
16. Demonstrates a continued interest in advancements in the mammalogy field.
17. Leads by having a positive attitude and mentoring newer staff members.
The above accountabilities represent work performed by this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific accountability will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical extension of the position.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This/these position(s) will be tasked with assessing, scheduling and managing the volunteer effort for the department under the guidance of the Curator.
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Minimum levels)
- A degree in a biology or zoology related field is desired. If necessary, at least five years of experience in the husbandry and training of marine mammals may be substituted for the degree requirement.
- Three years of experience in the training and husbandry of marine mammals at a zoo or aquarium is required; training experience with pinnipeds, and sea otters is preferred.
- Ability to gain and maintain SCUBA diving certification is required.
- Knowledge of and ability to use computers and standard, commonly accepted computer programs is required.
- Ability to work under limited supervision, both independently and in a team environment is required.
- Familiarity with electronic animal record keeping software system TRACKS is preferred.
· Good communication skills and the ability to make short presentations to visitor and volunteer groups is required.
· The ability to gain and hold an Oregon Driver’s License is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work involves considerable standing and moving about on surfaces that are often wet and slippery. The incumbent must be able to work with their arms immersed in cold water for long periods of time. Must be able to ascend and descend ladders and steps. Must be able to lift 60 pounds
MENTAL, HEARING, AND VISUAL DEMANDS:
The work involves continuous mental and visual attention involving reading, analyzing, visualizing, or otherwise performing very involved, comprehensive work. The incumbent must be able to differentiate the sounds of various animal vocalizations.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work is typically performed working in and around tanks of cold sea water, and surfaces that are often wet and slippery. Some sedentary work is required when performing record keeping duties at a computer station.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Compliance with appropriate company standards is required.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person