Seasonal Pinniped Support Team Member

Overview

Make Waves in Marine Mammal Care

Join our Pinniped team and help support the daily care, guest education, and enrichment of California sea lions and Harbor seals. This seasonal opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on animal care support, thrives in a fast‑paced team environment, and is excited to grow their skills in marine mammal care, conservation education, and zoo operations.

Animal Care Support and Daily Operations

• Prepare animal diets for 9 California sea lions and 3 Harbor seals, including thawing, weighing, and handling multiple species of fish and invertebrates.
• Ensure fish preparation areas remain in compliance with USDA regulations.
• Assist with cleaning animal enclosures, brushing pools, and supporting the Pinniped enrichment program through cleaning, placement, and removal of enrichment items.
• Observe animals and report behavioral changes to Pinniped Specialists.

Facility Care, Safety, and Sanitation

• Execute daily cleaning of exhibit acrylic and glass according to established protocols.
• Maintain Zoo grounds and buildings by vacuuming, picking up litter, sweeping, scrubbing and squeegeeing floors, doing laundry, and cleaning tables, restrooms, walkways, acrylic, and windows.
• Adhere to all safety protocols within the Pinniped department and the Columbus Zoo.

Guest Engagement, Education, and Records

• Deliver educational interpretation messages, both on and off mic, to guests regarding animal behavior, habitat, and conservation topics.
• Enter daily food, weight, and behavioral records into the ZIMS database under supervision.
• Observe training sessions to gain a basic understanding of training fundamentals.

Growth and Development Opportunities

• This position is designed to continue over 2 years, with potential for advancement to a Seasonal II level based on demonstration of skills, knowledge of procedures and protocols, and successful completion of graded tests.
• As an employee advances to a Seasonal II position, additional opportunities may include feeding animals in a protected‑contact setting; learning and practicing established behaviors with animals; leading behind‑the‑scenes tours; learning the show script and participating as the Show Speaker; designing and building environmental enrichment devices; and assisting in the training of new Seasonal employees and interns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Credentials, and Health Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• New‑hire TB test required, with an annual TB test required thereafter.
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record required.

Preferred Experience and Interests

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology or a related field preferred.
• Prior animal care experience preferred.
• Strong interest in marine mammal training is preferred.
• Previous experience with public speaking preferred.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Able to perform heavy physical work for extended periods of time.
• Able to work in varied weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, snow, or rain.
• Able to work in humid and/or dusty environments.
• Able to work with a variety of cleaning chemicals.

Communication, Teamwork, and Guest Service

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the required guest service standards.
• Able to maintain courteous and helpful behavior.
• Able to work in a team and/or individually with minimum supervision.
• Able to maintain appropriate employee appearance, including following uniform guidelines in the employee handbook.