This position is responsible for the day-to-day husbandry operations within the Ambassador Animal department of the Aquarium. Primary responsibilities include the behavioral conditioning, care and wellbeing of all ambassador animals under the facility’s care; maintenance of all habitats; and positive team approach within the Life Sciences Department. Additionally, this position is responsible for leading public presentations with the facility’s wide variety of ambassador animals, which include small mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and invertebrates.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and train animal behavior and enrichment activities as directed by the Senior Trainer or Animal Care Manager
- Hold public animal chats, training, and enrichment demonstrations consistent with the facility’s philosophy and procedures on an assigned schedule
- Assist with animal/guest interactions and encounters on a regular basis
- Assist in area training for new employees
- Assist in the preparation and operation of special events after normal business hours as needed
- Maintain up-to-date electronic records on animal health, water quality, system maintenance, system checks and stock reports.
- Monitor and identify animal health concerns, disease diagnosis and water quality concerns.
- Communicate to Senior Trainer, Animal Care Manager, veterinary and water quality staff any animal health concerns to develop and implement a care and treatment plan.
- Undertake daily operations within the Life Sciences Department to ensure highest level of safety, courtesy, education, efficiency and operational readiness at all times.
- Maintain positive representation to professional agencies, institutions and various committees.
- Comply with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality, state and federal rules and regulations.
- Provide animal care and ensure habitats meet compliance of facility specific policies and procedures.
- Perform duties in order to reduce loss/waste, control costs and accurately communicate expenses.
- Assist in the implementation of new habitats and educational opportunities in order to maximize guest experience.
- Assist in emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals or company property.
- In collaboration with all departments, ensure habitats and programs engage, educate and entertain diverse audiences.
- Work closely with all departments to ensure volunteers and educators provide exemplary guest service and engagement.
- Perform daily dive requirements.
- Other duties as assigned.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
- One year + experience with animal husbandry required; training animals in a show or presentation capacity highlight preferred.
- Open Water Certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire required; Rescue Diver level or equivalent preferred.
- First Aid/CPR, Emergency O2 Provider, and AED certification required.
- Degree in wildlife/marine biology or relevant work experience required.
- Background in fresh and saltwater aquariums, reptiles, amphibians, birds or small mammals required.
- Experience in the care of flora and fauna in a public aquarium setting preferred.
- Competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong listening, presentation and decision-making skills.
