Assistant Supervisor Pinnipeds
Location
Mystic, Connecticut, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
7-9 years
Compensation
$57K - $59K per year
Posted
6h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Assistant Supervisor, Pinnipeds supports the Supervisor in overseeing staff and all aspects of animal care, habitat maintenance, training, record keeping, public presentations, and interactive programming for various seal and sea lion collections. This role requires hands-on animal care expertise, supervisory experience, and a team-focused approach to maintain high standards of animal welfare and public engagement.
Assistant Supervisor, Pinnipeds
The Assistant Supervisor, Pinnipeds supports the Supervisor, Pinnipeds in overseeing staff and all aspects of animal care, habitat maintenance, training, records, public presentations, and interactive programming for harbor and spotted seals. The role also assists with husbandry programs for Northern fur seals and Steller sea lions and may support beluga whale and California sea lion programs. The ideal candidate has hands-on marine mammal experience, supervisory skills, and a positive, team-focused approach to representing Mystic Aquarium.
Primary Responsibilities
Animal Care & Husbandry
Maintain animal care and habitats in accordance with AWA regulations and AMMPA/AZA standards and guidelines.
Assist with diet management and weekly animal weights.
Develop and implement training and husbandry procedures for harbor and spotted seals; assist with Northern fur seal and Steller sea lion programs.
Guide and mentor senior trainers in daily training and enrichment to provide stimulation, exercise, variability, and positive reinforcement consistent with AMMPA, AZA, IMATA, and AH guidelines.
Maintain accurate husbandry, training, and enrichment records.
Monitor life support systems and water quality.
Staff Supervision & Development
Assist with staff supervision, daily operations, scheduling, and departmental coverage.
Coordinate daily operations and supervise staff, volunteers, and interns.
Assist with personnel evaluations and staff development.
Build employee proficiency and prepare staff for advancement.
Develop leadership skills through management training.
Attend Marine Mammals & Birds Supervisor meetings and provide Supervisor of the Day coverage as assigned.
Programs & Public Engagement
Coordinate animal presentations, programs, and classes.
Assist with animal transport oversight in accordance with federal, state, and institutional requirements.
Collaborate with other departments to support programming needs.
Operations & Professional Standards
Monitor acquisition and inventory of supplies.
Maintain professionalism, motivation, teamwork, and openness to feedback.
Serve as a positive role model and provide excellent customer service.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Safety
Follow all safety procedures and properly use and maintain required PPE.
Report unsafe conditions.
Maintain knowledge of facility and department safety procedures, including emergency evacuation, lockdown, and fire extinguisher procedures.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred, plus seven years of paid professional marine mammal husbandry/training experience at a public aquarium or similar institution; or nine years of equivalent experience.
Strong preference for pinniped husbandry and training experience.
Prior supervisory experience, including staff mentoring and performance evaluation.
Experience developing and delivering public presentations, interactive programs, and program content.
Strong communication, leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
SCUBA certification and ability to pass a dive physical.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Physical & Work Environment
Requires frequent standing, walking, ladder use, and positioning to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Must be able to operate and move equipment and maintain close, distance, color, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Work occurs indoors and outdoors in cold, hot, wet, and humid environments, with occasional exposure to noise, odors, and dust. Requires frequent interaction with guests and colleagues, as well as routine use of computers, telephones, and vehicles.
Updated 6h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
7-9 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$57K - $59K per year
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Mystic Aquarium
Team size
Growing team
Location
Mystic, Connecticut, United States
Mystic Aquarium is a leading aquarium dedicated to marine research, conservation, and education, offering engaging exhibits and programs to connect visitors with marine life.
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Assistant Supervisor Pinnipeds
Mystic, Connecticut, United States • Full Time