Senior Ambassador Animal Trainer

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; managing daily activities of team members, and mentoring team members in training/enrichment activities. 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, and maintaining a positive team approach within the Life Sciences Department. 

Duties & Responsibilities  

• Develop and train animal behavior and enrichment daily activities as directed by the department Curator. Lead team members in daily husbandry, training, and enrichment activities. 
• Ensure welfare of all ambassador animals, reporting potential issues to department Curator and work with Curator and veterinary team to solve and/or implement care plans to address any concerns. 
• Mentor Trainers to ensure behavioral conditioning protocols and habitats meet compliance of facility specific policies and procedures. 
• Present public animal chats, training, and enrichment demonstrations consistent with the facility’s philosophy and procedures on an assigned schedule. Assist Curator with training and mentoring team members in presenting demonstrations. 
• Assist with and support animal/guest interactions and encounters on a regular basis. Assist in developing new guest experiences. 
• Review proposed training & enrichment plans from team members and work with Curator to give feedback and then approve these plans. Support trainers in developing and implementing plans.
• Assist in area training for new employees. Manage daily work schedule for trainers, working with Curator.
• Support development of husbandry and other departmental protocols.
• 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 and water quality concerns.
• Supervise and 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. 

• Proactively 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 Curator of Behavioral Husbandry & Ambassador Animals. 

Experience, Skills & Qualifications 

• Three years + experience with animal husbandry required; training animals in a show or presentation capacity highly preferred. 
• Proficient in operant conditioning in a progressively managed facility and implementation of complex, behavior-based enrichment. 
• Open Water Certification or ability to obtain within six months of hire required        
• 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.