Supervisor, Animal Engagement & Interpretive Training

TheSupervisorofAnimal Engagement and Interpretive Trainingreports to the ManagerAnimal Engagement and Interpretive Training andis responsible for assisting in leadinga team of trainers inthe daily husbandry planning and welfareofShedd Aquariumscollection ofEngagementAnimals.

ThisSupervisorworks closely with theManagerAnimalEngagementand Interpretive Training toensureoptimalcare of the animals in theOceanariumandcompliance with all accreditation and regulatory requirements for departmental in the closecollaboration withAnimal Health Environmental Quality Facilitiesand Dive Operations whichis requiredtoensure the smooth and effective operationsinvolving tocross-departmental goals in collaboration withConservation and Researchand Animal Health Teamsto advance in-situ and ex-situ researchobjectivesas worksas assignedwithother departments includingGuest RelationsLearning Events Marketing Development provideaccess to animals and systems for public engagement.

TheSupervisorAnimal Engagement and Interpretive Trainingservesin adevelopmentalleadership role in the Animal Care and ScienceDivision andsupportsinter-departmental planning and implementation of strategies to meet institutionalobjectivesand initiatives requiring support of theAnimal Care Departmentand serves as an aquarium spokesperson as needed.

• Demonstratescommitment to Shedds vision mission and values.
• Assists the Manager with theselection training development management and growth oftheAnimal Engagement and Interpretive TrainingTeam.
• PubliclyrepresentsShedd and its programsparticularly on matters involvingAnimal Engagement and Interpretive includesassisting inthe development and execution of presentations serving as an aquarium spokesperson for high-profile issues in the media and elsewhere in conjunction with Shedds communication experts.
• Implementstraining protocolsfor proactive medical care for all animalsunder the care of theAnimal Engagement and Interpretive TrainingTeam.
• Implementscomplex animal training assignments and assurestheir consistency throughdocumentedadherence to operant conditioning principles with a focus on positive reinforcement techniques.
• Maintainsregular interactions with all the animals including training sessions feedings public presentations and play sessions.
• Assistswithall activities of the department through the administration ofinventory andpurchasing.
• Collaborateswith national and international breeding and conservation programs when appropriate.
• Implementsup-to-date husbandry practices andapply theuse of positive operant conditioning principles in the day-to-day care and training of all animals.
• Supportsthe goals andobjectivesof professional organizations (AZA IMATA IAAM ALLSO etc.) as they relate to the aquarium and support team participation in these organizations.
• Supportsthe goals andobjectivesof professional organizations (AZA IMATA IAAM ALLSO etc.) as they relate to the aquarium and support team participation in these organizations.
• Obtainsa familiarityand basic working knowledge of life support systems water quality parameters and veterinary protocols.
• Recommendstraining protocolsto elicit encourage andfacilitatenatural behaviors for all animals in Shedds care.
• Maintainscomplianceofanimal welfare assessments reflecting proactive and reactive responses to medical conditions and concernsfor animals under the care of theAnimal Engagement and Interpretive TrainingTeam.
• Supportstransferand breeding programs around the organizations needs and appliesappropriate trainingprotocolsas assigned.
• Implementsstrategies for theAnimal Engagement and Interpretive TrainingTeamtomaintainand grow behaviors aligned with Shedds mission and vision.
• Implementsa staff training programto build better welfare and sustainability through excellenthusbandry operant conditioning public speaking advanced operant conditioning application and communication.
• Implementsparticipationinresearch and conservation initiativesaligned with Shedds mission and vision.
• Maintains 80% oftimeworking hands-onwith the team and animals toregularlyfill training roles of the day.
• Demonstratesstrong swimming skills and ability for theuse of SCUBA tomaintainaquatic animals constructed habitats and open water diving.
• Demonstrates ability to adjust scheduleon shortnoticeto manage the needs of the animal populations and team.
• SupportsotherOceanariumteamsasrequested.
• Obtainsknowledge of all the primary animal groups cared for by theOceanarium Team.
• Implement legal compliance measures such as tracking of respirator use adherence to OSHA standards etc.
• Workswith other departments throughout the aquarium to meetstrategicgoals andobjectives.
• Liaise with professional colleagues as a representative of the aquarium.
• Demonstrate constant innovation inanimal care and sustainability.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• 3 years of experience in animal care at an accredited zoo or aquarium with a focus on the behavior ofaquaticand ambassadoranimals.
• Proven success inthecare of aquatic animalsprioritizingambassadorspecieshusbandryhandlingand behavioral trainingexperience.
• Knowledge of collection planning processesand awareness of sustainabilitypriorities.
• Knowledge of life support systems water qualityparametersandveterinary protocols.
• Knowledgeof record-keeping requirementsandexperience with animal record software.
• Awareness of regulatory requirements formaintaininga living collection including animal transport.
• Good communication leadership and personnel management skills are essential.
• Ability toevaluate and recommend behavioral solutions foroptimalwelfare and sustainability ofanimalsin Shedds care.
• Ability to plan for the developmentof animalsin Shedds care for public engagement sustainability and research.
• Ability todevelop andmanage a department budget.

Certifications:

• Mustpossessa valid drivers licenseorcanobtain one within6 months from the startof employment.
• Mustpossessa validpassportorcanobtain one within6 months from the startof employment.
• Mustpossessaminimum ofopen contingent upon passingadive physicaland check out protocoladministered by Shedd AquariumsDive Operations.

Physical Readiness:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Lift up to40pounds
• Sit
• Stand
• Stoop
• Kneel
• Walk
• Swim
• Hear

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This person may be exposed to:

• Water
• Heat
• Cold
• Hazardous Chemicals
• Low Noise
• Moderate Noise
• Loud Noise

• Medical Insurance including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leaveand Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets