Zoological Specialist, Sea Lion (Associate - Senior 1) (Part-time, SeaWorld San Diego)

What you get to do:

We have Animal Trainer positions in a variety of levels. All of them offer you the chance to provide care and compassionate training to a variety of magnificent animals. You will perform daily husbandry tasks, including administering vitamins and medications as directed, preparing food, and maintaining a safe and sanitary working area for all animal habitats.

• Observe animals and report any abnormalities to supervisor and team.

• Maintain all animal records and equipment.

• Ensure working environment follows established guidelines and safety procedures.

• Consistently display consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability.

• Support education and general public shows in order to develop speaking skills and stage presence.

• Proactively engage with guests and respond to guest inquiries.

• Help prepare educational aspects of shows.

• Serve as secondary animal person and safety spotter when needed.

• Act as primary trainer when approved and as directed by leadership.

• Work with animals on basic behavior and behavioral modification techniques under supervision.

• Perform primary roles as assigned by area leadership.

• Engage in and execute all aspects of guest interaction programs.

• Work with animals using behavioral modification techniques as instructed.

• Train behavior to completion under minimal supervision.

• Lead education and general public shows, and guest interaction programs.

• Be proficient in application of behavioral modification techniques used across the organization. This includes developing and implementing new behavior; training naïve animals with minimum supervision; training behavior to completion without supervision; proactively maintaining conditioned behavior; and forming relationships with animals.

• Communicate professionally and effectively with Ambassadors, Vendors and our Guests.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

What it takes to succeed:

• SCUBA certified and have the ability to pass a dive physical.

• Able to complete provided CPR training/certification.

• At least 3 years of marine mammal experience.

• Able to demonstrate strong verbal communication skills and enthusiastically share a passion for the animals and conservation with our guests. Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people on stage during presentations.

• Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs.

• Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and climb/ascend heights, if needed.

• Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, to include extreme heat. Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors and cold/heat temperature extremes.

• Perform cleaning duties; including use of cleaning chemicals.

• Work a flexible schedule/hours based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts; nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Must be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities.

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, weekends and holidays.

Compensation:

• 18.85 - 27.00 per hour, contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility