Careers

Description:

The Marine Mammal Systems Assistant I (MMA I) will support 24/7 operations by working closely with veterinary and biotech staff in providing superior care to the mammal complement through vitamins/medication delivery, issuance of proper diets and routine medical procedures. Each animal receives customized care based on their individual health requirements and husbandry behaviors are developed and maintained based on animal specific needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor and observe animal behaviors and wellness routinely and report to onsite personnel
• Complete animal working sessions to include body inspections and assessment of animal’s wellbeing (behavior and health)
• Engage with animals through working sessions rehearsing and executing multiple behaviors to be performed in open water
• Record information about each session and the animal’s performance
• Perform feedings and administration of food supplements
• Assist with basic animal husbandry
• Provide diving support to operations (to include enclosure inspection and maintenance)
• Support fish house operations to prepare individually formulated rations designed to meet each animal’s specific need
• Operate a variety of watercraft
• May be trained to become a designated secondary handler for specific animals
• Perform tasks related to the care and training of marine mammals for specific marine mammal projects
• Deter the presence of nuisance animal while following established processes and procedures
• Requires ability to travel with the animal for an extended period of time anywhere in the world, that could potentially include harsh environments and risk locations, within a 72-hour notice

Skills/Eligibility:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology or other related field and basic open water scuba diving certification with minimum of one (1) year experience

OR

• One (1) year animal training experience and basic open water scuba diving certification with minimum of one (1) year experience and high school diploma (or equivalent)

OR

• Operational and navigation experience on small boats (40’ or under), USCG license (operator of un-inspected passenger vessels/6pac – 46 CFR 10.467) or higher/U.S. Navy Coxswain’s certification, and operational experience using maritime navigational devices and basic open water scuba diving certification with minimum of one (1) year experience and high school diploma (or equivalent)

Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to work flexible hours to include nights, holidays and weekends
• Must pass a swim and dive test in addition to having a basic scuba certification
• Work well in a team-oriented environment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Commitment to the safety of the project, team members and animals through embracing safety culture, policies and procedures

Special Requirements:

• Be able to obtain an interim secret level security clearance prior to starting
• US Citizenship is required to meet security requirements for this position
• Must successfully pass swim test and dive physical

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Animal training experience
• Advanced scuba diving certifications (i.e., dive master, instructor, commercial diver certification, 1st or 2nd class Navy Diver classification)
• Current First Aid and CPR Certification