Assistant Supervisor of Belugas
Mystic Aquarium //
Mystic, Connecticut //
Posted on: October 14, 2021 //
Demonstrate excellent representation of the aquarium at all times through a positive, can-do attitude, and teamwork focused work ethic.
Responsible for assisting in the supervision of staff and all aspects of animal care, habitat maintenance, program development and interpretation of marine mammal and bird collection.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Must be willing to consistently provide internal and external customer service above and beyond expectation.
- Bachelor’s degree in related discipline preferred
- Seven years paid professional experience in marine mammal husbandry and training at a public aquarium or similar institution and/or training, or
- Equivalent nine years’ experience
- Multi-lingual, Spanish preferred
- Experience in cetacean husbandry and training strongly preferred.
- Supervisory experience and training
- Public presentation and program experience
- Strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- SCUBA certification and the ability to pass a dive physical
- Requires schedule flexibility with ability to work evenings/weekends/holidays
Other Duties & Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Care for and maintain animal collection and exhibits to meet and exceed AWA regulations, along with AMMPA and AZA standards and guidelines.
- Assist with daily operational coverage, and routine work to ensure area and departmental coverage.
- Assist the Supervisor with animal diet management and weekly animal weights,
- Coordinate animal presentations, programs, and classes.
- Develop and implement animal training and husbandry procedures.
- Develop leadership skills through management courses.
- Supervise area and department schedule to ensure appropriate experience and coverage.
- Guide and mentor senior trainers in planning daily training sessions and enrichment sessions to ensure all animals receive stimulation, exercise, variability, variety, and positive reinforcement in accordance with guidelines established by AMMPA, AZA, IMATA, and AH.
- Maintain consistent professional attitude, motivation and ability to accept criticism.
- Establish high standards as a role model demonstrating positive customer service and teamwork with other departments at the Mystic Aquarium.
- Assist with supervision and oversight of animal transports in accordance with federal, state and institutional guidelines.
- Interpret Marine Mammal and Bird habitats, educating guests, and monitoring guest and animal safety.
- Maintain husbandry, training, and enrichment records according to Mystic Aquarium procedure.
- Monitor life support systems and communicate needs to water quality lab.
- Coordinate daily operations and supervise staff, volunteers and interns.
- Oversee public programs to ensure safety, quality standards and customer service.
- Assist with the preparation and participate in personnel evaluations.
- Develop staff in proficiency standards at current level and skills necessary for advancement.
- Monitor acquisition and inventory of supplies.
- Work with other departments to facilitate programming needs.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Attend regularly scheduled MM&B Supervisor meetings. And provide Supervisory coverage in the MMB department as Supervisor of the Day, as assigned.
- Work in cold wet indoor and outdoor environments.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
