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.