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, record keeping, public presentations, interactive programs and program development of harbor, grey, and spotted seals, and assists with managing the husbandry programs for Northern fur seals, and Steller sea lions. May provide assistance with beluga whale and California sea lion husbandry programs, as requested.
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 and/or training in marine mammal and bird husbandry and training at a public aquarium or similar institution, or equivalent of ten years’ experience.
- Leadership skills that foster teamwork to achieve performance that continually improves welfare standards for the institutions collection of animals and meets department and organizational goals.
- Public presentations and program experience preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- SCUBA certification and ability to pass a dive physical required.
- Requires schedule flexibility with ability to work evenings/weekends/holidays.
- Multi-lingual desired, 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.
- 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 AMMPA, AZA, IMATA, and AH.
- Be a role model for staff fostering customer service and teamwork with other departments at MA.
- Care for and maintain animal collection and habitats.
- Continued development in leadership skills through management courses
- Oversee animal diet management, weekly weights, and communications on diet adjustments to Veterinarians and Curators.
- Supervise area and department schedule to ensure appropriate experience and coverage and provide routine coverage to ensure area and departmental 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.
- Oversee public programs to ensure safety, quality standards and customer service.
- Train all staff for animal training, public programs, shows, and presentations and keep recorded sign off to ensure checks and balances of providing high quality work
- Prepare and conduct personnel evaluations.
- Develop staff in proficiency standards at current level and skills necessary for advancement.
- Monitor acquisition and inventory of supplies and animal equipment, keeping current stocks and equipment in good repair.
- Work with other departments to facilitate programming needs.
- Provide Supervisory coverage in the MMB department as Supervisor of the Day, as assigned.
- Work in cold, hot, wet, indoor and outdoor environments as needed to ensure care and safety of animals.
- 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.
