Pinniped Trainer 2/ Senior Trainer

This opening is for a Pinniped Trainer Level 2 or Senior Trainer. The Trainer provides for the care of the marine mammal colony and related facilities in line with AZA, USDA and New England Aquarium standards of animal husbandry. The Pinniped Trainer should demonstrate a clear understanding of how to position around the animals safely and provide support for coworkers during animal interactions. Duties will include: delivering scripted presentations with an animal, conducting Behind-the-Scenes tours and Meet and Greets and providing question and answer sessions for aquarium visitors at the Marine Mammal Center and Atlantic Harbor Seal Exhibits. The Senior trainer will also lead staff during training sessions, animal shifts, and animal emergencies in a constructive manner, train and maintain complex behaviors and manage medical intervention when needed.

• This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package.
• The schedule is currently scheduled as four, ten-hour days, including one weekend day.
• The typical hours are 7a - 6p EST with some flexibility on start and end times.
• Work must be conducted onsite.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide daily care for animals and marine mammal facilities according to the AZA, USDA, and NEAq Pinniped and Penguin Department standards of animal husbandry.
• Apply advanced operant conditioning techniques and implement reinforcement contingencies needed to train and maintain basic and complex behaviors.
• Provide support and mentorship for Trainer Level 1 and 2 staff members. Implement alternative training techniques, such as scanning, true mimicry, and modeling.
• Position around the animals safely.
• Provide support for co-workers during training sessions when appropriate for shifting animals, during presentations, and when performing restraint procedures for medical exams.
• Troubleshoot training, husbandry and facility-related issues.
• Narrate and interpret behavior during presentations, Meet and Greets, and events, while working with a seal or sea lion.
• Conduct Behind-the-Scenes program tours, Meet and Greets, and other related programs as they develop.
• Maintain, clean, and sanitize all food prep, storage and animal exhibit areas.
• Clearly communicate all changes in medication, diet, training methods, techniques, and handling of animals using NEAq reporting protocols to ensure that co-workers are aware of and implementing changes to maintain consistency.
• Distribute and train others to distribute appropriate vitamins and medications.
• Operate and maintain AV equipment.
• Participate in the Pinniped and Penguin enrichment program.
• Conduct welfare assessments.
• Keep clear and accurate records on animal behavior, food intake, medications, and diet changes, and accurately enter this information into the TRACKS record system.
• Use Microsoft Office applications and additional software programs required for entering records, doing data entry, creating presentations, etc.
• Perform other position-related duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Position will be determined based on experience with a minimum of 3 years training experience in a zoo or aquarium setting.
• SCUBA certification with at least 15 dives in an ocean, bay, pond, or lake within the past 5 years, and 5 dives within the past year.
• Intermediate level math skills for rapid unit conversions, addition/subtraction of fractions, decimals, and whole numbers up to 5 places, without needing a calculator required.
• Experience giving tours, conducting question and answer sessions with visitors, or public speaking required. Experience with AV equipment a plus.
• Experience working with live animals required.
• Experience applying USDA standards of animal husbandry required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• SCUBA Certification and Medical Practitioner's authorization to SCUBA dive in accordance with NEAq Diving Control Board required.
• Should be willing to have a flexible schedule; weekends, holidays, and some night coverage may be required.
• Ability to collaborate well within a team, and adjust quickly to changing situations is required.
• Must have the ability to handle, cut, thaw, bucket fish, and inhale airborne fish particles multiple hours per day in an enclosed space without having to limit exposure.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Should be proficient with record-keeping software in Microsoft Office and readily able to transfer to other record-keeping software.
• For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/
• New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
• Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.