TITLE: Trainer
DEPARTMENT: Oceanarium
REPORTS TO: Manager of Cetaceans
STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt
PAY RATE: $26.00 - $30.00/hour
LOCATION: Onsite, Chicago
 
POSITION OVERVIEW: The Trainer level is responsible for overall care and conditioning for animals in the Oceanarium department, which includes dolphins, whales, penguins, sea otters, sea lions, and a large variety of taxa used for animal engagement.  The department consists of teams that care for Cetaceans, Penguins and Otters, Sea lions, Birds of Prey, and Animal Ambassadors.  The Trainer position cares for animals while also providing an educational experience for the visitor. This position conditions behavior from start through completion, utilizing positive reinforcement and operant conditioning principles. 
 
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 Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.   
• Ensure the health and well-being of the animals 
• Demonstrates a commitment to good relations with fellow staff members, visitors, volunteers, community leaders, and contractors by promoting positive attitudes, goodwill, cooperation, and providing high standards of customer service 
• Maintain a clean and healthy environment for the animals, staff, and aquarium guests.   
• Clean the kitchens, utensils, floors, windows, pools, and support areas, and any other area or item utilized in the department. 
• Prepare diets for all the animals, which include thawing, sorting, weighing, cutting, formula preparation, vitamin administration, heavy lifting, and frequent exposure to cold temperatures.   
• Regular diving in cold saltwater for purposes of cleaning, pool inspection, and general maintenance.   
• Interact with the guests daily by answering guest questions about the animals and the facility.   
• 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. 
• Attend regularly scheduled meetings for intra-departmental communication, which include meetings prior to each animal session or presentation, animal group meetings, staff meetings, and additional meetings as needed. 
• Maintain detailed records of all animal interactions and observations, which include diet, vitamins, medication, behavioral notes, medical notes, animal weights, physical observations, graphs, temperatures, and any other records deemed important to the care of the animals, the facility, or daily staff operation. 
• Narrate public presentations if needed and guide private, behind-the-scenes tours as needed. 
• Engages in regular interactions with animals, including training sessions, physical exams, public presentations, and play sessions. 
• Under the direction of senior trainers and supervisors, actively participates in the progression of animal training goals and standards. Develops behavior to facilitate show performances, public programs, animal management, and care. 
• Provide regular interactions with the animals and guests, including a wide variety of different training session types, public presentations, and guest interactions in a supportive role. 
• Maintains a superior level of showmanship while performing primary/key roles in daily shows, guest interactions, and other programs as applicable. 
• Coaches less experienced staff. 
• Embrace a flexible work schedule that includes weekends, holidays, and non-standardized hours.  
• Work in an environment with daily exposure to cold salt water. 
• Daily lifting in excess of 40 pounds. 
• 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:   

• 2+ years of experience working with marine mammals, birds, or other exotic animals, or an equivalent amount of experience at another facility training animals 
• Strong knowledge of utilizing positive reinforcement and operant conditioning principles. 
• Demonstrated ability to condition basic behaviors from start to completion.     
• Proven ability to work well within teams and departments 

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.