Animal Training Coordinator

The Marine Life Animal Training Coordinator is an experience Marine mammal and sea lion trainer who is proficient and confident assisting the supervisors and managers in problem solving, managing complex animal behaviors, staff mentoring, operational changes, nutritional changes, has excellent communication skills can be relayed to work on alone and guide others, must have excellent guest service and excel on public programs and presentations. The purpose of the training coordinator is to aid in the administration and efficient operation of the animal department though the development of animal training programs, courses, training, and enrichment. The training coordinator maintains a sustainable environment for the animals with an education experience for the visitor by applying Operant Conditioning Training techniques and Positive Reinforcement.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Demonstrating extensive knowledge on the care, biology, physiology, and environmental requirements for the Marine Mammals specifically Sea Lions
• Can be relayed to coordinate, direct and oversee the Sea Lion training and operation.
• Demonstrating outstanding efficiency on training, guiding, mentoring and overseeing junior staff.
• Show extensive proficiency on the knowledge of Operant Conditioning Training techniques applied to Marine Mammals, specifically sea lions.
• Show confidence and experience managing different ages and stages with Sea lion social groups.
• Training complex behaviors with the marine animals, including Sea Lions
• Working alongside the Marine Life Education Supervisor to create efficient animal program schedules.
• Assisting in the developing and maintaining training programs to ensure industry guidelines and government regulations policy and procedures are adhered to.
• Assisting with planning, design and construction of exhibits while maintaining the facilities through routine maintenance.
• Assisting in managing the animal life support program including staff training for servicing life support systems, water chemistry, analysis of results, and making changes accordingly.
• Training and mentoring staff presentations ensuring exceptional customer service while delivering an educational and conservational message about the facility and animals.
• Maintaining animal and animal care staff safety through health and safety policies and protocols for day-to-day facility procedures.
• Assisting with organizing and overseeing computer programs and record keeping.
• Training staff in non-voluntary handling and behavior techniques (such as restraint, and unconditioned medical behaviors).
• Training and mentoring staff to work with a diverse collection of animals for mall-walks, exhibit cleans, feeding schedules, reptile and spineless wonders outreaches.
• Assigning daily job tasks according to operational requirements.
• Understanding animal needs by monitoring health and collecting samples.
• Assisting in managing and performing a comprehensive nutritional program.
• Maintaining departmental record keeping system, including feeding, behavioral and medical observations.
• Developing and maintaining animal training progress records and animal enrichment records.
• Assisting with the computer input of all relevant training records.
• Helping to plan and is responsible for implementing the animal training program.
• Must be able to direct and train staff to work with a diverse collection of animals.
• Supervising staff interactions and assure consistency in technique and application of operant conditioning principles with emphasis on positive reinforcement.
• Monitoring staff and animal training progress and participating in daily training and animal care activities as needed.
• Maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the animals, staff, and public.
• Other responsibilities as required.

Desired Qualifications:

• 10-15 years of paid work experience in Animal Behavior Modification and Operant Conditioning applied to Marine Mammals specifically Sea Lions, with focus on husbandry, socialization and interactive programs.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field. Extensive experience in animal care may serve in lieu of a degree.
• Thorough familiarization with operation of a CAZA or AZA facility, including knowledge and understanding of modern animal husbandry techniques.
• Previous experience with public speaking, customer service experience and effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with the ability to easily learn different software programs.
• Valid Class 5 Alberta driver’s license preferred and able to provide a clear Driver’s Abstract.
• Rescue SCUBA diver level certification from an internationally recognized institution desirable.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs repeatedly.
• Must be able to swim.
• Must be able to legally work in Canada.

Terms of Employment:

• This is a full-time position that requires flexible availability Monday through Sunday including days, evenings, occasional night shift, weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to pass a basic security clearance and provide a clear drivers abstract.