Zoological Specialist, Senior

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.
• You will perform daily husbandry tasks, including administering vitamins and medications as directed, preparing food, and maintaining a safe and sanitary working area for all animal habitats.
• 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.

Experience Required

• What it takes to succeed: Be at least 18 years of age. 2.5 years (5200 hours) paid professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA accredited institution, or one with equivalent standards.
• Have high school diploma or equivalent. College background in psychology, zoology or biology is a plus. Be Open Water SCUBA certified. Be able to pass both SeaWorld pre-employment and post-employment swim test and diving physical.
• Have a working knowledge of the English language with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic math skills required.
• Be able to frequently lift, pull, push 50 pounds.
• Be able to stand, walk, and work for prolonged periods of time in extreme weather conditions.
• Be willing to work a flexible schedule to include weekdays, weekends, evenings, overnights, and holidays.
• Ability to receive CPR certification. Consistently practices safe work habits including, but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment, lifting, and reporting of unsafe situations.
• Be willing to comply with, and ensure Ambassadors comply with, all SEA grooming guidelines and employment standards.

Further Comments

• What else is important: Must be able to lift 30 pounds and push/pull up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, to include extreme heat. Work regularly Monday through Friday but with flexibility based on business need to include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Occasional travel required.
• Consistently practices safe work habits including, but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment, lifting, and reporting of unsafe situations. 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.

Perks

• 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