Animal Training Aide (Temporary)

Responsible for providing husbandry, training, and presentation support to the Animal Programs staff. Responsible for learning and applying operant conditioning techniques to help train and maintain show and husbandry behaviors. Responsible for preparing daily animal diets as instructed. Responsible for maintaining and entering daily records into Tracks software program. Responsible for coaching and directing volunteers and interns to ensure daily tasks are completed. Responsible for cleanliness and safety of all animal and back-up areas.

Essential Functions

• Aides staff in the daily husbandry of animal collections
  • Prepares daily animal diets and dispenses vitamins/medications as instructed.
  • Assists in feeding all colony animals.
  • Assists in daily animal observations.
  • Maintains all animal and related records.
  • Assists in the animal enrichment program.
  • Responsible for the cleanliness and safety of all animal and back-up areas.
• Aides staff in training of animal collection
  • Responsible for observing behavior training within a learning capacity.
  • Provides secondary assistance in the training of behaviors under the guidance of experienced staff members.
• Represents the Aquarium and the department
  • May participate in back-up and primary roles for public presentations.
• Aides staff in training new volunteers and interns.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or undergraduate coursework in biology, zoology, psychology or a related science is preferred.
• Paid experience working with animals is preferred.
• Animal training experience is preferred.
• Must have basic understanding of operant conditioning principles, goals of environmental/ behavioral enrichment, and natural history of various animal species and be able to apply these concepts to an Aquarium setting.
• Interested in and able to learn about basic animal husbandry, environmental enrichment, and animal training techniques. 
• Able to observe for any signs of illness or injury, monitor eating patterns, or any changes in behavior.
• Proficient public speaker and able to communicate effectively with guests and staff.
• Familiarity with computers is necessary; especially Microsoft excel and word.
• Familiarity with Tracks software program is preferred.
• Adept at following established safety procedures and assigned tasks.
• Able to work well under direction and has the capacity to absorb feedback from peers and/or manager. Has capacity to seek consultation from coworkers and/ or manager.
• Able to meet developmental goals.
• Able to participate in facility maintenance and cleaning projects.
• Able to remain stimulated by doing routine tasks.
• Highly detailed oriented and adept at problem solving.
• Able to work in a teamwork environment and meet assigned goals on time.
• Must interact with other staff members in a professional manner with an emphasis on teamwork.

The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience, and ideas to apply.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

Recently named one of Baltimore’s Best Places to Work, the National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a nonprofit aquatic education and conservation organization, the jewel of the city’s Inner Harbor redevelopment. SmartCEO Magazine honored the National Aquarium with the Healthiest Workplace award and the Corporate Culture award in 2016. With a mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, the Aquarium is consistently ranked one of the nation’s two top aquariums and has hosted over 51 million guests since opening.

Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet.

HOW TO APPLY Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org