Senior Sea Lion Trainer

The Marine Life Senior Sea Lion Trainer is an experienced animal trainer, able to observe animal behavior and apply animal behavior modification techniques. This role maintains a sustainable environment for the sea lions and assists to create educational experiences for all Marine Life guests.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Demonstrating extensive knowledge on the feeding and husbandry requirements for California sea lions.
• Maintaining, cleaning and disinfecting Sea Lion areas.
• Organizing and overseeing the Sea Lion training operation.
• Training, guiding, mentoring, and overseeing junior staff.
• Showing extensive proficiency on the knowledge of Operant Conditioning Training techniques applied to sea lions.
• Confidently managing different ages and stages of sea lion social groups.
• Training complex behaviors with California sea lions and assisting in the development and maintenance of training programs to ensure industry guidelines and government regulations, policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Training and mentoring staff presentations ensuring exceptional customer service while delivering an educational and conservational message about the facility and animals.
• Maintaining the safety of all animals and animal care staff through health and safety policies and protocols for the 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).
• Assigning daily job tasks according to operational requirements.
• Understanding California sea lion needs by monitoring health, collecting samples and ensuring mental and physical stimulation.
• Assisting in managing and conducting a comprehensive nutritional program.
• Other responsibilities as required.

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum 8 years of paid work experience in Animal Behavior Modification and Operant Conditioning applied to California sea lions, with focus on husbandry, socialization, and interactive programs.
• Secondary school diploma or equivalent.
• 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.
• Must be able to swim and rescue SCUBA diver level certification from an internationally recognized institution is desirable.

Terms of Employment:

• This is a permanent, full-time position that requires flexible availability for days, weekends, and holidays. The wage for this position is $28.85 per hour. 
• Must be able to speak and write in English.
• This position works in a busy mall environment primarily at attractions and in a classroom setting.
• This individual is required to interact successfully with guests and children of all ages.
• The position requires some city traveling to deliver educational courses.
• Must be able to carry 50lb.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to pass a basic security clearance.