Zoological Specialist (Associate - Senior) | Full-Time SeaWorld San Diego

About the role

At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

What you get to do

• We have Animal Trainer positions in a variety of levels.
• All of them offer you the chance to provide care and compassionate training to a variety of magnificent animals.
• Provide for proper nutrition, appropriate and sanitary living conditions, and constant care for our park animals.
• These positions safely fulfill duties in animal/guest interactions, animal training, husbandry, enrichment, public presentations, and research.

• Observe animals and report any abnormalities to supervisor and team.
• Maintain all animal records and equipment.
• Ensure working environment follows established guidelines and safety procedures.
• Consistently display consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability.
• Support education and general public shows in order to develop speaking skills and stage presence.
• Proactively engage with guests and respond to guest inquiries.
• Help prepare educational aspects of shows.
• Serve as secondary animal person and safety spotter when needed.
• Act as primary trainer when approved and as directed by leadership.
• Work with animals on basic behavior and behavioral modification techniques under supervision.
• Perform primary roles as assigned by area leadership.
• Engage in and execute all aspects of guest interaction programs.
• Work with animals using behavioral modification techniques as instructed.
• Train behavior to completion under minimal supervision.
• Lead education and general public shows, and guest interaction programs.
• Be proficient in application of behavioral modification techniques used across the organization. This includes developing and implementing new behavior; training naïve animals with minimum supervision; training behavior to completion without supervision; proactively maintaining conditioned behavior; and forming relationships with animals.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with Ambassadors, Vendors and our Guests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What it takes to succeed

• SCUBA certified and can pass a dive physical.
• Able to complete provided CPR training/certification.
• Marine mammal experience preferred.
• Able to demonstrate strong verbal communication skills and enthusiastically share a passion for the animals and conservation with our guests. Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people on stage during presentations.
• Work a flexible schedule/hour based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong written/verbal communication skills; able to read, write and speak English

Work Conditions

• Work indoors and in outside weather conditions (i.e., direct sunlight, wet and/or humid)
• Able to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work in an environment with moderate noise levels.
• Must be able to manage time wisely and set priorities effectively.
• Able to positively interact with guests and co-workers of all ages, different ethic/cultural backgrounds and/or language, and individuals with special needs.

Additional information

As a 365 day/year operation, candidates must be available to work varying shifts/hours to support year-round operating needs. This may include working opening, mid-day, closing shifts, weekends and holidays.

Position level and Compensation rate will be contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility. Level is determined through review and assessment of applicable experience by Zoo leadership. Experience required for each level is detailed below:

• Associate: Entry level position
• Specialist: Minimum of 12 months (2080 hours) professional zoological experience
• Senior: Minimum of 2.5 years (5200 hours) professional zoological experience
• Senior 1: Minimum of 5 years (10,400 hours) professional zoological experience

Compensation

20.50-30.00 per hour, contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility

The perks of the position

• Paid Time Off
• Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
• Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K Retirement plan
• Voluntary Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Assistance Plan