JOB SUMMARY: Demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times through a positive, can-do attitude, and teamwork focused work ethic. Responsible for supervision of staff and all aspects of animal care procedures, habitat maintenance, training, enrichment, record keeping, public presentations, and interactive programs for Mystic Aquarium’s African penguin program.
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Must be willing to consistently provide internal and external customer service above and beyond expectation.
- Bachelor’s degree in related discipline preferred
- Eight years of paid professional experience in marine animal husbandry and training at a public aquarium or similar institution, or equivalent 10 years’ experience.
- Strong leadership skills that foster teamwork and continual improvement.
- Supervisory training and experience preferred.
- Strong communication skills, both written and oral, required.
- Public presentation and guest engagement experience required.
- A strong working knowledge of animal welfare and processes for evaluating animal welfare.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
- SCUBA certification is required.
- Requires schedule flexibility with ability to work evenings/weekends/holidays.
- Multi-lingual, Spanish speaking preferred.
Responsibilities & Essential Functions:
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Guide and mentor Assistant Supervisor and Senior Trainers in planning daily training sessions and enrichment sessions to ensure all animals receive stimulation, exercise, variability, variety, and positive reinforcement in accordance with guidelines established by AZA, AMMPA, IMATA, and AH.
- Establish high standards as a role model demonstrating positive internal and external customer service and teamwork with other departments at Mystic Aquarium.
- Coordinate animal presentations and classes.
- Oversee public programs to ensure safety, quality standards and customer service.
- Care for and maintain the African penguin collection and habitat.
- Oversee animal diet management, monthly weights, and communications to Veterinarians and Sr. Director regarding African penguins.
- Supervise area and department schedule to ensure appropriate experience and coverage.
- Maintain consistent professional attitude, motivation, and willingness to accept feedback.
- Supervise and oversee animal transports in accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
- Maintain husbandry, training, and enrichment records according to MA procedure.
- Monitor operation of life support systems and water quality.
- Coordinate daily operations and supervise staff, volunteers, and interns.
- Develop and implement animal training and husbandry procedures.
- Develop leadership skills through management courses.
- Assist with the preparation and participate in personnel evaluations.
- Develop staff in proficiency standards at current level and skills necessary for advancement.
- Monitor acquisition and inventory of supplies
- Attend regularly scheduled MM&B Supervisor meetings.
- Provide Supervisory coverage in the MMB department as Supervisor of the Day, as assigned.
- Work in cold, hot, wet, indoor and outdoor environments.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Safety/Security
- Work in a safe manner at all times.
- Properly use and keep, in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied to them as protection from recognized hazards.
- Report any unsafe conditions
- Must have a working knowledge of all Facility wide, and Department specific, safety procedures that relate to their position, including, but not limited to: Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use.
- Sea Research Foundation, Inc. (dba Mystic Aquarium) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
- It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation.
- Women and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
