Supervisor of Sea Lions & Sea Otters

John G Shedd Aquarium Supervisor of Sea Lions & Sea Otters

DEPARTMENT: Oceanarium Team

REPORTS TO: Director, Animal Behavior & Training

STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt

PAY RATE: $32.00 - $38.00/hour

LOCATION: Chicago, Onsite

TIME COMMITMENT: Must work one weekend day as part of the normal schedule, and as needed evenings, early mornings, and holidays

POSITION OVERVIEW: Shedd Aquarium illustrates a commitment to optimal animal care and welfare to facilitate impactful public engagement with wildlife. Our animals-first approach has a foundation that individuals and groups of animals can exhibit natural behaviors encouraged through complex environmental design, innovative behavioral training, and enrichment.

The Supervisor of Sea Lions & Otters reports to the Manager of Sea Lions & Otters and is responsible for assisting the Manager to lead a team of trainers in the daily husbandry, planning, and welfare of Shedd Aquarium’s collection of California Sea Lions as well as Northern and Southern Sea Otters.

The Supervisor works closely with the Manager of Sea Lions & Otters to ensure optimal care of the animals in the Oceanarium and compliance with all accreditation and regulatory requirements for departmental operations. They assist in the close collaboration with Animal Health, Environmental Quality, Facilities, and Dive Operations, which is required to ensure the smooth and effective operations involving animals, staff, and habitats.

The Supervisor contributes to cross‑departmental goals in collaboration with Conservation and Research and Animal Health teams to advance in‑situ and ex‑situ research objectives as needed. The Supervisor also works as assigned with other departments, including Guest Relations, Learning, Events, Marketing, Development, etc., to provide access to animals and systems for public engagement.

The Supervisor, Sea Lions & Otters serves in a developmental leadership role in the Animal Care and Science Division and supports inter‑departmental planning and implementation of strategies to meet institutional objectives and initiatives requiring support of the Animal Care Department, and serves as an aquarium spokesperson as needed.

• Demonstrates commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values.
• Assists the Manager with selection, training, development, management, and growth of the Sea Lions & Otters Team.
• Publicly represents Shedd and its programs—particularly on matters involving sea lions and sea otters. This includes assisting in the development and execution of presentations, serving as an aquarium spokesperson for high‑profile issues in the media and elsewhere in conjunction with Shedd’s communication experts.
• Implements training protocols for proactive medical care for all animals under the care of the Sea Lions & Otters Team.
• Implements complex animal training assignments and ensures their consistency through documented adherence to operant conditioning principles with a focus on positive reinforcement techniques.
• Maintains regular interactions with all the animals, including training sessions, feedings, public presentations, and play sessions.
• Assists with all activities of the department through the administration of inventory and purchasing.
• Collaborates with national and international breeding and conservation programs when appropriate.
• Implements up‑to‑date husbandry practices and applies the use of positive operant conditioning principles in the day‑to‑day care and training of all animals.
• Supports the goals and objectives of professional organizations (AZA, IMATA, IAAM, ALLSO, etc.) as they relate to the aquarium and supports team participation in these organizations.
• Obtains a familiarity and basic working knowledge of life support systems, water quality parameters, and veterinary protocols.
• Recommends training protocols to elicit, encourage, and facilitate natural behaviors for all animals in Shedd’s care.
• Maintains compliance of animal welfare assessments reflecting proactive and reactive responses to medical conditions and concerns for animals under the care of the Sea Lion and Otter Team.
• Supports transfer and breeding programs around the…