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Trainer - Pinnipeds

Mystic Aquarium
Mystic, United States Posted: June 29, 2025


JOB SUMMARY:  Demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times through a positive, can-do attitude and teamwork focused work ethic.

  • Responsible for participating in routine animal care procedures, animal training, diet preparation, habitat maintenance, record keeping, public presentations, feedings, and interactive programs.
  • Focus on outdoor Pacific Northwest collection of phocids (harbor, grey and spotted), Northern fur seals, and Stellar Sea Lions.
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Must be willing to consistently provide guest service above and beyond Mystic Aquarium’s expectations. 
  • Bachelor’s degree in related discipline preferred.
  • Two years paid professional experience with care and training of marine mammals, or equivalent of four years’ experience.
  • Public presentation experience and comfort required.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills required. 
  • SCUBA certification and the ability to pass a dive physical required.
  • Requires schedule flexibility, evenings/weekends/holidays, and overtime.
  • Multi-lingual, Spanish preferred.
Responsibilities & Essential Functions:
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty.
  • 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. 
  • Provide internal and external customer service and performance exceeding Mystic Aquarium’s target expectations.
  • Care for and maintain marine mammal collection and habitats. 
  • Present public and classroom demonstrations educating public with approved Institutional information.
  • Execute routine husbandry procedures to maintain federal, state and institutional guidelines.
  • Act as mentor and role model for assistant trainers, interns and volunteers.
  • Keep proper records.
  • Participate in planning and training of assigned species.
  • Maintain consistent professional attitude, motivation, and willingness to accept feedback.
  • Work in cold, hot, wet, indoor and outdoor environments.
  • Perform regular SCUBA diving maintenance on animal habitats.
  • Monitor operation of life support systems and water quality.
  • Participate in development of husbandry techniques and practices.
  • Work with other staff to fulfill area and facility interactive programming needs.
  • 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 condition
  • 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.

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