Cetacean Care Supervisor

1 week ago


Chicago, Illinois, United States Shedd Aquarium Full time

POSITION OVERVIEW

At Shedd Aquarium, we prioritize exceptional animal care and welfare to foster meaningful public interactions with wildlife. Our commitment to an animals-first philosophy ensures that both individual and groups of animals can display natural behaviors, supported by intricate environmental designs, innovative training techniques, and enrichment activities.

The Cetacean Care Supervisor, reporting directly to the Manager of Cetaceans, plays a pivotal role in guiding a team of trainers responsible for the daily care, planning, and welfare of our diverse collection of cetaceans.

This position collaborates closely with the Manager of Cetaceans to guarantee the highest standards of animal care within the Oceanarium, while adhering to all accreditation and regulatory standards essential for departmental operations. The Supervisor also engages in close partnerships with Animal Health, Environmental Quality, Facilities, and Dive Operations to ensure seamless and effective operations involving animals, staff, and habitats. Additionally, this role contributes to interdepartmental objectives in conjunction with Conservation and Research and Animal Health Teams to support both in-situ and ex-situ research goals as necessary. The Supervisor will also liaise with various departments, including Guest Relations, Learning, Events, and Marketing, to facilitate public engagement with our animals and systems.

Serving in a developmental leadership capacity within the Animal Care and Science Division, the Cetacean Care Supervisor aids in the planning and execution of strategies that align with institutional goals and initiatives requiring support from the Animal Care Department. This role may also involve acting as a spokesperson for the aquarium when needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To excel in this role, the individual must effectively fulfill the following essential duties:

Uphold Shedd's vision, mission, and values. Assist the Manager in the recruitment, training, development, and management of the Cetacean Team. Represent Shedd publicly, particularly on matters concerning cetaceans, including aiding in the creation and delivery of presentations and serving as a spokesperson for significant issues in collaboration with communication experts. Implement training protocols for proactive medical care for all cetaceans under the team's supervision. Develop and maintain complex animal training assignments, ensuring consistency through documented adherence to operant conditioning principles, focusing on positive reinforcement techniques. Engage regularly with all animals through training sessions, feedings, public presentations, and play activities. Oversee departmental activities, including inventory management and purchasing. Collaborate with national and international breeding and conservation initiatives as appropriate. Apply contemporary husbandry practices and positive operant conditioning principles in the daily care and training of all animals. Support the objectives of professional organizations (AZA, IMATA, IAAM, ALLSO, etc.) relevant to the aquarium and encourage team participation in these organizations. Acquire a foundational understanding of life support systems, water quality standards, and veterinary protocols. Recommend training protocols that promote and facilitate natural behaviors for all animals in Shedd's care. Ensure compliance with animal welfare assessments, reflecting proactive and reactive responses to medical conditions affecting animals under the Cetacean Team's care. Support transfer and breeding programs based on organizational needs and apply relevant training protocols as assigned. Develop strategies for the Cetacean Team to maintain and enhance behaviors that align with Shedd's mission and vision. Implement a staff training program to improve welfare and sustainability through excellent husbandry, operant conditioning, public speaking, and communication skills. Participate in research and conservation initiatives that align with Shedd's mission and vision. Dedicate approximately 80% of time to hands-on work with the team and animals, fulfilling training roles as needed. Demonstrate proficient swimming skills and the ability to use SCUBA for maintaining aquatic animals, constructed habitats, and open water diving. Exhibit flexibility in adjusting schedules on short notice to address the needs of animal populations and the team. Availability for weekend work, as well as evenings, early mornings, and holidays, is required. Assist other Oceanarium teams as requested. Gain knowledge of all primary animal groups cared for by the Oceanarium Team. Implement legal compliance measures, including tracking respirator use and adherence to OSHA standards. Collaborate with other departments throughout the aquarium to achieve strategic goals and objectives. Act as a liaison with professional colleagues representing the aquarium. Demonstrate continuous innovation in animal care and sustainability practices. Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in marine sciences, biology, zoology, or a related field (or equivalent knowledge) along with 3+ years of experience in animal care at an accredited zoo or aquarium, focusing on cetacean behavior. Proven expertise in the care of aquatic animals, emphasizing cetacean husbandry, handling, and behavioral training. Familiarity with collection planning processes and sustainability priorities. Understanding of life support systems, water quality parameters, and veterinary protocols. Knowledge of record-keeping requirements and experience with animal record software. Awareness of regulatory requirements for maintaining a living collection, including animal transport. Strong communication, leadership, and personnel management skills are essential. Ability to assess and recommend behavioral solutions for optimal welfare and sustainability of animals in Shedd's care. Capability to plan for the development of animals in Shedd's care for public engagement, sustainability, and research. Proficiency in executing departmental planning and strategy. Competence in intermediate-level accounting mathematics. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Familiarity with animal management software such as TRACKs. Ability to learn various software applications for accounting, employee management, and interdepartmental business operations.

Certifications:

Must possess a valid driver's license or be able to obtain one within 6 months of employment. Must possess a valid passport or be able to obtain one within 6 months of employment. Must hold a minimum of open water SCUBA certification. Employment is contingent upon passing a dive physical and check-out protocol administered by Shedd Aquarium's Dive Operations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

Ability to lift up to 40 pounds Ability to sit, stand, stoop, kneel, walk, swim, and hear

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this role.

This position may involve exposure to:

Water Heat Cold Hazardous Chemicals Low, Moderate, and Loud Noise Levels

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD:

We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional development within our organization.

Medical Insurance Vision and Dental Insurance Accrued Paid Time Off Paid Holidays Life Insurance Parental Leave Employee Assistance Program Employee discounts

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:

Shedd Aquarium is dedicated to collaborating with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

We encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including people of color, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans, active duty military personnel, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to our organization.



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