Animal Training (Zoological Specialist, Associate to Senior 1)

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 18,597 - 28,929; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K Retirement plan

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

A leading family entertainment company in San Antonio is looking for Ambassadors to ensure animal care and provide excellent guest service. In this role, you will perform daily husbandry tasks, interact with guests, and uphold safety and quality standards. Ideal candidates should be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma, and hold SCUBA certification. The position offers a competitive pay range of $13.50 to $21.00 per hour based on experience, alongside various employee perks including paid time off and insurance benefits.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• Open Water SCUBA certification required.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds frequently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper nutrition and living conditions for park animals.
• Perform daily husbandry tasks including medication administration.
• Engage in guest interactions and guest service activities.
• Represent the company in public situations and events.

Skills

Communication skills

Animal care

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Biology, or related field

Job description

At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard‑working individuals to become our Ambassadors.

What You Get To Do

Enthusiastically represent SeaWorld by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job. Provide for proper nutrition, appropriate and sanitary living conditions, and constant care for our park animals. These positions safely fulfill duties in animal/guest interactions, animal training, husbandry, enrichment, public presentations, and research:

• Perform daily husbandry tasks including administration of vitamins and medications as directed, food preparation, maintaining a safe and sanitary working area for all animal habitats.
• Responsible for guest, personal, and animal safety by developing awareness of the behavioral precursors of potentially harmful behavior by both animals and people.
• Make daily observations of animals and report any abnormalities to staff supervisor and team.
• Maintain all animal records, equipment, area responsibilities, and communication requirements daily.
• Provide and maintain a work environment that follows the established guidelines and safety procedures set by the department and park.
• Function as an Ambassador by displaying consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability. Maintain a consistent attitude, motivation, and ability to accept feedback.
• Successfully represent company in Public Relations or Media situations/events.
• Perform roles in education and public shows to develop speaking skills and stage presence.
• Engage in and execute all aspects of guest interaction programs.
• Provide proactive guest service through guest interactions, pre‑ and post‑show interactions, and responding to guest inquiries.
• Work with animals using behavioral modification techniques as instructed. Train behavior to completion under minimal supervision.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership.

What It Takes To Succeed

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have high school diploma or equivalent. College background in psychology, zoology or biology preferred.
• Be Open Water SCUBA certified.
• Be able to pass both SeaWorld pre‑employment and post‑employment swim test and diving physical.
• Have a working knowledge of the English language with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Basic math skills required.
• Be able to frequently lift, pull, push 50 pounds.
• Be able to stand, walk, and work for prolonged periods of time in extreme weather conditions.
• Be willing to work a flexible schedule to include weekdays, weekends, evenings, overnights, and holidays.
• Ability to receive CPR certification.
• Flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities.
• Consistently practice safe work habits including, but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment, lifting, and reporting of unsafe situations.
• Be willing to comply with, and ensure Ambassadors comply with, all SEA grooming guidelines and employment standards.

Be able to successfully complete all legal, company, and department training requirements to include but not limited to passing required tests and certifications within.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Biology or a related field preferred.
• Marine mammal experience preferred.
• Guest service experience preferred.

SeaWorld San Antonio is proud to have an established Zoo Career Growth structure. Our Zoo Specialist levels are determined based on AZA or equivalent facility experience and skills of individual candidates. Structure includes Associate, Specialist, Senior, or Senior I.

Compensation

$13.50 – $21.00 per hour, contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility.

As a 365 day/year operation, candidates must be available to work varying shifts/hours to support year‑round operating needs. This may include working opening, mid‑day, closing shifts, overnight shifts, weekends and holidays.

The Perks Of The Position

• Paid Time Off
• Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
• Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K Retirement plan
• Voluntary Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.