Mammal & Bird Trainer

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POSITION SUMMARY

The Downtown Aquarium – Houston is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic full-time
Animal Trainer II to join our dynamic animal care team.

The Animal Trainer II supports the daily care, training, and enrichment of the animal collection while adhering to all departmental protocols and institutional policies. This position maintains high standards of animal welfare, sanitation, safety, and Guest engagement. Animal Trainer II’s provide mentorship to interns, assists with animal training programs, conduct educational presentations, and help ensure exhibits and back‑of‑house areas remain operational and orderly.

Animal Care & Welfare

• Perform daily husbandry routines following established policies, including feeding, cleaning, habitat maintenance, behavioral observations, and welfare monitoring.
• Maintain current knowledge of species under assigned care, including natural history, behavioral needs, and husbandry requirements.
• Assist with animal treatments and healthcare procedures as directed by veterinary and supervisory staff.
• Implement and document basic environmental and behavioral enrichment.
• Recognize and report animal welfare concerns.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records: training, observations, enrichment, and medical notes.

Animal Training

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of operant conditioning and animal learning theory; apply these skills during training sessions.
• Assist in training new behaviors under supervision; help maintain established behaviors and reinforce training plans.

Records & Compliance

• Maintain complete and timely ZIMS records for training, enrichment, observations, health, and husbandry.
• Follow institutional policies and help ensure compliance with applicable standards and policies (e.g., AZA accreditation standards, USDA‑APHIS/Animal Welfare Act, OSHA, and relevant permits/regulations as applicable).
• Participate in emergency response drills and events (animal, medical, life support, weather, and facility emergencies).
• Communicate animal health, behavior, exhibit issues, and safety concerns promptly to supervisors and Curators.
• Follow all departmental safety protocols, including PPE requirements, protected contact procedures, and emergency guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment, including assigned back‑of‑house support areas.

Guest Engagement & Education

• Provide engaging and accurate guest presentations, with or without animals, aligned with messaging and safety guidelines.
• Interact with Guests, community members, and staff in a professional, patient, and helpful manner.
• Promote positive Guest experiences and represent the institution with professionalism.

Professional Conduct & Team Support

• Maintain open and respectful communication with team members and leadership.
• Support team operations with strong organization, self‑motivation, and task follow‑through.
• Attend and contribute to departmental meetings,training sessions, workshops, and seminars.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience or combined education and animal care experience accepted.
• Minimum of 2 years of animal care experience, including at least 1 year of animal training experience required.
• Paid experience with an AZA accredited institution preferred.
• Basic understanding of animal behavior, training techniques, and enrichment principles.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Must be available to work a variable schedule including weekends, holidays, and…