Mammalogist II

The Mammalogist II is responsible for the care and behavioral management of marine mammals and other assigned animals. The individual is responsible for providing daily care, training, feeding, cleaning and exhibit maintenance of all animals under their care.The Mammalogist II participates in daily public demonstrations. The Mammalogist II assists the Curator/Asst. Curatorin the training of paid and unpaid staff. The individual is expected to act as a positive role model to other staff members and must carry an in-depth expertise of natural history, husbandry, and behavioral management of animals.

The Mammalogist II Responsibilities:

• Provides the highest possible quality of care to the animals in his/her care
• Prepares food and feeds the animals
• Participates in the training of the animal collection by implementing training strategies and long-term training plans.
• Assists the Curator/ Asst. Curator in implementing activities and communicating changes in policy with other staff working with the animal collection
• Performs routinely in public presentations and animal behavioral demonstrations
• Performs animal encounters to VIPs and special guests when required
• Observes and recognizes medical conditions that may require treatment. Promptly reports those conditions to the Curator or Asst. Curator
• Performs diving operations to support cleaning of exhibits. Diving may require advanced training with special equipment, such as dry suits or full face regulators.
• Promptly reports all non-functional life support equipment to the Curator or Asst. Curator
• Ensures the proper care of life support and other equipment by adhering to a regular preventive maintenance schedule and by keeping all items clean and in good working order.
• Assists with system design and fabrication of holding facilities.
• Maintains a clean and organized area to facilitate a presentable and safe environment for work and behind-the-scenes tours.
• May occasionally provide interviews to the media under the direction of Public Relations.
• Maintains all records pertaining to the Aquarium’s collection of marine mammals.
• Under the direction of the Curator/Asst. Curator, assists with the training, and work of volunteers and interns assigned to work with animal collection.
• Adheres to all established safety protocols (fire, OSHA, diving, etc.) and reports unsafe conditions to the area Curator, Asst. Curator, or Safety Officer to be remedied.
• Works closely with Life Support staff to maintain proper water and air quality (temperature, pH, chlorine, ORP levels, etc.) to ensure the health of the animals and high water clarity.
• Gallery interpretation of exhibits in public areas. Interacting with and educating guests in a personal manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Biology or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as an animal keeper/trainer (paid) in a zoological facility
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Possession of a valid driver’s license
• SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized agency
• Must possess demonstrated proficiency in the training, capture, handling, transfer, and transportation of marine mammals in exhibits and holding facilities
• Must possess demonstrated knowledge of necessary safety measures (relating to animals and exhibits) required when working in and around sea otters, pinnipeds, and other animals

Knowledge and Skills

• Maintains a high level of knowledge and expertise of the operation and theory of all life support systems
• Presents workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs, behind-the-scenes tours and other interactions with guests and staff
• Higher understanding of animal care practices, such as restraint, quarantine, exhibit maintenance and animal handling
• Advanced animal training experience, with knowledge and ability to apply many different training technics to specific situations.
• Proficient in public speaking
• Increased proficiency in general animal husbandry with collection of animals

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to balance bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist
• Ability to lift and carry up to 0-75lbs
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-100lbs
• Ability to swim, SCUBA certification in dive aquarium habitats or open ocean
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to respond to unpredictable marine mammals
• Exposure to injury from animals
• Food preparation with fish and shellfish
• Exposure to various in temperature, humidity or wetness
• Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
• Elevated platforms
• Use of special auditory, visual, and personal protective equipment
• Exposed to working with bio-hazards
• Use of hand tools, machinery and company vehicles
• Aquarium habitats and open ocean environments

Interested & Qualified?

If you meet the requirements of this position, please click on the link below. You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required for all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:

1. You will complete a brief web application;
2. You will attach or build your resume;

3. You will complete the online assessment(s).

   Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration. Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific! The Aquarium of the Pacific is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to Apply

https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/employment/info/mammalogist_ii