Assistant/ Manager, Marine Mammal Care

Responsibilities:

Animal Husbandry:

• Monitor animal health and behavior, coordinate with veterinary staff, and maintain accurate records.

• Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures, policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Lead and facilitate the development and implementation of enrichment, behavioral training, and conditioning programs.

• Develop and implement care protocols, training plans, and long-term wellness strategies.

• Plan and execute animal transports, medical procedures, and emergency response drills.

• Manage animal emergency situations.

• Ensure a clean, safe, and enriching environment for all dolphin habitats.

Team Management:

• Provide day-to-day supervision of the marine mammal care team, ensuring the highest standards in animal welfare, training, enrichment, and husbandry.

• Oversee recruitment, training, rostering, performance evaluations, and professional development initiatives for the team.

• Conduct briefings, coordinate task assignments, and facilitate team communication.

• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, ensuring team members are motivated, engaged, and aligned with organizational goals.

Guest Programmes:

• Model professional animal handling, safety, and guest interaction practices.

• Develop engaging programmes and presentations to increase guest awareness and appreciation of marine mammals.

• Plan for improvements in product offerings for guests.

Research & Conservation:

• Promote marine mammal conservation and care.

• Provide support on marine mammal initiatives and research projects.

Requirements:
· Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, zoology, psychology, or a related field.

· 8 to 10 years of work experience in a marine mammal facility or equivalent, with 3years in a managerial position.

· Possess SCUBA certification (Rescue Diver).

· Proficient in Animal Training Management Techniques, with emphasis on proactive behavior management as it pertains to employee, guest, and animal safety.

· Strong understanding of operant conditioning and dolphin behavior.

· Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.

· Ability to make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.

· Strong animal husbandry knowledge and passion to work with animals.

· Able to perform shift work, including on weekends and public holidays.

· Physically fit and able to lift 15kg of weight as this position requires handling of heavy equipment.