The Trainer at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is responsible for assisting in the care of our resident mammals. This includes Atlantic harbor seals, Grey seal, Slender-tailed meerkats, North American river otters, Geoffrey’s tamarins, Golden-Lion tamarin, a Linne’s Two-toed sloth, a Striped skunk and a Prehensile-tailed porcupine
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – ALL POSITIONS:
- Prefer four-year degree (B.S. or B.A.) in marine biology, biology, zoology, psychology or related field.
- The ability to uphold USDA standards in all areas of operation including fish kitchen, animal areas, laboratory, freezers/fridges
- 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
Minimum Qualifications – Trainer II:
- A minimum of two years’ paid experience in animal care.
- Experience with operant conditioning and training techniques and terminology
- Experience with the operation and maintenance of aquarium and life support systems, including water quality testing.
- Experience with laboratory equipment and operating procedures.
Minimum Qualifications – Trainer III:
- A minimum of three years’ paid experience in animal care.
- Advanced knowledge of operant conditioning and training techniques and terminology
- Advanced knowledge of the operation and maintenance of aquarium and life support systems, including water quality testing.
- Advanced knowledge of laboratory equipment and operating procedures.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS – Both Positions:
- Identifies diseases and administers treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Maintain exhibit areas and related life support systems.
- Performs water quality analysis.
- Participates in the collection of animals from Long Island Sound and other locations for display in Aquarium tanks.
- Documents and communicates observations.
- Maintains a variety of collecting equipment.
- Observe animal behavior and report any unusual/abnormal behavior to supervisor
- Assist with routine veterinary husbandry procedures as needed
- This position will require the individual to work weekends and holidays, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting duties.
- Training, husbandry care, diet preparation and feeding for marine and terrestrial mammals
- Able to identify problems but may need help solving them
- Participate in behavioral enrichment
- Public presentations and keeper chats
- Maintain feeding, behavior, training and medical records
- Observe animal behavior and report any unusual/abnormal behavior to supervisor
- Assist with routine veterinary husbandry procedures as needed
- Cross train in some areas, able to sub in when necessary
- Able to identify all problems, can solve over half on their own
- Work independently, with minimal supervision
- Able to do section work beyond basic maintenance, maintains ongoing project list
- Provides training to interns and newer staff
- Performs water quality analysis and makes appropriate adjustments
- Monitors inventory of section equipment, food and supplies
- Oversees section in absence of aquarist III or senior aquarist
- Provides guidance to aquarist I staff in section
- Other duties as assigned
Essential Job Functions –Trainer III:
- In addition to duties of an Aquarist II, must also…
- Cross train in most areas, able to sub in when necessary
- Can solve almost all problems on their own, can manage a high workload
- Maintains related life support systems, troubleshoots when necessary
- Provides disease recognition and implements treatments under guidance of veterinarian
- Performs water quality analysis, makes adjustments and follows up
- Provides basic oversite of assigned section, as directed by their senior aquarist
- Monitors inventory of section and departmental equipment, food and supplies
- Evaluates and adjusts diets, under the supervision of senior aquarist
- Oversees all sections, in absence of senior aquarist
- 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.
- The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.
