Marine Mammal Trainer II

Mississippi Aquarium; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport is hiring a Marine Mammal Trainer 2 to assist in the care and behavioral conditioning of marine mammals, including dolphins and otters. This role requires a four-year degree and at least two years of relevant animal care experience.

The ideal candidate will interact positively with guests while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and safety protocols. Responsibilities include training sessions, guest presentations, and record keeping.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in aquatic sciences, zoology, or biology preferred.
• Two or more years of full-time animal care experience required.
• Certified SCUBA diver.
• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily care and behavioral conditioning of marine mammals.
• Maintain professionalism during guest interactions.
• Lead training sessions under supervision.
• Observe animal behavior and identify abnormalities.

Skills

Animal care

Communication

SCUBA diving

Teamwork

Record keeping

Education

Four-year degree in aquatic sciences, zoology, or biology

Job description

Position Title: Marine Mammal Trainer 2

Department: Animal Care

Classification: Permanent, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Direct Report: Curator of Marine Mammals

Position Summary

The position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Curators, Area Supervisors and/or Sr. Vice President of Property Operations in carrying out the animal care routine and maintenance for an assigned set of habitats. The position will also be responsible for maintaining organized written records pertaining to health, feeding, water quality, animal welfare and behavioral observations. This position is responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety, protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily care and behavioral conditioning of bottlenose dolphins, North American river otters, and other taxa as needed.
• Maintain a superior level of professionalism while performing primary/key roles in daily guest presentation and interaction programs.
• Interact with guests and crew members in a positive and professional manner.
• Assist Senior Animal Care Specialists with the development and implementation of dynamic animal training projects and programs that serve to enhance animal care, animal management, guest experience, and Aquarium public relations.
• Actively participate in the progression of animal training goals and standards for MSAQ under the direction/supervision of Senior Marine Mammal Trainers and management, including training new behaviors.
• Possess great knowledge of cetacean and mustelid natural history, individual animal histories and husbandry.
• Able to identify all animals in assigned animal areas and observe any possible abnormalities.
• Assist with the developmental goals of Marine Mammal Trainers 1, Assistant Marine Mammal Trainers, and Seasonal Marine Mammal Trainers.
• Understand all area safety guidelines.
• Attend all seminars and all tests required.
• Play a key role in maintaining the highest standards in the areas of husbandry/cleanliness, diet preparation, record keeping, 24-hour animal observations, and facility maintenance.
• Perform other duties as workload necessitates, regardless of time, day, or location.
• Lead training sessions and may be asked to take on the responsibilities of a Senior Marine Mammal Trainer in their absence.
• Perform the execution of all poolside interactive programs and presentations.

Qualifications

• A four-year degree in aquatic sciences, zoology, biology, psychology preferred.
• Two or more years of full-time animal care experience from an accredited AMMPA or AZA institution, or equivalent, required.
• Certified SCUBA diver.
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, SCUBA dive physical, and area swim test.
• Record-keeping experience, preferably with the TRACKS system.
• Detailed understanding of the biology, behavior, and natural history of marine mammals, with an emphasis on cetaceans, mustelids, and other taxa as needed.
• Detailed knowledge of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement animal behavioral conditioning techniques.
• Excellent observation and communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that generate and sustain a positive team atmosphere and professional environment.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel if necessary.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and days closed due to inclement weather.
• Experience in preparing and conducting public educational programs.
• Able to lift a minimum of sixty (60) pounds.
• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal.

Team Requirements

• Safety & Security – All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
• Attendance & Appearance – To maximize the guest’s experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift.
• Sales & Guest Services – Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.
• Team Partnership – All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our organization.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g., goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.