Marine Mammal Trainer & Presenter (Sea Lions)
Blackpool Zoo
North West Closing date for applications is: 19th Apr 2026| Contact: | Leah Lancashire ([email protected]) |
| Sector: | Animal Care |
| Type: | Paid |
| Contract type: | Full-time |
| Salary: | £28,016 |
About Blackpool Zoo
Blackpool Zoo is one of the UK’s most established zoos and is operated by Parques Reunidos, one of the leading, fastest-growing leisure park operators in the world. With 50 years’ experience, it owns and operates over 30 leisure centres across Europe and Australia.
The zoo is committed to the highest standards of animal welfare, conservation, and education. Following significant investment and development across the site, Blackpool Zoo continues to enhance both its animal facilities and visitor experiences, offering exciting opportunities for experienced animal professionals.
Role Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Marine Mammal Trainer & Presenter (Sea Lions) to join Blackpool Zoo’s team.
This role will focus predominantly on the daily care, training, presentation, and development of a large group of Californian sea lions. Working within the wider animal department, the postholder will support the ongoing progression of the section, ensuring excellent welfare standards while delivering engaging, educational visitor presentations.
Key Responsibilities
- Daily husbandry and welfare management of a large group of Californian sea lions
- Training sea lions using positive reinforcement techniques for husbandry, veterinary procedures, and public presentations
- Delivering high‑quality, engaging marine mammal presentations that promote conservation, education, and animal welfare
- Monitoring animal health, behaviour, and training progress, reporting concerns promptly and accurately
- Development and implementation of enrichment and behavioural management programmes
- Maintaining excellent standards of presentation and professionalism both on‑show and behind the scenes
- Day‑to‑day operation, cleaning, and maintenance of marine mammal pools, including monitoring and maintaining water quality
- Maintaining accurate records in line with departmental and legislative requirements
- Working collaboratively within the animal department to support overall zoo objectives
- Providing a high standard of customer service and acting as a knowledgeable representative of Blackpool Zoo
Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Essential Criteria
- Minimum of three years professional experience training and presenting marine mammals within a zoological or similar environment
- Demonstrable experience working with pinniped species, with a strong focus on sea lions
- DMZAA course or equivalent qualification
- Proven experience in positive reinforcement training techniques
- Excellent verbal communication and proven public presentation skills
- Strong understanding of animal welfare, learning theory, and behaviour
- Physically fit, hardworking, enthusiastic, and reliable
- Ability to work flexibly, including weekends, bank holidays, and variable hours
Desirable Criteria
- Additional relevant animal training or behavioural qualifications
- Experience of working other taxa within a Zoo environment
What We Offer
- Competitive salary dependent on experience
- Permanent, full‑time position
- A supportive and professional working environment
- Opportunities for continued professional development
- The chance to progress your career within a respected zoological collection and an international leisure organisation
Apply for this job:
Please submit a current CV along with a detailed covering letter outlining your relevant marine mammal experience and your interest in the role to Leah Lancashire, Personnel Manager, Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire. FY3 8PP or by email to [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and interviews may take place throughout the advertising period. The position may be filled before the closing date; therefore, early application is encouraged.
If you have not been contacted within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful on this occasion. Individual feedback will only be provided to candidates invited to interview.
