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Trainer I, II or III

Norwalk, Connecticut

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND 

The mission of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For more than 35 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium historically hosts nearly 500,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals. Altogether, the Aquarium is home to over 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 54,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 60 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to volunteers who contribute over 19,000 hours annually.  

 POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Trainer at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is responsible for assisting in the care of our resident mammals.  This includes Atlantic harbor seals, Grey seal, Slender-tailed meerkats, North American river otters, Geoffrey’s tamarins, Golden-Lion tamarin, a Linne’s Two-toed sloth, a Striped skunk and a Prehensile-tailed porcupine  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – ALL POSITIONS:

  • Prefer four-year degree (B.S. or B.A.) in marine biology, biology, zoology, psychology or related field.
  • The ability to uphold USDA standards in all areas of operation including fish kitchen, animal areas, laboratory, freezers/fridges
  • Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal
  • Ability to lift 60 pounds
  • Ability to negotiate stairs, climb high obstacles and maneuver easily in exhibit and support areas
  • Able to negotiate various field conditions
  • Ability to work standing up for extended periods of time
  • Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record
  • SCUBA certification preferred
  • Able to work weekends and holidays

Minimum Qualifications – Trainer I:

  • A minimum of one years’ experience in animal care (may be any combination of paid work, internships, or volunteer service) preferred
  • Basic knowledge of operant conditioning and training techniques and terminology
  • Basic knowledge of the operation and maintenance of aquarium and life support systems, including experience with water quality testing.
  • General knowledge of laboratory equipment and operating procedures.

 Minimum Qualifications – Trainer II:

  • A minimum of two years’ paid experience in animal care.
  • Experience with operant conditioning and training techniques and terminology
  • Experience with the operation and maintenance of aquarium and life support systems, including water quality testing.
  • Experience with laboratory equipment and operating procedures.

Minimum Qualifications – Trainer III:

  • A minimum of three years’ paid experience in animal care.
  • Advanced knowledge of operant conditioning and training techniques and terminology
  • Advanced knowledge of the operation and maintenance of aquarium and life support systems, including water quality testing.
  • Advanced knowledge of laboratory equipment and operating procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS – ALL POSITIONS:

  • Identifies diseases and administers treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian
  • Maintain exhibit areas and related life support systems
  • Performs water quality analysis.
  • Participates in the collection of animals from Long Island Sound and other locations for display in Aquarium tanks.
  • Documents and communicates observations.
  • Maintains a variety of collecting equipment.
  • Observe animal behavior and report any unusual/abnormal behavior to supervisor
  • Assist with routine veterinary husbandry procedures as needed
  • This position will require the individual to work weekends and holidays, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting duties.
  • Other duties as assigned

Essential Job Functions –Trainer I:

  • Training, husbandry care, diet preparation and feeding for marine and terrestrial mammals
  • Able to identify problems but may need help solving them
  • Participate in behavioral enrichment
  • Public presentations and keeper chats
  • Maintain feeding, behavior, training and medical records
  • Observe animal behavior and report any unusual/abnormal behavior to supervisor
  • Assist with routine veterinary husbandry procedures as needed

Essential Job Functions –Trainer II:

  • In addition to duties of an Aquarist I, must also…
  • Cross train in some areas, able to sub in when necessary
  • Able to identify all problems, can solve over half on their own
  • Work independently, with minimal supervision
  • Able to do section work beyond basic maintenance, maintains ongoing project list
  • Provides training to interns and newer staff
  • Performs water quality analysis and makes appropriate adjustments
  • Monitors inventory of section equipment, food and supplies
  • Oversees section in absence of aquarist III or senior aquarist
  • Provides guidance to aquarist I staff in section

Essential Job Functions –Trainer III:

  • In addition to duties of an Aquarist II, must also…
  • Cross train in most areas, able to sub in when necessary
  • Can solve almost all problems on their own, can manage a high workload
  • Maintains related life support systems, troubleshoots when necessary
  • Provides disease recognition and implements treatments under guidance of veterinarian
  • Performs water quality analysis, makes adjustments and follows up
  • Provides basic oversite of assigned section, as directed by their senior aquarist
  • Monitors inventory of section and departmental equipment, food and supplies
  • Evaluates and adjusts diets, under the supervision of senior aquarist
  • Oversees all sections, in absence of senior aquarist

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

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