The position of Manatee Research Trainer and Technician requires knowledge of an advanced type, including the care for and operant conditioning of marine animals acquired through previous experience and education. The Manatee Research Trainer and Technician will work with the Manatee Care and Research Staff to carry out the duties of the position. All employees must comply with the requirements outlined in the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Employee Policy Manual.
General Duties:
The Manatee Research Trainer and Technician will be responsible for the day-to-day care and behavioral training of the resident manatees and will be under the direction of the Manatee Care and Training Coordinator. Daily tasks will include, but are not limited to the following:
Daily feeding and general husbandry of resident manatees.
Assist in the husbandry and research training program for manatees.
Operation of life support systems for the manatee habitat including water quality monitoring, water exchanges, backwashing of filters, cleaning fractionator components, vacuuming, and tank cleaning. Maintaining habitats and life support systems, working with facilities and maintenance staff to ensure they are kept in good working order.
Scheduling and assisting the Manatee Care and Training Coordinator and veterinary staff with routine medical care of resident manatees and administering medications prescribed by Veterinarian.
Preparation and quality control of food items.
Take part in the environmental enrichment program for manatees.
Assist the Manatee Care and Training Coordinator by training and supervising Manatee Care & Research volunteers and interns.
Interact with volunteers and guests in the exhibit area.
Assist the Manatee Care and Training Coordinator in developing signage and new exhibits for the Manatee Exhibit.
Assist with the training of other species housed at the MMC.
Minimum Requirements:
-Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology, psychology, animal behavior, or related field.
-Experience in the care for and behavioral conditioning of aquatic animals is preferred.
-Valid Florida Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 1 month of hiring.
-U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen’s U.S. work permit appropriate for the work.
-Ability to work flexible schedule, including nights and weekends
-Excellent swimming ability (SCUBA certification strongly recommended).
-Ability and willingness to be in the water with 2,000 lb animals.
-Ability to supervise and manage interns and volunteers.
-Good verbal / written communication skills.
-Good computer skills.
-Tolerate chemicals such as bleach, chlorine, and other sanitizers.
-Tolerate exposure to Floridian flora and fauna.
-Ability to lift 25 pounds overhead and carry 50 pounds.
-Plumbing and mechanical skills are preferred.
Interested applicants should submit a resume before Friday, April 1, 2011 to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attention Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 or electronically to HumanResoures@mote.org
