Senior Trainer, Pinniped
Posted on October 12, 2025
The Senior Trainer - Pinnipeds is a lead role in Georgia Aquarium’s pinniped training, show, and enrichment team.
You’ll mentor junior staff in innovative animal care and bring creativity to show performances, directly connecting with guests and supporting public programming. This job blends hands-on welfare responsibilities with underwater maintenance and SCUBA activities, offering unique professional challenges for an aquatic animal trainer. By providing both leadership and excellence in animal demonstration, you help raise industry standards at a world-class organization.
This position is perfect for zoo professionals seeking a dynamic and prominent place in marine mammal training.
Responsibilities
Oversee daily care and behavioral conditioning of pinnipeds
Coordinate execution of animal training goals, enrichment, and show quality
Develop and implement dynamic training projects to enhance animal care and guest experience
Ensure daily health, welfare, and safety of the pinniped collection
Train animals for shows, programs, and animal management in line with Aquarium protocols
Mentor junior staff, volunteers, interns, and trainers in all facets of animal care and show performance
Perform and maintain high-quality showmanship in daily pinniped performances
Interact professionally and positively with guests and team members
Maintain environmental enrichment programs and guide staff on devices and activities
Assist in casting and coordination of trainer/animal roles for shows and events
Execute underwater maintenance and cleaning of animal habitats
Maintain SCUBA certification, participate in dives, and ensure dive safety
Handle facilities compliance and animal care documentation
Support animal handling for medical, transport, and record management tasks
Foster positive relationships within the Aquarium and community
Requirements
Four-year degree in biology or related field (or equivalent experience considered)
At least four years of aquatic animal husbandry/training with marine mammals (AZA/AMMPA experience preferred)
Extensive background in animal training
Experience with show performance or public programs (preferred)
SCUBA certification and ability to pass departmental swim test
Strong team, oral, and written communication skills
Knowledge of marine mammal life support operation and water quality
Valid Georgia driver's license (or ability to obtain)
Valid passport (or ability to obtain)
Proficiency with PC hardware and Microsoft Office
Salary
Salary information for this position will be discussed with candidates during the interview process.
Georgia Aquarium
Atlanta, GA
How to Apply
To apply for this opportunity, visit the link below.