Animal Training (Zoological Specialist, Associate to Senior 1)

Entertainment Places; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 18,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

SeaWorld San Antonio is seeking enthusiastic Ambassadors to portray a positive attitude and high energy, delivering safe, memorable experiences for guests while caring for animals and supporting public shows.

Responsibilities include daily animal husbandry, observation, record-keeping, and assisting education and PR events, with a strong emphasis on safety and guest engagement. Flexible, year-round shifts and Open Water SCUBA certification are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Open Water SCUBA certification required.
• Good written and verbal English communication.

Responsibilities

• Represent SeaWorld with energy and quality in all interactions.
• Provide proper nutrition and care for park animals and maintain records.
• Participate in education and public shows, guest interactions, and safety programs.
• Observe animals daily and report abnormalities to supervisors.
• Follow safety procedures and grooming guidelines across the park.

Skills

18+ age

HS diploma

SCUBA certification

English proficiency

Flexibility

CPR certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or Biology

College background in psychology or zoology

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. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

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.

United Parks & Resorts is a world-renowned leader in the themed-park and entertainment industry. Our success is built on a passion for caring for animals and a dedication to delivering positive, memorable experiences to people from around the world. We’re also committed to helping ambitious people achieve their professional best. We’re always seeking exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable individuals for a variety of roles throughout our organization.