Zoological Specialist - Killer Whale

Job Overview:

• Enthusiastically represents SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment by displaying a positive attitude, maintaining a high level of energy and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job.
• Are you passionate about fostering the human-animal bond? Are you committed to the humane and responsible treatment of animals? Do you want to share the incredible qualities and potential of animals with the world? We’ve got the perfect opportunity for you!
• 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. You will also help ensure guest, personal, and animal safety through diligent observation and response to any and all behavioral precursors of potentially harmful behavior by both animals and people.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Represent company in public relations or media situations/events.
• 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.
• Deliver department seminars.
• Lead education and general public shows, and guest interaction programs.
• Be proficient in application of behavioral modification techniques used at SeaWorld. 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.
• Occasionally assist other locations and areas in the park as needed.

Qualifications:

• 2 years marine mammal experience preferred.
• Need to be SCUBA certified.
• At least 18 years of age.

Responsibility for Others:

• Maintain a safe work environment and adhere to safety requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Regular use of hands and fingers; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and climb/ascend heights, if needed.
• Stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
• Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors and cold/heat temperature extremes
• Perform cleaning duties; including use of cleaning chemicals
• Must be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities.

Availability:

• Available to work varying shifts or hours based on park hours, i.e. be able to work opening and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and Holidays.

Training:

• Park wide trainings including Implicit Bias and as needed.

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.

Compensation: $17.75 per hour