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Assistant Trainer, Belugas

Department: Marine Mammals and Birds

Reports to: Assistant Supervisor / Supervisor, Belugas

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Benefits: This position qualifies for Medical, Dental, Vision, and all supplemental insurances.

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.
• Language Skills: Multi-lingual desired, Spanish preferred.

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.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Employment with this organization is at-will, meaning either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable laws. This organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of this position. If you require an accommodation to complete an application, please contact (860) 572-5955 and ask to speak with the recruitment department. This position may require background checks and reference verification as part of the hiring process.