SeaLife Park, Hawaii - Associate Animal Trainer

Palace Entertainment is a leading leisure park operator in the United States and Australia overseeing more than 25 entertainment venues, hotels and educational venues across 11 different states.

Palace Entertainment owns and operates some of the country’s largest and most prestigious venues including: National Historic Landmark, Kennywood Park, America’s Oldest Amusement Park, Lake Compounce, the world’s first ever Cartoon Network Hotel, Best Family Theme Park Dutch Wonderland and a variety of other family-friendly parks and campgrounds throughout the United States.

Palace Entertainment is a subsidiary of Parques Reunidos, one of the leading global operators, with more than 60 different assets (theme parks, zoos and marine parks, water parks and other attractions), spread out over various countries across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Australia.

We are looking for a dedicated Associate Animal Trainer to join our dynamic marine mammal and penguin team. This position supports the care and training of bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, and Humboldt penguins, and contributes to educational demonstrations that inspire guests of all ages.
As an Associate Animal Trainer, you’ll work under the guidance of senior trainers and supervisors to assist with animal husbandry, behavioral conditioning, and public presentations. You may also lead guest interaction programs, including in-water experiences, narrate live educational presentations, and contribute to the design and implementation of enrichment to promote animal physical and cognitive welfare.

We are currently looking for a:

 

SeaLife Park, Hawaii - Associate Animal Trainer

Roles & Responsibilities:

 

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Assist with daily care, feeding, and cleaning routines for a variety of animal species
• Support training sessions using positive reinforcement techniques under the supervision of senior staff
• May lead guest programs, including in-water interactions and behind-the-scenes tours
• Narrate educational presentations and demonstrations for public audiences
• Help develop and implement species-appropriate enrichment plans to enhance animal welfare
• Observe animal behavior and report notable changes to senior trainers or supervisors
• Maintain detailed records on animal training, behavior, and health
• Help set up and break down equipment for animal demonstrations and enrichment activities
• Ensure all safety protocols and animal welfare standards are followed at all times
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and receive feedback from experienced team members
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of animal habitats and workspaces

Education and Experience:

· High School diploma, GED, or equivalent; Equivalent work experience will also be considered

· College degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology, or related discipline preferred but not required

· 1-2 years previous work, volunteer, or internship experience in an Animal Care or Training position highly desired

· Previous work experience with a zoo, animal park, aquarium, or similar operation preferred

Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; Spanish or other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Requirements:

· Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with HI Child Labor Laws

· Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, open to close

· Must have reliable transportation to and from work for your scheduled shift

· Must possess a strong passion and commitment to ensuring top-notch care for all land and marine animals; must always convey an unwavering commitment for exceptional animal care and wellbeing

· Prior experience providing primary care for any species of animals is desired

· Must possess general working knowledge of cultivating appropriate and safe environmental enrichment for various animal species

· Ability to learn quickly and assume ownership of the role

· Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner

· Must possess effective communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas and concepts to students, park guests and leadership

· Ability to handle high-pressure situations, meet the demands of constant deadlines and coordinate multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

· Ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude, even in difficult situations

· Ability to receive feedback well and take appropriate action on the feedback

· Ability to follow direction, multi-task, and work as part of a team as well as independently

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for majority of the workday

· Ability to frequently stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders

· Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing up to 30 pounds

· Ability to interact with and be near a variety of wildlife without fear or uncomfortableness

Working Conditions:

· This role will be based both indoors and outdoors, with frequent exposure to animal habitats and enclosures

· Frequent exposure and interactions with many types of animal species and birds

· Frequent exposure to the variable outside temperatures on occasion, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, and other weather conditions

· Subject to constant repetitive motion

· Subject to frequent interruptions and may need to reprioritize activities

Team member benefits:

 

Why Palace Entertainment?

We truly believe that where you work matters and, as a theme park company, we like to think we know a thing or two about what makes people happy.

Palace Perks and Benefits:

· Competitive compensation

· Comprehensive health and wellness package

· 401k Savings and Investment plan

· Free admission to Palace Parks in the continental US

· A generous paid time off program in which the benefits increase with your tenure with the company

When you join Palace Entertainment, you do more than simply advance your career. You become part of the Palace family, a group of talented people who drive innovation, embrace change, and deliver results.

If you’re ready to join our amazing team, please visit our website at www.palaceentertainment.com -- “Work With Us” tab -- to explore all of our open positions and exciting opportunities.