Friday, January 20, 2017

Senior Trainer



Senior Trainer

Job Title: Senior Trainer
Status: Full Time, Hourly (40 hours)
Number of Positions: 1
Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Curator of Animal Care
Posting Deadline: February 17, 2017

Description
Reporting to the Curator of Animal Care, this position shall provide a supportive role in the operation and function of the Marine Mammal Care Department. This senior-level position is responsible for taking an essential role in the daily care and behavioral conditioning of the marine mammal collection. The Senior Trainer’s primary objective
and responsibility is to function in primary and supportive roles in public shows, presentations, and feedings, and to actively shape and condition advanced show and husbandry behaviors. 

Other responsibilities include but are not limited to: diet preparation, facility/habitat maintenance, accurate record keeping, and animal observations.

Essential Responsibilities
· Primary role in the daily care and behavioral conditioning of the marine mammal collection
· Able to identify all animals in the marine mammal collection, and observe any possible abnormalities
· Play a key role in maintaining the highest standards in the areas of: husbandry/cleanliness, diet preparation, record keeping, animal observations and facility maintenance
· Communicate with Curator of Animal Care, Supervisor of Marine Mammals and attending Veterinarian to discuss possible health concerns and treatment options
· Provide direct support and serve as leading figure during medical/husbandry procedures and animal transports
· Be aware of safety procedures for animal handling and restraint techniques to ensure the well-being of the marine mammal collection
· Possess a strong knowledge of marine mammal history, individual animal histories and husbandry
· Maintains established criteria for all existing behaviors with the entire marine mammal collection
· Maintain the progression of animal training goals and standards through effective application shaping and desensitization techniques
· Be able to address basic and advanced areas of animal training and management
· Train and execute advanced high energy and husbandry behaviors as requested by the management team of Marine Mammals in an efficient and timely manner
· Execute high energy waterwork behaviors during shows and presentations, and maintain all safety procedure/protocol regarding waterwork at the Aquarium of Niagara
· Maintains a high level of showmanship while performing primary and supportive roles in daily shows and presentations
· Develop innovative show concepts, ideas and visions to provide high quality and creative shows/presentations through effective animal management
· Recognize signs of aggression and be aware of safety protocol for each respective species of the marine mammal collection
· Provide safe and creative environmental enrichment devices to the marine mammal collection
· Act as a mentor and role model for the development and advancement for the Training Assistants, Assistant Trainers and Trainers
· Uphold USDA standards in all areas of operation including animal commissary, animal areas, laboratory, freezers/coolers and medical facilities
· Perform basic water quality and life support procedures on marine mammal pools
· Interact with press and media sources for news features and highlights as requested

Requested Requirements
· Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
· Must be SCUBA certified through an accredited diving agency
· College degree in biology, psychology or related science
· Minimum of 4 years of paid experience working with marine mammals and behavioral conditioning experience
· Must be able to demonstrate a proficiency in public speaking and guest interaction
· Must be able to work on a team, as well as function individually with little supervision when necessary
· Must be able to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds, work on un-even and slippery surfaces, withstand temperatures of hot and cold, and sit/stand for long periods of time when necessary
· Must be able to pass department swim test, including microphone test

To Apply
Please send resume and cover letter to rswem@aquariumofniagara.org no later than February 17, 2017. Be sure to include Senior Trainer in the subject line of any correspondences.



Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant
      

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