Sea Otter Rehabilitation Specialist I

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission.  We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision, duties include providing all aspects of husbandry care for live-stranded Sea Otters; maintenance of Sea Otter holding areas, netting and transports, diet preparation and feeding, grooming, medical treatments, and record keeping. In addition, train, coordinate, and supervise the volunteer and intern core, as well as support all Sea Otter field response and release operations. Perform other duties as required. This role is part of the Sea Otter Program, that is responsible for all elements of otter care within Conservation and Science operations.

Core Activities:

• Provide critical husbandry care for orphaned pups of 8 weeks old or younger and rescued Sea Otters that are injured or in poor health while following established protocols and when monitoring changing health conditions. This includes monitoring health conditions and administering veterinary care by using safe methods of Sea Otter restraint and administration of medications.
• Provide continuing husbandry care for stable live-stranded otters following established protocols. (monitor, feed, etc.)
• Assist with in Sea Otter releases via boat or on shore.
• Supervise and train 30+ otter care volunteers and interns on daily husbandry tasks that meet USDA and AZA standards, including food preparation and feeding, maintenance and cleaning of tanks, and data entry.
• Assist in supervising 30+ otter care volunteers and interns on advanced husbandry skills, including Sea Otter age-specific feeding, handling, and grooming activities.
• Maintain safe and clean animal holding enclosures and support areas, including tanks, troughs, kitchen, and live food holding to meet USDA and AZA standards. This includes cleaning, inspecting enclosures and supplies on a regular basis, general maintenance, and upkeep.
• Maintain detailed animal records in core program files and databases, primarily Tracks: Feedings, animal journal entries, animal welfare assessments, behavioral observations, tank moves, and medications administered.
• Work as a team member to facilitate Sea Otter netting, handling, and restraint in a safe and effective manner.
• Assist in all aspects of Sea Otter stranding response. This includes taking stranding reports, effectively communicating with the SRM or LSORS, and participating in the assessment, capture and admit of the otter.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Minimum two years’ paid work experience with aquatic or terrestrial mammals in a rehabilitation or zoological setting
• Basic animal handling experience, such as restraining
• Experience supervising others, such as volunteers
• Knowledge of marine mammal natural history, behavior, and conservation issues
• Solid interpersonal and team skills, and able to work independently and make sound decisions
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position
• Availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, as required and have a rotating schedule of both day and night shifts
• Ability to perform all work functions safely; ability to contribute to a safe work environment for all staff and volunteers
• Ability to maintain high professional standards and a professional demeanor at all times
• Ability to prioritize tasks and remain organized in a fast-paced, distracting environment
• Possession of a valid CDL and an insurable driving record
• Familiarity with MS Office applications and data entry skills
• Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Vehicles: Pick-up truck and transport van. Equipment: Basic power and hand tools, pressure washer, computers, video monitoring system, washer and dryer

• May be standing or walking for extended periods of time; must be able to move with a sense of urgency when necessary ie. walking quickly; when netting, will be bending, reaching, pulling, and twisting

• Approximately 30 pounds ie. otter, kennel, ice chest, etc.; occasional up to 50 pounds unassisted

• Office, main aquarium, animal care spaces, open field work, ocean

Hourly Compensation Range:

$25.48-$28.56 USD per hour. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.