Marine Mammal Trainer Onboarding Checklist

Marine Mammal Trainer Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Marine Mammal Trainer starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Animal Care onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Marine Mammal Trainer, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Marine Mammal Trainer onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Marine Mammal Trainer Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new marine mammal trainer attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s policies, procedures, and safety protocols. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated trainer.

2. Facility Tour: The trainer is given a comprehensive tour of the facility, including the animal enclosures, training areas, and support facilities. This task is usually performed by a senior trainer or supervisor.

3. Introduction to Animal Species: The new trainer is introduced to the various marine mammal species they will be working with, including their characteristics, behaviors, and specific training requirements. This task is typically performed by experienced trainers or animal care specialists.

4. Safety Training: The trainer undergoes safety training, which includes learning about potential hazards, emergency procedures, and the proper use of personal protective equipment. This task is usually conducted by the safety officer or a designated trainer.

5. Animal Handling Techniques: The new trainer is trained in proper animal handling techniques, including how to approach, restrain, and transport marine mammals safely. This task is performed by experienced trainers or animal care specialists.

6. Training Methodologies: The trainer learns about the company’s training methodologies, including positive reinforcement techniques, shaping behaviors, and operant conditioning. This task is typically performed by senior trainers or the training department.

7. Diet and Nutrition: The trainer receives training on the specific dietary needs of marine mammals, including the types and quantities of food, feeding schedules, and any dietary restrictions. This task is usually performed by the animal care department or a designated nutritionist.

8. Medical Procedures: The trainer is educated on basic medical procedures, such as administering medications, conducting health checks, and recognizing signs of illness or injury. This task is typically performed by the veterinary staff or experienced trainers.

9. Record-Keeping: The trainer learns how to maintain accurate and detailed records of animal behavior, training progress, medical treatments, and any other relevant information. This task is usually performed by the animal care department or trainers.

10. Team Collaboration: The new trainer is introduced to the team and encouraged to collaborate with other trainers, animal care staff, and veterinarians to ensure the well-being and training success of the marine mammals. This task is typically facilitated by the supervisor or team leader.

11. Performance Evaluation: The trainer is informed about the company’s performance evaluation process, including how goals are set, feedback is provided, and career advancement opportunities are determined. This task is usually performed by the human resources department or the supervisor.

12. Continuing Education: The trainer is encouraged to participate in ongoing professional development opportunities, such as attending conferences, workshops, or webinars, to enhance their knowledge and skills in marine mammal training. This task is typically supported by the training department or the company’s professional development program.

13. Ethical Guidelines: The trainer is educated on the ethical guidelines and standards of care for marine mammals, including the importance of conservation, animal welfare, and responsible training practices. This task is typically performed by the animal care department or a designated ethics committee.

14. Public Interaction: The trainer is trained on how to interact with the public, including providing educational presentations, answering questions, and promoting conservation awareness. This task is usually performed by experienced trainers or the public relations department.

15. Emergency Preparedness: The trainer receives training on emergency preparedness, including evacuation procedures, first aid, and responding to potential threats or natural disasters. This task is typically conducted by the safety officer or a designated emergency response team.

16. Equipment Familiarization: The trainer becomes familiar with the equipment used in marine mammal training, such as target poles, clickers, harnesses, and communication devices. This task is usually performed by experienced trainers or the training department.

17. Shadowing and Mentoring: The new trainer shadows experienced trainers and mentors to observe and learn from their expertise, gaining practical knowledge and hands-on experience. This task is facilitated by senior trainers or the training department.

18. Performance Expectations: The trainer is provided with clear performance expectations, including goals, targets, and key performance indicators, to ensure they understand what is expected of them in their role. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or team leader.

19. Introduction to Research: If applicable, the trainer is introduced to any ongoing research projects or studies related to marine mammal behavior, cognition, or training techniques. This task is usually performed by the research department or a designated researcher.

20. Cultural Integration: The new trainer is encouraged to immerse themselves in the company’s culture, values, and mission, fostering a sense of belonging and alignment with the organization’s goals. This task is facilitated by the human resources department or the supervisor

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Marine Mammal Trainer checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Marine Mammal Trainer up to speed and working well in your Animal Care team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.