Assistant Trainer Belugas
Location
Mystic, Connecticut, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
1+ years
Compensation
$17 - $18 per hour
Posted
1h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Assistant Trainer, Belugas supports the beluga whale husbandry program, performing routine animal care, training, diet preparation, and habitat maintenance. This role involves public presentations, record keeping, and daily assistance to the outdoor pinniped collection, requiring hands-on animal care experience and a team-focused approach.
Job Overview: The Assistant Trainer, Belugas supports the beluga whale husbandry program by executing routine animal care procedures, training, diet preparation, habitat maintenance, record keeping, public presentations, feedings, interactive programs, and enrichment for the marine mammal collection, with a primary focus on belugas and daily assistance to the outdoor pinniped collection. The ideal candidate brings hands-on animal care experience, an interest in cetacean training, and a positive, team-focused approach to representing Mystic Aquarium at all times.
Primary Functions:
Animal Care and Training
Assist in executing routine husbandry procedures for the marine mammal collection to maintain federal, state, and institutional guidelines, with a primary focus on beluga whales and daily assistance to the outdoor pinniped collection.
Care for and maintain the marine mammal collection and habitats.
Assist in executing daily training and enrichment sessions to ensure all animals receive stimulation, exercise, variability, variety, and positive reinforcement in accordance with guidelines established by AMMPA, AZA, IMATA, and AH.
Develop training skills consistent with Mystic Aquarium philosophy and procedures.
Perform regular SCUBA diving maintenance on habitats.
Assist with monitoring the operation of life support systems and water quality.
Keep proper husbandry and training records.
Public Presentations and Programs
Present public and classroom demonstrations, educating guests using approved institutional information.
Mentorship and Team Support
Serve as a role model and mentor for interns and volunteers, demonstrating positive customer service and teamwork with other departments at Mystic Aquarium.
Assist Senior Trainers and Trainers with administrative tasks as assigned.
Professional Standards
Maintain a consistent professional attitude, motivation, and willingness to accept feedback.
Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Safety and Security
Work in a safe manner at all times.
Properly use and maintain, in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied for protection from recognized hazards.
Report any unsafe conditions.
Maintain a working knowledge of all facility-wide and department-specific safety procedures, including but not limited to Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in a related discipline preferred, with one year of paid professional experience in the care and training of marine mammals, or two years of equivalent experience. Cetacean experience required.
Public Presentation: Comfort and skill in public presentation preferred.
Communication and Teamwork: Strong communication and teamwork skills required.
Certifications: SCUBA certification with the ability to pass a dive physical required.
Flexibility and Availability: Requires schedule flexibility with the ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
Physical Demands:
This role requires the ability to maintain a stationary position, move from place to place, move equipment, and operate, inspect, and position equipment on a consistent basis. Employees must be able to ascend and descend ladders and position themselves to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, communicate and exchange information, and maintain hearing along with close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust visual focus. The role involves frequent guest contact and regular work with others. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors and in cold, hot, and humid environments with temperature changes, wet conditions, and occasional exposure to noise, fumes, odors, and dust. Employees must be able to drive and regularly use computers and telephones, and may be exposed to solvents, acids, corrosives, and cleaning agents as part of routine duties.
Updated 1h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
1+ 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
$17 - $18 per hour
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 an organization dedicated to the care, training, and husbandry of marine mammals, particularly beluga whales and pinnipeds. It also focuses on public education through presentations and interactive programs.
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Assistant Trainer Belugas
Mystic, Connecticut, United States • Full Time