Zoological Senior Specialist

Role Overview

Zoological Senior Specialist at Miral Destinations, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. This position ensures smooth and efficient operations of the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi facilities in the Zoological Department by safely fulfilling duties in animal and guest interactions, animal training, husbandry, enrichment, public presentations, and research.

Company Overview

Miral Experiences is a region's leader in the management and operation of world-class, award-winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi. The diverse 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 Qasr Al Watan. The organization specializes in crafting unique experiences that cater to all tastes and ages, delivering a seamless blend of thrills, joy, and discovery.

Role Purpose

This position is responsible for overseeing the training and development of animals and colleagues as directed by leadership. The role requires standing for prolonged periods and moving or lifting up to 25 kilograms of load. Work involves varying shifts based on business need, including opening, mid, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays. Areas of assignment include Animal Ambassador, Antarctica, Arctic, Aviculture, Dolphin, Dynamic Habitats/Aquarium, Sea Lion, and Zoo Support & Rescue.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Husbandry

• Perform daily husbandry tasks including administration of vitamins and medication as directed.
• Prepare food, provide proper nutrition, and provide 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.

Training & Development

• Apply proficient behavioral modification techniques, including developing and implementing new behavior, training of naïve animals with minimum supervision, training behavior to completion without supervision, and proactively maintaining conditioned behavior.
• Form relationships with most, if not all, of the animals in assigned area.
• Oversee the training and evaluation of colleagues and animals as directed by leadership.

Safety & Monitoring

• Ensure guests', personnel's, colleagues', contractors', and animals' safety through constant monitoring of the behavioral precursors of potentially harmful behavior by both animals and people.
• Consistently practice safe work habits including use of personal protective equipment, lifting, and reporting of unsafe situations.

Guest Services & Public Programs

• Provide proactive guest services through guest interactions, animal programs and displays presentation, and responding to guest inquiries.
• Perform assigned roles in education and general public programs in the respective areas.

Records & Compliance

• Maintain all animal records, equipment, area responsibilities, and communication requirements on a daily basis.
• Ensure all policies, guidelines, manuals, and standard operating procedures are followed at all times.
• Complete all required trainings and maintain professional development and competencies.

Team & Culture

• Function as 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 Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Open Water SCUBA certification (not required for Aviculture).
• 3 years of relatable animal experience in a professional setting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent swimming and diving skills (not required for Aviculture).
• Basic mathematical skills.
• Basic computer knowledge including MS Office and animal recording system.

Essential Requirements by Specialty Area

• Dynamic Habitat/Aquarium: Thorough understanding of fish, reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate husbandry, nutrition, and natural history.
• Aviculture: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of avian husbandry and incubation principles and techniques.
• Marine Mammal: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of marine mammal husbandry and training principles and techniques.
• Zoo Support & Rescue: Demonstrate a thorough understanding of marine mammal, avian, and reptilian husbandry, rescue, and rehabilitation techniques.

Desirable Qualifications

• College background in Psychology, Zoology, or Biology.
• CPR/AED certification.
• 2 years of senior level experience in a zoological setting.