Senior Mammal Trainer

The Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to Ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 37 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.  

• Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits.
• A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests.
• Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education.
• The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
• It is an active participant in the local and regional community.
• The strength of the Aquarium is its 85 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to our volunteers.  

Position Overview:

• The Senior Trainer at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is responsible for living specimens and maintaining their life support systems.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provide care for mammals and participate in daily training session and demonstrations.
• Provide daily animal care, including diet prep and feeding and exhibit cleaning.
• Maintain exhibits and back-of-house areas and life support systems, including cleaning, backwashing, and water changes, etc.
• Evaluate animal health, diets, appetite and behavior, and report findings to manager.
• Calculate and administer medical doses to animals as directed by veterinarians; assist with routine veterinary procedures and rounds.
• Performs water quality analysis, calculates and administers adjustments, follows up with subsequent testing.
• Cross train in other sections as needed.
• Modify and repair exhibits and LSS as needed.
• Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa.
• Supports Assistant Curations in the supervision, training, and mentoring of aquarists, interns, and volunteers in routine animal care, safety procedures, and aquarium operation.
• Act as section point person in the absence of their Assistant Curator.
• Coordinate projects, collecting trips, animal transports, and procedural tasks, following legal regulations and ethical best practices.
• Write, review and update area SOPs.
• Enter and update animal records in TRACKs; assist in research projects as necessary; spot check records and report issues to Assistant Curator.
• Maintain general knowledge of AZA and USDA regulations and work with Assistant Curator to ensure compliance.
• Deliver public presentations and participate in radio and television interviews.
• Work to desensitize animals for program and training.
• Administer enrichment and approve new proposals under direction of Assistant Curator.
• Work with animals to train new behaviors an desensitize for public programs.
• Serve as Institutional Representative (IR) for assigned SSPs and TAGs.
• Participate in public training demonstrations and/or keeper talks.
• Participate in professional conferences and represent the aquarium externally (as eligible).
• Provide feedback on social media content related to animal care.
• Conduct welfare assessments and report findings.
• Monitor inventory and maintain section equipment and supplies.
• Interact positively and professionally with guests, animal care and veterinary staff, and volunteers, and report issues to supervisor and act in a professional manner.
• Follow all safety protocols and understand their role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required.
• Maintains a variety of collecting equipment.
• This position will require the individual to work weekends and holidays, assist with after-hours emergencies, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting and transport duties.
• Other duties as assigned.
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – ALL POSITIONS:

• Prefer four-year degree (B.S. or B.A.) in marine biology, biology, zoology, psychology or related field.
• A two-year degree (A.S./A.A.S.) in a relevant field plus a minimum of two years’ experience in a public zoo or aquarium husbandry/operations position may be substituted for formal education.
• A minimum of five years’ paid experience in animal care, including mammal care and training experience.
• The ability to uphold AZA and USDA standards in all areas of operation including fish kitchen, animal areas, laboratory, freezers/fridges.
• Strong foundation in animal husbandry, behavior, and life support systems (LSS).
• Proficiency with water quality testing, medical dosing, and lab equipment.
• Prior mentorship or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds.
• Ability to negotiate stairs, climb high obstacles and maneuver easily in exhibit and support areas.
• Able to negotiate various field conditions.
• Ability to work standing up for extended periods of time.
• Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.
• SCUBA certification preferred.
• Able to work weekends and holidays.
• The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Perks

• Comprehensive and generous benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off, 403b with employer contribution and other benefits.

Salary

• Range: $27.91-$28.53 hourly, 35 hours/week