Mammalogist

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 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.

OREGON COAST AQUARIUM, INC.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Mammalogist

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, husbandry and training of the animals under their care in accordance with standards set by the Curator. Assures normal operation of animal habitat life support systems.

2. Participates in animal transports as needed.

3. Reports unusual conditions or illnesses in the animals and assists in their treatment.

4. Monitors habitat water quality and performs water quality analysis as necessary and appropriate.

5. Utilizes operant conditioning techniques to train animals for husbandry and educational programs.

6. Utilizes record keeping system for animal diets, behavior, training, enrichment, medical, etc.

7. Participates in delivering educational presentations to the public.

8. Works with other Aquarium functions as needed and appropriate, such as volunteer training, assisting with promotional events, and writing newsletter articles. Positively and accurately represents the Aquarium in presentations and tours given to media, staff, and visitors with a positive attitude.

9. Performs scuba diving or snorkeling as needed for exhibit maintenance or as required.

10. Remains current in all training and certification requirements for departmental needs.

11. Assists in rehabilitation of marine mammals as needed.

12. Demonstrates a continued interest in advancements in the mammalogy field.

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 position has no supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Minimum levels)

A degree in a biology or zoology-related field is preferred. Experience in the training and husbandry training of marine mammals; training experience with pinnipeds and sea otters is preferred. 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, both written and verbal are required - 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. The ability to ascend and descend steep ladders/steps is required. The ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds is required.

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

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person