Animal Welfare Specialist 3 – Senior Level (Dolphins)

Job Summary:

The Animal Welfare Specialist 3 (AWS 3) holds an important leadership role within the team. AWS 3 staff will collaborate with the Marine Mammal Manager to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and training are practiced and taught daily in the dolphin department Responsibilities include managing advanced training sessions, overseeing daily care routines and interactive sessions, and stepping in as the acting supervisor as needed.

Duties/Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

• Assists the Marine Mammal Manager in managing the overall animal operation; which also includes developing, mentoring, and supervising animal welfare specialist staff members.

• Responsible for making critical animal training and operational decisions in the supervisor's absence.

• Draw upon extensive marine mammal care and training experience to manage complex behavioral challenges and train advanced behaviors without assistance.

• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively within a team.

• Provides excellent customer service and can positively navigate customer service or guest-related issues when they arise.

• Effectively monitor, manage, and progress all staff through SOPs, educational material and animal training modules. Communicates notable details to leadership in a timely manner.

• Lead and coordinate hurricane and emergency preparedness tasks appropriate to skill level.

• Can safely participate in and learn to lead animal acquisition and restraint for veterinary or emergency evacuation procedures as needed.

• Requires strong leadership and communication skills and acts as both a mentor for the entire training staff and an objective voice for the Marine Mammal Manager.

• Performs all cleaning, food preparation, and recordkeeping duties performed by AWS 1 and 2 positions to an exceptional level and regularly works with dolphins and/or sea lions for interactive programs and educational presentations.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional environment (indoor and outdoor). The employee will be exposed to sunny, warm, humid, and wet conditions. This role routinely uses standard equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, file cabinets, etc.

Physical demands:

This position requires the employee to sit, stand, walk, or move for most of his/her working hours but occasionally must stoop, kneel, or crouch. AWS 3 is required to walk around the park sometimes on uneven ground and up and down stairs. The AWS 3 is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, using hands to handle or feel. The AWS 3 is required to be in constant communication with guests during programs requiring the AWS 3 to talk and hear. AWS 3 must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, walk on slippery surfaces, work in freezers and cold rooms, work on wet uneven surfaces, work outdoors in all elements including hot weather. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

AWS 3 duties are frequently performed under physically demanding conditions and potentially hazardous environments, including working in close proximity with wild animals and handling potentially dangerous chemicals.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. Days are scheduled 5 days a week between Sunday - Saturday for a 40-hour work week. During emergencies such as Hurricanes or due to unique animal care needs may be expected to work 50+ hours per week which may.

Eligibility Requirements:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, biology, or a related scientific discipline (or a comparable level of education/experience that would provide the necessary knowledge to meet the minimum qualifications for this position).

• Minimum five years paid full-time animal training experience.

• A basic understanding of Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to work legally in the United States (Coral World does not provide visas for international applicants).

• Ability to pass an annual, on-site swimming and physical conditioning test (outlined below).

• Open Water SCUBA certified or the ability to obtain certification within a probationary period (6 months).

• Must be CPR/First Aid Certified.

• Must be a team player with strong communication skills, have a positive attitude, and an outgoing personality, with the ability to work well unsupervised.

• Must be able to work in the U.S.

Preferred:

• Bilingual

• Interactive marine mammal training experience

Special Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays.

• Must be a team player and be able to get along well with others.

• Must be able to use tact in handling sensitive situations.

• Must be personable, courteous, and able to work under pressure.