Habitat Exhibit Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description:

 As part of the OdySea Aquarium zoological leadership team, this position will oversee one of the following collections in the Animal and Education Department. These areas consist of our Ambassador area, Penguin area, Otter area or our Sea Lion area and their assigned Animal Care Specialists. This individual will promote the correct understanding and application of operant conditioning and behavioral modification within the Animal Care team(s) and throughout the aquarium to enhance animal wellbeing. This individual will oversee all guest experiences that involve department specific taxa, such as Animal Encounters, scheduled Aquarium programming and events, and through PR and media promotion.  Individual will have the opportunity for growth and development through cross training with other taxa as needed and/or desired, such as Asian small-clawed otters, African penguins, two-toed sloths, California sea lions and various bird species. Individual will be integral in educating aquarium guests about species survival and conservation through formal and informal presentations.   

Requirements:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

•  Responsible for direct and daily supervision of team members and the husbandry, training, and overall wellbeing of all animals under purview
• Thorough knowledge, understanding and application of operant conditioning techniques, including experience in managing groups of animals; including acclimations. 
• Instrumental in hiring, onboarding, and training of all team members; conduct regular performance reviews and/or corrective action measures needed for all team member
• Manage team members' schedules and timecards
• Demonstrate budgetary responsibility through appropriate ordering and usage of department resources
• Assists with creation and implementation of all department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), area and department training and development of team members, and adherence of team members to all policies and safety protocols to ensure compliance with professional associations and regulatory agencies
• Act as department liaison for inter-departmental relations, attending meetings or other collaborative events as needed
• Develop and supervise educational animal presentations, shows, encounters, tours, interactive programs, and/or others as deemed necessary within the Aquarium 
• Participate in collection planning, exhibit ideation and design, educational or programming activities, and research and conservation initiatives 
• Work closely and collaboratively with other departments, such as Animal Health, Animal Care & Conservation, Life Support, Engineering & Maintenance, Dive Operations, and Guest Relations, to ensure exhibits, habitats, and programming environments are optimal for the wellbeing of our animals and excellence in guest experience
• Help create and implement advanced enrichment plans for all animals 
• Regularly inspect exhibits and related facilities for cleanliness and structural integrity 
• Ensure accurate and appropriate record keeping is maintained within the department
• Assists with animal acquisition, transport, acclimation, and training of all animals within collection
• Representation of aquarium through positive guest interactions and experiences daily 
• Represent the Animal Care & Education department and OdySea Aquarium to visiting investors, professionals, guests, and media 
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Curator and/or Director

 PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Computer/Microsoft literacy required
• Must be able to physically access animal pools, exhibits, and enclosures 
• Ability to push, pull, and lift up to fifty pounds
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk and run
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl
• Required to frequently talk and hear
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work
• Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly
• Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasionally extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and background check
• Allergies related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work, must be controllable by medications or personal protective equipment

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

•  Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Biology, Zoology, Marine Science, or related discipline required
• Minimum 5 years’ experience working directly with animals in professional zoological setting 
• Minimum 3 years' leadership experience 
• Must be SCUBA certified 
• Must be able to pass dive physical and departmental swim evaluation for dive safety program participation
• Excellent public speaking and showmanship experience 
• Must possess critical thinking  and solution-based reasoning skills
• Must be able to treat sensitive information appropriately
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, or irregular hours dictated by animal needs