Job Postings

Exhibits Technician I – Trainer/Keeper Mammals

Facility

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

Closing Date
April 17, 2023
Description

Duties:
The Virginia Aquarium is looking for an energetic, upbeat, team player to assist in the daily husbandry of the Aquarium’s animals. This individual will also be skilled in the art of superior customer service. This individual will be expected to have basic knowledge of classical and operant conditioning. Their focus will be maintaining husbandry behaviors, enrichment, and being a great team player. Come work with a fantastic team of dedicated individuals at the Virginia Aquarium!
Duties will include the following:
Participate and assist in the daily husbandry of a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Major focus will be harbor seals and North American river otters.
Assist in the formal behavioral training program of a variety of animals and create new and novel behaviors.
Work collaboratively as part of the Animal Ambassador and Mammal team to communicate husbandry, training, and medical needs of the animals in the section.
Present public programs and educational messaging to be used in a variety of settings.
Support the guest experience by participating in visitor enhancement development and actively seek out guest engagement opportunities.
Maintain exhibit quality standards through regular maintenance and cleaning activities; often requires diving in enclosed exhibit systems with animals present.

Education and Pre-requisites

One or more years of experience utilizing operant and classical conditioning in an aquarium, zoo, or similarsetting.
One or more years of experience in husbandry with aquatic mammals.
Experience working with exotic animal ambassadors, a plus.
Experience working with interns and volunteers.
Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related fi eld.
Experience adhering to quarantine protocols.
Experience using animal records system such as ZIMS or similar.
Operating/working knowledge of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and or Alliance of MarineMammal
Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), and/or International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA)standards.
Experience diving in exhibits for maintenance and husbandry.

Compensation and benefits

$33,804.20
Generous leave, retirement, and health related benefits

Application instructions

https://virginiabeach.gov/careers

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Phone: 757-385-0311