Sr. Trainer - California Sea Lions

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

Responsible for executing routine animal care procedures, daily planning, animal training, diet preparation, formal and informal public presentations including scripted theatrical shows, interactive programs, habitat maintenance and enrichment for marine mammal and penguin collection. Focus is California sea lions.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline preferred.
• Five years of paid professional experience with care and training of marine mammals and birds, or 8 years of equivalent experience.
• Experience working with and training California sea lions required.
• Public presentation experience, including formal show experience with excellent skills speaking on microphone required.
• Experience in performing arts desired and ability to perform on microphone while training pinnipeds.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills required.
• SCUBA certification and the ability to pass a dive physical required.
• Requires schedule flexibility, evenings/weekends/holidays, and overtime.
• 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. 

• Assume leadership role in working with training staff, interns and volunteers.
• Be a role model for staff demonstrating positive customer service and teamwork with other departments at MA.
• Develop leadership skills through management courses.
• Assist with daily supervisor responsibilities as scheduled and assigned by supervisor.
• Assist area supervisor with staff evaluations and administrative tasks as assigned.
• Assist with staff schedule to ensure area and departmental coverage.
• Assume leadership role in planning daily training sessions and enrichment sessions to ensure all animals receive stimulation, exercise, variability, variety, and positive reinforcement in accordance with guidelines established by AMMPA, AZA, IMATA, and AH.
• Maintain consistent professional attitude, motivation and willingness to accept feedback.
• Care for and maintain marine mammal and penguin collection and habitats.
• Present public and classroom demonstrations educating public with approved institutional information.
• Perform in approved scripted theatrical shows with sea lions.
• Participate in and receive coaching and feedback on stage performance skills.
• Execute routine husbandry procedures to maintain federal, state and institutional guidelines.
• Keep proper records, monitor record keeping practices.
• Assist in the development of husbandry techniques and practices.
• Develop training skills consistent with MA philosophy and procedures.
• Participate in planning and training of assigned species.
• Work in cold, hot, wet, indoor and outdoor environments.
• Perform regular scuba diving maintenance on 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 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.