Pinniped Trainer​/Senior Trainer

This opening is for a Pinniped Trainer Level 2 or Senior Trainer. The Trainer provides for the care of the marine mammal colony and related facilities in line with AZA, USDA and New England Aquarium standards of animal husbandry. The Pinniped Trainer should demonstrate a clear understanding of how to position around the animals safely and provide support for coworkers during animal interactions.

Duties will include delivering scripted presentations with an animal, conducting Behind-the-Scenes tours and Meet and Greets and providing question and answer sessions for aquarium visitors at the Marine Mammal Center and Atlantic Harbor Seal Exhibits. The Senior trainer will also lead staff during training sessions, animal shifts, and animal emergencies in a constructive manner, train and maintain complex behaviors and manage medical intervention when needed.

This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule is Thursday – Sunday from 7a – 6p EST. This position requires some flexibility to work holidays and/or night coverage when needed. Work must be conducted onsite.

• Position level will be determined based on experience. A minimum of 3 years training experience in a zoo or aquarium setting is required for the Trainer II level, a minimum of 5 years training experience in a zoo or aquarium is required for the Senior Trainer level.
• Experience working with live animals required.
• Experience giving tours, conducting question and answer sessions with visitors, or public speaking required. Experience with AV equipment a plus.

• SCUBA certification with at least 15 logged dives required, and 25 logged dives preferred; possession of an approved AAUS medical evaluation consistent with scientific diving standards preferred.
• Familiarity with the USDA and AZA standards of animal husbandry and welfare required.
• Intermediate level math skills for rapid unit conversions, addition/subtraction of fractions, decimals, and whole numbers up to 5 places, without needing a calculator required.
• Ability to collaborate well within a team, and adjust quickly to changing situations is required.
• Excellent presentation skills for audience interactions required.
• Must have the ability to handle, cut, thaw, bucket fish, and inhale airborne fish particles multiple hours per day in an enclosed space without having to limit exposure.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Should be proficient with record-keeping software in Microsoft Office and readily able to transfer to other record-keeping software.

For more information and to apply online please visit

New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce…