Assistant Marine Mammal Trainer

National Aquarium • Baltimore, MD

3d • $17 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

The National Aquarium is seeking an Assistant Marine Mammal Trainer to join our team. This person will be responsible for assisting in the daily care and training of marine mammals, for learning and applying operant conditioning techniques to maintain train behaviors, as assigned. This individual will also be responsible for preparing animal diets, and the cleanliness and safety of all animal and back-up areas. Regularly participates in SCUBA diving to maintain dolphin habitat.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 months’ experience in animal care or training; preference for marine mammal experience.
• High school diploma or GED (General Educational Development).
• Open water SCUBA certification.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
• Should be a proficient public speaker and be able to communicate effectively with the visitors and staff in both formal and informal presentations.
• Employees assigned to this position may be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license, have an acceptable driving record, and can drive a variety of vehicles (cars, vans/trucks).
• Knowledge of marine mammal biology and natural history.
• Knowledge of operant conditioning and training principles.
• Capacity to learn about animal husbandry and training techniques.
• Ability to observe signs of illness or injury, monitor eating patterns or any changes in behavior.
• Must work well with direction and have capacity to absorb and apply feedback from senior staff.
• Ability to interact with other staff members in a professional manner with an emphasis on teamwork.
• Familiarity with computers; especially Microsoft Excel and Word programs.
• Detail oriented with good problem-solving skills.
• Stays abreast of current trends in the related field to ensure that National Aquarium programs, policies, and protocols continue to evolve and improve.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of 3 months’ experience in animal care or training; preference for marine mammal experience.

Responsibilities

• Participates in the daily husbandry care of animal collections.
• Prepares and dispenses daily animal diets food and dispenses prescribed medication to animals.
• Assists in daily animal observations and participates in enrichment sessions.
• Maintains all animal and related daily records.
• Interprets behavior during animal interactions and reacts in accordance with consistent training techniques.
• Develops skills in animal handling and application of operant conditioning to learn to train behaviors under supervision.
• Assists in training behaviors with experienced trainers and maintains behaviors within a team environment.
• Assists in the safe restraint of animals for husbandry procedures.
• Supports daily departmental operations
• Assists in area maintenance, including facility maintenance, cleaning and other projects as assigned.
• Responsible for the safety and cleanliness of exhibit area, food preparation area, storage area, lounge and locker rooms.
• Participates in the scheduled SCUBA dives into the dolphin pools to clean/scrub and maintain the overall cleanliness of the exhibit.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Assists in maintaining all safety gear in good functioning condition.
• Follows all safety procedures and protocols to ensure the safety of staff, visitors and animals.
• Acts as mentor for volunteers or interns.
• Seeks guidance and feedback from coworkers and managers.
• Completes assigned projects in a timely manner.
• Represents the Aquarium and the department in a professional manner.
• Participates in formal and informal public presentations and interacts with visitors professionally.
• Represents section on committees as assigned by management.
• Supports departmental goals as assigned.
• Support company mission.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Benefits

• National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave.
• Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available.
• Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED