Sea Life Park - Animal Trainer

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with 49 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.

While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect. 

We are currently looking for a:

 

Sea Life Park - Animal Trainer

Roles & Responsibilities:

 

Animal Trainer

To provide support services to experienced animal trainers and gain the knowledge and proficiency necessary to become an active team member in animal training and care. This is an apprenticeship period where on-the-job training is essential. The apprentice will observe, assist, and acquire second-hand experience. New apprentices will not interact with any animal unless directed to do so by management.

Roles & Responsibilities:

· Perform apprentice-level duties for the care and training of each animal

· Become knowledgeable of the basic training and vocabulary required to be successful in the Animal Care field

· Be able to identify each animal by name and acquire a firm knowledge of each animal's history

· Provide proper food preparation, sanitation, and distribution

· Administer safe and appropriate feeding

· Effectively utilize approximations

· Become knowledgeable of proper animal husbandry techniques

· Acquire relevant experience in the safe and proper handling, restraint, and transportation of animals

· Perform in shows or presentations and become comfortable speaking in front of an audience

· All other duties assigned by leadership

Education and Experience:

· High School diploma, GED, or equivalent; Equivalent work experience will also be considered

· College degree in Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology, or related discipline preferred but not required

· 5-8 years previous work, volunteer, or internship experience in an Animal Care or Training position highly desired

· Previous work experience with a zoo, animal park, aquarium, or similar operation preferred

Language: Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English; other bilingual language skills are a plus.

Requirements:

· Must be at least 18 years of age to comply with Hawaii Child Labor Laws

· Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, open to close

· Must have reliable transportation to and from work for your scheduled shift

· Must possess a strong passion and commitment to ensuring top-notch care for all land and marine animals; must always convey an unwavering commitment for exceptional animal care and wellbeing

· Prior experience providing primary care for any species of animals is desired

· Must possess general working knowledge of cultivating appropriate and safe environmental enrichment for various animal species

· Ability to learn quickly and assume ownership of the role

· Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner

· Must possess effective communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas and concepts to students, park guests and leadership

· Ability to handle high-pressure situations, meet the demands of constant deadlines and coordinate multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

· Ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude, even in difficult situations

· Ability to receive feedback well and take appropriate action on the feedback

· Ability to follow direction, multi-task, and work as part of a team as well as independently

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for majority of the workday

· Ability to frequently stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders

· Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing up to 50 pounds

· Ability to interact with and be near a variety of wildlife without fear or uncomfortableness

Working Conditions:

· This role will be based both indoors and outdoors, with frequent expo