TITLE: Sr. Trainer
DEPARTMENT: Oceanarium
REPORTS TO: Manager of Cetaceans
STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt
PAY RATE: $30.00 - $35.00/hour
LOCATION: Onsite, Chicago
 
POSITION OVERVIEW: The Senior Trainer level is responsible for the overall care and behavior modification of animals on the team they are on- Cetaceans, Penguins & Otters, Sea lions, or AEIT (animal engagement interpretive training/ambassador animals). They have thorough husbandry knowledge for the animals under their care. This position requires advanced behavioral knowledge.  They demonstrate strong operant conditioning knowledge and behavior modification skills and can condition complex behavior with minimal oversight.   They are skilled at presentations and animal engagements.   All of these skills are used to provide excellent welfare for the animals under their care.  They are relied upon extensively to teach operant conditioning, husbandry, and guest interpretation to developing team members.  This position works well within their team and collaborates across other departments. 
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   

• Demonstrate commitment to the vision, mission, and values of the Shedd Aquarium.   
• Daily lifting in excess of 40 pounds, with periodic lifting up to 70 pounds. 
• Work in an environment with daily exposure to salt water 
• Embrace a flexible work schedule that includes weekends, holidays, and non-standardized hours. sometimes in excess of 40 hours per week. 
• Ensure compliance with industry and government standards. 
• Develop and enhance a comprehensive enrichment program. Mentors less experienced staff in the development of novel enrichment devices and activities. 
• Perform various tasks including evening functions, special employee training and seminars, volunteer guidance and interactions, special maintenance or construction projects, public speaking and student interviews. 
• Dive and snorkel for purposes of cleaning, pool inspection, and general maintenance.   
• Demonstrate a commitment to good relations with fellow staff members, visitors, volunteers, and contractors by promoting positive attitudes, goodwill, cooperation, and providing high standards of customer service. 
• Assist in the development and coaching of staff members, including mentoring less experienced staff on animal training, animal care, enrichment, animal handling, public presentation, and general operations.  
• Collaborate with management to create and drive through to completion animal and personnel goals. 
• Represent Shedd Aquarium through engaging and educational public presentations such as media appearances, tours, and facilitated programs. 
• Maintain a superior level of customer service while performing primary/key roles in daily shows, guest-animal interactions, and animal programming. 
• Teaches less experienced staff advanced concepts of operant conditioning and how to apply when training complex behaviors.    
• Applies advanced concepts of operant conditioning to train complex behaviors. 
• Actively condition new behavior that assists in the care of the animals and animal programming with Shedd’s guests.   
• Engage in regular animal interactions including training sessions, physical exams, public presentations, and enrichment sessions. 
• Coordinate animal handling for animal interactions, shows, medical care, and transport. 
• Assist the leadership in overseeing all aspects of the daily care and behavioral conditioning of the animals. 
• Coordinate the daily execution of animal training goals including enrichment, public presentations, and new behavioral conditioning. 
• Maintain detailed animal records. 
• Maintain a clean, healthy, and safe environment for the animals, staff, and aquarium guests.   
• Prepare diets for animals. 
• Ensure the health and welfare of the animal collection. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Life Sciences, or a related area is preferred.  Equivalent experience will be considered instead of a degree.
 
Experience:   

• 5+ years of experience in animal husbandry, training, and guest programming working with marine mammals, birds, or other exotic animals in an AZA-accredited institution. 
• Proficient computer skills. 
• Efficient use of SCUBA for exhibit maintenance and/or open water diving. 
• Effective use of strong leadership skills. 
• Proven ability to work well within teams and departments 
• Advanced behavioral knowledge and application of behavior modification skill sets with a variety of taxa. 
• Strong knowledge of animal training techniques, focusing on positive reinforcement. 

Designations/Certifications:  

• Open water diving certification required. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• Lift in excess of 40 pounds, periodic lifting up to 70 pounds. 
• Sit 
• Stand 
• Stoop 
• Walk 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

This person may be exposed to: 

• Low noise 
• Moderate Noise 
• Cold Water 
• Saltwater 

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. 

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance 
• Accrued Paid Time Off 
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays 
• Life Insurance 
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive 
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets 

Reasonable Accommodations: 
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org. 

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.