Assistant Supervisor, Pinnipeds The Assistant Supervisor, Pinnipeds supports the Supervisor, Pinnipeds in overseeing staff and all aspects of animal care, habitat maintenance, training, record keeping, public presentations, and interactive programming for the harbor and spotted seal collections, while also assisting with the husbandry programs for Northern fur seals and Steller sea lions. This role may provide additional support to the beluga whale and California sea lion husbandry programs as requested. The ideal candidate brings hands-on animal care expertise, supervisory experience, and a positive, team-focused approach to representing Mystic Aquarium at all times. Primary Functions: Animal Care and Husbandry Management Care for and maintain the animal collection and habitats to meet and exceed AWA regulations, along with AMMPA and AZA standards and guidelines. Assist the Supervisor with animal diet management and weekly animal weights. Develop and implement animal training and husbandry procedures for harbor and spotted seals, and assist with husbandry programs for Northern fur seals and Steller sea lions. Guide and mentor senior trainers in planning daily training and enrichment sessions to ensure all animals receive stimulation, exercise, variability, and positive reinforcement in accordance with AMMPA, AZA, IMATA, and AH guidelines. Maintain husbandry, training, and enrichment records according to Mystic Aquarium procedure. Monitor life support systems and water quality. Staff Supervision and Development Assist in the supervision of staff and support daily operational coverage to ensure area and departmental coverage. Supervise the area and department schedule to ensure appropriate experience level and coverage. Coordinate daily operations and supervise staff, volunteers, and interns. Assist with the preparation of, and participate in, personnel evaluations. Develop staff proficiency at their current level and build the skills necessary for advancement. Develop own leadership skills through management courses. Attend regularly scheduled Marine Mammals & Birds Supervisor meetings and provide supervisory coverage in the department as Supervisor of the Day, as assigned. Programs, Presentations, and Public Engagement Coordinate animal presentations, programs, and classes. Assist with the supervision and oversight of animal transports in accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines. Work with other departments to facilitate programming needs. Operations and Professional Standards Monitor acquisition and inventory of supplies. Maintain a consistent professional attitude, motivation, and willingness to accept feedback. Establish high standards as a role model, demonstrating positive customer service and teamwork with other departments at Mystic Aquarium. Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor. Safety and Security Work in a safe manner at all times. Properly use and maintain, in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied for protection from recognized hazards. Report any unsafe conditions. Maintain a working knowledge of all facility-wide and department-specific safety procedures, including but not limited to Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in a related discipline preferred, with seven years of paid professional experience in marine mammal husbandry and training at a public aquarium or similar institution, or an equivalent nine years of experience. Experience in pinniped husbandry and training strongly preferred.
Supervisory Experience: Prior supervisory experience and training, with the ability to guide, mentor, and evaluate staff performance.
Public Presentation and Program Development: Experience developing and delivering public presentations, interactive programs, and program content.
Communication and Leadership: Strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, with the ability to represent the Aquarium professionally at all times.
Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Certifications:
SCUBA certification with the ability to pass a dive physical. Flexibility and Availability: Requires schedule flexibility with the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Language Skills: Multi-lingual preferred, Spanish a plus.
Physical Demands:
This role requires the ability to stand, walk, and move between locations frequently, including ascending and descending ladders and positioning oneself to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employees must be able to operate, inspect, and position equipment, move equipment, and maintain close, distance, color, and peripheral vision along with depth perception. The role involves frequent guest and colleague interaction and communication. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors and in cold, hot, wet, and humid environments, with occasional exposure to noise, odors, and dust. Employees must be able to drive and use computers and telephones as part of routine job duties.
