Marine Mammal Specialist I

Reports to: Manager of Marine Animals

Job Summary:

The Marine Mammal Specialist I is responsible for training and day-to-day care of the animal collection at their Dolphin Quest location, and assisting in providing quality animal interaction experiences for our guests.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

•  Train marine mammals to demonstrate behaviors and adaptations on cue as part of educational and fun interactive experiences with Dolphin Quest guests.
• Showcase trained behaviors of dolphins, fish and other animals to Dolphin Quest guests in educational and entertaining presentations.
• Perform regularly in dry, shallow and full water interactions with guests.
• Maintain degree of consistency in programs while ensuring inclusion of local elements.
• Ensure that a safe and learning-friendly environment is maintained for all programming.
• Maintain excellent quality standards for customer service and guest interactions.
• Be personally available to guests to communicate and identify their needs and address their questions or concerns.
• Ensure proper nutrition, prepare food, and feed animals in the collection.
• Maintain the highest quality of animal care and exhibits.
• Work with animal management team and veterinarians to monitor health of all animals and assist in providing medical treatment if needed.
• Administer approved daily vitamins and prescribed medications.
• Assist with collection of medical samples.
• Complete daily husbandry procedures according to protocols.
• Maintain behavior and husbandry records of marine life and other animals.
• Maintain safe working conditions and ensure safety concerns are reported and resolved quickly.
• Successfully complete all assigned readings and tests.
• Successfully complete Training Lecture Series.
• Ensure adherence to all Dolphin Quest and partner guidelines and standards.
• Assist with assigned department project area(s).
• Manage assigned projects relating to basic job knowledge (enrichment programs, etc.).
• Maintain regular communication with animal management team regarding all relevant projects.
• Participate in training department and general site meetings.
• Embrace the Dolphin Quest “open door” policy where Crew Members are free to express their concerns and feelings without fear of retribution or ill will.
• Adhere to branding and logo usage guidelines and standards.
• Be environmentally responsible and support community involvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, marine biology or related field required.
• Experience with marine mammal internship programs in accredited organizations or 1 year of prior experience in a similar position.
• Proficiency to work in water environment: swimming and snorkeling (Must pass a swim test).

• Knowledge of operant conditioning techniques for training behaviors.
• SCUBA and CPR Certification required.
• Laboratory technician skills preferred.
• Excellent public speaking / guest relations skills.
• Excellent teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Competent computer and internet skills.
• Must be a team player and foster positive attitudes among co-workers and in the workplace.
• Ability to take direction and complete multiple tasks in a timely manner.
• Must be able to work varied schedules, weekends and holidays.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by a Crew Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the Crew Member is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The Crew Member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the Crew Member will be exposed to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with having close contact with marine animals; work outdoors in uneven terrain with constant exposure to sun, wind and outdoor elements; move about on slippery surfaces; on the job duties may require long periods of time in salt-water, actively swimming, diving and working in ocean water elements. This job may entail repeated entry and exit into lagoon area