Shark​/Aquarium Department Supervisor

Overview Responsibilities

• Assists the Animal Care Manager and Director in developing short-term and long-term objectives/strategies regarding the overall animal collection/organization, and the development of conservation and research initiatives consistent with Discovery Kingdom’s mission statement.
• Develops, implements, and monitors standard operating guidelines, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
• Ensures compliance with all accrediting bodies, governing institutions and park policies.
• Oversees staff recruitment, selection, and performance reviews.
• Ensure that the Shark team maintains established behaviors, trains new behaviors, and provides enrichment based on the most current and widely accepted techniques.
• Ability to teach and apply advanced animal behavior and training modification techniques to animals and staff.
• Ability to read, interpret, anticipate and manage animal behavior.
• Ability to troubleshoot, problem solve and provide direction and advice for animal management and training.
• Maintains a friendly and inclusive work environment that is safe and productive for our animals and staff.
• Participates in the development of new facilities and implements improvements to existing facilities.
• Participate in research and educational programs.
• Provide an outstanding guest experience.
• Performs other duties as requested/assigned.

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in training and behavioral management of sharks, fish, etc.
• Minimum of 3-year experience at the Senior Trainer Level or 1-year in supervisory role.
• Supervisory experience desired.
• Experience working with sharks, fish, etc.
• Strong problem solving, decision-making and leadership skills.
• Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.
• SCUBA certification and strong swimming skills.
• Prior experience in public speaking required. Must be articulate and able to speak, read and write in English.
• Must be willing and able to work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be available to work weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Must possess quick reflexes and be able to react quickly to changing animal situations.
• Must possess the mental and physical capacities necessary to perform the primary job duties.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be willing and able to work in and around cold saltwater.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or equivalent
• Exhibit design and construction
• Animal Transports
• Interactive and public programing
• Show development
• Research project facilitator