Zoological Specialist

Role Overview

Zoological Specialist at Miral Destinations, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, located in Abu Dhabi.

Company Overview

Miral Experiences is a regional leader in the management and operation of world-class, award-winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi. The portfolio includes Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, and cultural treasures like Qasr Al Watan. The company specializes in crafting unique experiences that cater to all tastes and ages, delivering a seamless blend of thrills, joy, and discovery.

Role Purpose

Ensure smooth and efficient operations of the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Zoological Department by safely fulfilling duties in animal and guest interactions, animal training, husbandry, enrichment, general public presentations, and research.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Husbandry

• Perform daily husbandry tasks including administration of vitamins and medication as directed.
• Prepare food and provide proper nutrition and constant care of animals.
• Maintain safe, appropriate, and sanitary living conditions for all animal habitats.
• Make daily observations of animals and report any abnormalities to the leadership team.

Animal Training & Behavior

• Apply proficient behavioral modification techniques, including developing and implementing new behaviors.
• Train naive animals with minimum supervision.
• Train behavior to completion without supervision.
• Proactively maintain conditioned behavior.
• Form relationships with most, if not all, animals in assigned area.
• Assist in the training of colleagues and animals as directed by leadership.

Safety & Monitoring

• Ensure guests', personnel's, and animals' safety through constant monitoring of behavioral precursors of potentially harmful behavior by both animals and people.
• Practice safe work habits consistently, including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment, lifting, and reporting of unsafe situations.
• Ensure all policies, guidelines, manuals, and standard operating procedures are followed at all times.

Guest Services & Education

• Provide proactive guest services through guest interactions, pre- and post-show activities, and responding to guest inquiries.
• Perform assigned roles in education and general public programs, and guest interaction programs.

Records & Administration

• Maintain all animal records, equipment, area responsibilities, and communication requirements on a daily basis.
• Deliver department trainings and complete all required trainings; ensure maintenance of professional development and competencies.

General Operations

• Function as an Ambassador by displaying consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability; maintain a consistent attitude, motivation, and ability to accept feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Open Water SCUBA certification.
• Two years of relatable animal experience in a professional setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent swimming and diving skills.
• Basic mathematical skills.
• Basic computer knowledge including Microsoft Office and animal recording systems.
• Demonstrate an understanding of fish, reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate husbandry, nutrition, and natural history (Dynamic Habitat/Aquarium).
• Demonstrate an understanding of avian husbandry and incubation principles and techniques (Aviculture).
• Demonstrate an understanding of marine mammal husbandry and training principles and techniques (Marine Mammal).
• Demonstrate an understanding of marine mammal, avian, and reptilian husbandry, rescue, and rehabilitation techniques (Zoo Support & Rescue).

Desirable

• College background in Psychology, Zoology, or Biology.
• CPR/AED certification.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements & Work Conditions

• Requires standing for prolonged periods.
• Requires moving and lifting up to 25 kilograms of load.
• Requires working in varying shifts based on business need, including opening, mid, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.