Responsibilities:
Team Leadership and Management:
· Provide leadership and direction to a team of marine mammal specialists.
· Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, ensuring team members are motivated, engaged, and aligned with organizational goals.
· Oversee recruitment, training, rostering, performance evaluations, and professional development initiatives for the team.
· Participate in research projects.
Animal Welfare and Husbandry:
· Develop and implement protocols and best practices for the care, husbandry, and enrichment of marine mammals, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and industry guidelines.
· Monitor animal behavior, health, and well-being, and collaborate with veterinary staff to develop and implement medical treatment plans as necessary.
· Stay updated on advancements in marine mammal husbandry, welfare, and enrichment techniques, and integrate them into daily operations.
· Procure feed for animals, and nutritional planning.
Guest Engagement:
· Strategise and plan for improvements in product offerings for guests.
· Develop and deliver engaging programs and presentations to increase guest awareness and appreciation of marine mammals.
· Promote marine mammal conservation and care.
Budgeting and Resource Management:
· Develop and manage budgets for marine mammal care, research, and conservation programs, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with organizational priorities.
· Provide support on marine mammal initiatives and research projects.
Requirements:
· Degree in marine biology, zoology, veterinary science, or a related field.
· At least 10 years of experience working with marine mammals in a professional setting, with progressively increasing levels of responsibility and leadership.
· Strong leadership and management skills, with a proven track record of effectively leading teams and driving results.
· Deep understanding of marine mammal biology, behavior, and husbandry, as well as current trends and best practices in marine mammal research and conservation.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, external partners, and diverse stakeholders.
· Demonstrated commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and ethical treatment of marine mammals.
· Possess SCUBA certification (preferably at Rescue Diver level).
Preferred Skills:
· Experience in the use of animal management software systems, and zoomonitor.
· Ability to collect scientific data and write scientific papers.
· Optimal spoken and written communication skills.
· Ability to work in a diverse and fast-paced environment.