Specific Duties and Responsibilities 

Must have minimum of 4 days of unrestricted availability to include weekends, holidays, early mornings, and late nights 30 hours per week minimum  

Enthusiastically represents SFDK by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job

Responsible for the care, training, husbandry, and enrichment of all animals in an assigned area

Focus is customer service, animal husbandry, training, enrichment, reproduction, medical assistance, transports, facility maintenance, and general animal care Prepares daily rations, feeds animals, and stores food according to schedule Cleans and sanitizes animal enclosures, food preparation, storage areas, and office spaces Administers medications as prescribed by veterinarians (orally or injectable)  

Closely monitors and records animal's behavior and notifies staff of potential health and social challenges, and assist veterinarians with examinations, treatments, surgery, emergency care and necropsies

Effectively and efficiently communicates in a professional manner to staff of all levels

Demonstrates a understanding of operant conditioning animal training techniques and how to apply it for maintaining animal behavior with supervision of an ACS 2 or higher Understand and learn how to interpret animal behavior and make decisions appropriately with the aid of ACS2 or higher Perform in shows as well as conduct educational lectures and/or animal interactions and tours as assigned SCUBA dive in exhibits as required Collects and labels blood, urine, fecal and other diagnostic samples as directed by veterinary staff Provides support on carrying out capture and restraint (voluntary or un-voluntary) and rehabilitation operation for animals in the assigned area with veterinarian and management's assistance as well as assist in emergency situations Assists in the restraint of animals, fluids and assisted feedings, and participates in emergency situations Responsible for the daily operations in area assigned Provide animal enrichment and husbandry training maintenance with the animal collection Maintain, recognize, and aid in the renovation of facilities and equipment up to USDA standards Maintains area equipment such as tools and equipment such as scuba gear, transport units, squeeze cage, electric carts and more Provides support in the implementation and/or modifications to presentations and guest interactions Properly handles, uses, and stores all chemicals in accordance with SFDK policy Represents SFDK in a well-informed, positive manner before other zoological facilities, professional and educational organizations, the media, and federal and state agencies Ensure excellence in guest service by responding promptly to customer requirements, expectations and special needs Practices safe work habits Performs other duties as requested/assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be SCUBA, CPR and First Aid certified. Must have an Associate’s degree in biology, psychology, zoology or related field preferred or equivalent of 2 years of relevant experience Minimum of 1-year paid, full time experience in the care, husbandry and training of a variety of marine mammal species Minimum of 6 months experience as an Animal Care Intern Must have valid California driver's license Must have strong written/verbal communication skills, able to speak effective before large groups. Must be able to lift and/or move 50 pounds Must possess strong swimming skills (in an open water area only) Must be able to read, write and speak English and be proficient in MS office applications Must be willing and able to work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions Must be available to work weekends, evenings and holidays Must possess quick reflexes and be able to react quickly to changing animal situations Must possess the mental and physical capacities necessary to perform the primary job duties Must be willing and able to work in and around cold saltwater (in an open water area only) Must be able to demonstrate an annual swim competency (in an open water area only) Must be able to work with chemicals and adhere to the MDS and company standards Must have a basic understanding of water chemistry (in an open water area only)

Preferred Qualifications and Expertise

Understanding and application of operant conditioning techniques with marine species Interactive and public programming Experience handling and training of pinnipeds and cetaceans Show experience