Penguin Wellbeing Monitor

Required Commitment:

• Once selected:
• Complete our online training program and attend the following two-hour in-person training class:
  • Saturday, January 31, 9:30am-2:00pm
• Complete 10 required monitor shifts over 4 months. Daily signups available, 11:00am-2:00pm.

Summary:

Penguin Wellbeing Monitor (PWM) is a skills-based position with a focus on aiding the wellbeing of our Penguin Colony. PWMs provide a constant watchful eye on both species of penguins and their habitats while engaging with Aquarium visitors about the animals and their responsibilities as PWM. Monitors may aid penguin trainers by conducting specific observations of animals and their habitats, monitoring visitor behavior, gathering data, and recordkeeping. Information collected will help penguin staff gain additional perspective of animal behavior and wellbeing, with regular progress reports provided by penguin staff. Don't know a lot about penguins or unsure how to correct visitor behavior? Don't worry! We provide in-person and online training/mentorship to prepare volunteers with all the necessary skills, fun facts, and confidence that the position requires.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor the penguins, their habitats, and visitor behavior.
• Communicating with trainers in the event of fallen objects or other animal concerns in the exhibit.
• Monitoring and correcting visitor behavior.
• Providing information to the penguin team based on specific observations.
• Answer questions from the public; explain purpose of data collection and its impact on animal wellbeing.
• Training is required and available free of charge to volunteers and includes topics such as:
• Penguin identification, behavior, and ethograms.
• Penguin wellbeing
• Basic biology/conservation and climate change concerns
• Visitor and animal safety
• Public speaking skills
• Data analysis
• Communicating science and husbandry effectively with different age groups.

Qualifications:

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in noisy and crowded conditions.
• Must have enthusiasm working with a high volume of aquarium visitors.
• Must be able to see full color spectrum.
• Willingness to learn about African Penguins, Southern Rockhopper Penguins, and their exhibit.
• Age requirement: At least 18 years old.

To apply: Please register an account here then click "Submit an Application" in the menu bar. if you already have an account, please log in and click "Submit an Application".