Zoological Specialist, Senior Aquarist

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!

• Perform daily husbandry tasks including administration of vitamins and medications as directed, food preparation, maintaining a safe and sanitary working area for all animal habitats as directed by area leadership.
• Responsible for guest, personal, and animal safety by developing awareness of the behavioral precursors of potentially harmful behavior by both animals and people.
• Make daily observations of animals and report any abnormalities to staff supervisor and team.
• Maintain all animal records, equipment, area responsibilities, and communication requirements on a daily basis.
• Provide and maintain a work environment that follows the established guidelines and safety procedures set by the department and park.
• Function as an Ambassador by displaying consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability. Maintain a consistent attitude, motivation, and ability to accept feedback.
• Successfully represents company in Public Relations or Media situations/events.
• Perform all supportive roles in education and general public presentations to develop speaking skills and stage presence. Perform primary roles as assigned by area leadership.
• Train less experienced staff in aquarium skills and theory.
• Engage in and execute all aspects of guest interaction programs.
• Provide proactive guest service through guest interactions, pre and post presentation interactions, and responding to guest inquiries.
• Work with animals using behavioral modification techniques as instructed. Train behavior to completion under minimal supervision.
• Display leadership behavior in the absence of formal Aquarium leadership and make decisions when necessary.
• Communicate with Aquarium Leadership at a high level.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership.

What it takes to succeed:

• SCUBA certified and have the ability to pass a dive physical.

• Able to complete provided CPR training/certification.

• At least 4-5 years of public aquarium experience

• Have high school diploma or equivalent. College background in Marine Science, Zoology, or similar field preferred.

• Must be able to function at a high level in a team setting.

• Consistently practices safe work habits including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment, lifting and reporting of unsafe situations.

• 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.

• Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs.

• Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and climb/ascend heights, if needed.

• 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)

• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, to include extreme heat. Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors and cold/heat temperature extremes.

• Perform cleaning duties; including use of cleaning chemicals.

• Work a flexible schedule/hours based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts; nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Be willing to comply with, and ensure Ambassadors comply with, all SEA grooming guidelines and employment standards.

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.

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

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.