Marine Mammal Trainer

The Marine Mammal Trainer is responsible for daily care and training of marine mammals.  Responsible for preparing daily animal diets.  Responsible for cleanliness and safety of all animal and back-up areas.  Performs regularly in public presentations.

Essential Functions: 

• Prepares daily animal diets and dispenses vitamins/medications.
• Participates in the daily husbandry care of animal collections.
• Responsible for maintaining animal behaviors within a team environment.
• Interprets behavior during animal interactions and reacts in accordance with consistent training techniques.
• Trains behaviors as assigned; writes training plans and implements the training without supervision.
• Responsible for maintaining all daily animal and related records.
• Participates in back-up and primary roles for formal and informal public presentations.
• Interacts directly with Aquarium visitors and guests, and narrates and performs in public presentations in a professional manner.
• Responsible for daily animal observations.
• Plans and conducts marine mammal enrichment program sessions.
• Assists in the safe restraint of animals for husbandry procedures.
• Responsible for the safety and cleanliness of exhibit area, food preparation area, storage area, lounge, and locker rooms.
• Participates in facility maintenance and cleaning projects as assigned.
• Maintains all safety gear in good functioning condition.
• Completes assigned projects and goals in a timely manner.
• Represents team on various committees as assigned by management.
• Acts as a mentor for Assistant Trainers, volunteers and interns.
• Follows all safety procedures and protocols to ensure the safety of staff, visitors and animals.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, zoology, or related science preferred. Minimum of 1-2 years experience working with marine mammals.
• Open water SCUBA certification and the ability to swim required.
• Must be able to apply solid knowledge of marine mammal biology, and basic behavior and training concepts to an Aquarium setting.
• Proficient in the application of operant conditioning principles in training husbandry and show behaviors.
• Ability to observe for any signs of illness or injury, monitor eating patterns or any changes in behavior.
• Must be able to work well under direction and have capacity to absorb feedback from senior training staff.
• Highly detailed oriented and proficient at problem solving with the capacity to decide when to act independently and when to seek consultation from manager.
• Proficient public speaking skills and be able to communicate effectively with the visitors, and staff in both formal and informal presentations.
• Ability to mentor and train new interns and volunteers. Familiarity with computers is necessary, especially MS Office programs.
• The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply.

Further Comments

Our Mission and Goals By connecting people with nature, the Aquarium drives conservation action for the benefit of people, animals and the planet. The Aquarium’s mission—to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution. Our Culture The National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a visitor attraction and has evolved into a conservation organization that operates a world-class aquarium. Our core values—integrity, innovation, service, excellence, and engagement—form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behavior and actions to achieve our mission. Through unparalleled exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives, the Aquarium is at the forefront of efforts to connect people with the natural world and raise awareness of the challenges facing our ocean. About the National Aquarium The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization that’s changing the way humanity cares for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and strive to meet or exceed AZA standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare. A dedicated team of full- and part-time employees and volunteers drives the Aquarium’s mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. More than a million guests visit the Aquarium each year, and millions more participate in its conservation, education and engagement initiatives.

Perks

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(K) match and More!