Employment with SeaWorld
SeaWorld has earned its place as a timeless destination for families interested in learning about marine wildlife. SeaWorld hires exceptional individuals for multiple positions with their parks and programs. Despite their past controversy over the treatment of animals in their care, SeaWorld has taken significant steps to repair the public’s trust in their procedures and policies. Employees of SeaWorld are thoroughly trained, mentored, and observed throughout their time with the company. If an exciting job with SeaWorld intrigues you, the guide below will introduce to you the different career options available and how to complete a successful SeaWorld job application.
To apply, the online SeaWorld job application is found on their careers page. You can search for open positions by location until you find one that interests you. You will then follow the steps below to complete your application.
Online SeaWorld Job Application
SeaWorld does require an online application to be considered for one of their positions. If you have ever gone online to book a SeaWorld tour or vacation, you can use the same account information to sign into the SeaWorld job application page. Before starting your SeaWorld job application, you will need the following:
- The last four digits of your social security number;
- School names and addresses;
- Previous employers’ names, addresses, and supervisors.
Once on the SeaWorld careers page, you need to select the position in which you are interested. You will need to agree to the site’s terms and conditions to continue. If you don’t already have a SeaWorld account and don’t want to make one, there is an option to carry on as a guest. This option won’t allow you to go back to your account later. Creating your account is simple and just requires your basic contact information such as your email, first and last name, and a site password. You do have the option to complete multiple job applications, but you must complete them one at a time.
Your SeaWorld job application will begin by showing you the requirements for the position you are applying to. This description is comprehensive. But you need to make sure that you meet all the requirements ahead of time will help ensure a successful application with a detailed review.
The SeaWorld job application will prompt you at the bottom to agree to the application site’s terms and conditions (this is different from the terms you accepted before). Only check the box stating that you agree and click the Next button at the bottom right of the page.
Application Details in the Account
- The next page of the application is the company’s comprehensive wardrobe guidelines. These guidelines are strict and must be adhered to by all employees. In general, employees will need to maintain a business casual dress appearance. There are restrictions on how employees wear their hair and nails. So, be sure to check these requirements and contact human resources if you need an accommodation.
- Modest tattoos and piercings may be brought to an extent. But double check with your job requirements if you foresee any issue with body art.
- The next step in the SeaWorld job application is the questionnaire. This portion of the application is designed to check your eligibility to work for SeaWorld and your qualifications for the position you want. These questions vary slightly depending on the position you are applying for. Make sure you answer each question fully and honestly.
- After clicking Next to move to the following page, you will be able to enter your availability for work. Make sure you enter all your scheduling requirements here to reduce confusion later if you receive a position proposal.
- The next two pages of the application will ask you to enter your identifying information (this may already be filled if you logged in with an existing account). Enter your legal name and contact information so that recruiters can track and look up your SeaWorld job application.
- The next page will ask you to upload your resume. The website will accept most file types. If you upload a resume, you will not have to enter your education and work history manually. If you do not have a resume, you will need to complete these fields separately.
Completing the Application
After you upload your resume information and enter your request, you will complete a quick pre-screening. This screening will take about 10 minutes to complete and is necessary to measure your competencies and make sure you share some of the most important values as the company. Successful screenings indicate that you are a flexible and friendly team player.
Once your screening has been completed, you will need to accept a few more policies written by SeaWorld. After accepting each one, you will be able to confirm your application and submit it for review.
Minimum Requirements to work for SeaWorld
- You must be at least 18 years old to work in most locations. Some parks will hire seasonal employees that are at least 15 years old.
- You must have proper identification valid in the United States.
- You must have a social security number.
- You must have reliable transportation to and from work.
Some jobs will specify additional requirements. These conditions are visible on the first page of the SeaWorld job application. Specific screenings and other hiring requirements may be necessary for research or zoological positions.
SeaWorld Working Hours
SeaWorld tries to accommodate the scheduling needs of their employees. This makes completing the availability section of your application incredibly important as the hiring process tends to move quickly during peak seasons.
As positions with SeaWorld can be competitive, employees with more open or flexible schedules may receive preference during hiring influxes.
Income Expectations
The pay rate for SeaWorld employees varies slightly by position and location. Average hourly rates run between $9-15 per hour for most park and research positions. Some posts, including internships, are paid via stipends or small salaries.
These amounts depend on budget requirements for the current fiscal year. Hourly rates can be negotiated slightly based on your education and experience.
Other Careers with SeaWorld
SeaWorld has several different job categories listed at the bottom of their careers page.
- Animal Training;
- Culinary Operations;
- Education;
- Entertainment;
- Merchandise;
- Park Operations;
- Zoological Operations.
Each category from above has its series of available jobs. You can select one of these categories to the only search for those jobs.
Basic Tips for Applying with SeaWorld
The most famous SeaWorld job categories are broken down in this section. This breakdown will give insight into the types of applicants who receive approval to enter these competitive positions.
Animal Training
If you want to be an animal trainer at SeaWorld, you are entering one of the most competitive applicant pools in the industry. However, some tips will help you stand out above the rest.
- Previous experience working with several types of animals (those who have worked with large animals are the ones they prefer) in a professional training setting;
- A college degree in an animal science field (not necessary, but preferred, especially if you have minimal experience in the field);
- Strong swimming skills and an overall healthy lifestyle;
- Experiences speaking in front of large groups or audiences;
- Preference for training positions is often given to those currently working for one of their parks. Working in a different, less competitive department for a while can increase your chances of moving into this lucrative position.
You can learn more about these posts in the SeaWorld Animal Trainer Info book.
Rescue and Rehabilitation
The SeaWorld Animal Rehabilitation Program is one of the programs made to increase their efforts in conservation, education, and research efforts. This program rescues, treats, rehabilitates and makes every effort to release healthy, stranded animals. Not every rescued animal will make a full recovery, or become healthy enough to be returned to the wild. However, the release is the number one goal of the program. If you want to be a part of this team, you need to make sure your resume speaks to the following needs:
- You must be incredibly passionate. SeaWorld gets thousands of applicants each year for their Rescue and Rehabilitation team. Therefore, only candidates who exude passion and dedication will be the ones that can fit the position.
- Experience in conversation, biological research, and animal rescue and rehabilitation. The best experience comes from work in national or state parks, academic research facilities, or private rescue organizations. Five or more years of expertise in these areas will increase your chances of getting the job.
- Education to match your experience. A college degree in a zoological, conservation or marine biological field is highly recommended for applicants.
If you meet these requirements, you can read more about this team in their Info book.
Zoo Careers
Another incredibly popular applicant area, zoo career encompasses a wide array of positions within SeaWorld’s parks. Not all posts include direct contact with animals, but all require a love for them. For these posts, the Info book describes the characteristics of a competitive applicant:
- An elevated level of proper education and technical training in your field area. Due to the technical requirements of these jobs, education often receives precedence over passion and experience. Advanced degrees in zoological sciences are highly preferred.
- Volunteer and research experience in your field. As you move through your career, you may need to participate or even lead research projects.
- Good health and physical training. Some positions may require scuba certification and swimming examinations. For this reason, it is important to maintain overall good health. While training is provided on the job, applicants who have already had some training will receive preference.
Benefits of Working for SeaWorld
Employees receive benefits based on their employee classification.
- Seasonal Employees: 401k Plan, Free admission to their parks, Complimentary tickets, Friends and family passports, Exclusive discounts;
- Part Time: Paid time off, 401k plan, Tuition reimbursement, Free admission to their parks, Complimentary tickets, Friends and family passports, Exclusive discounts;
- Full Time: Health insurance, Life insurance, Employee assistance program, Pet insurance, Paid time off, 401k Plan, Tuition reimbursement, Free admission to their parks, Complimentary tickets, Friends and family passports, Exclusive discounts.
Frequently Asked SeaWorld Applicant Questions
Some of the most typical questions from SeaWorld applicants can find answers below as you complete your SeaWorld job application.
- Can I complete a SeaWorld job application in person? SeaWorld requires all interested applicants to complete the online application. This helps them streamline the thousands of applications they receive each year.
- Is there room for advancement with SeaWorld? SeaWorld prefers to hire and promote from within. So, there is always an excellent opportunity for advancement, especially from one department to another.
- What happens after I submit my SeaWorld job application? The hiring process typically goes very quickly for qualified, desirable candidates. Chosen candidates are usually hired within one week of their request.
Working for SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a unique place to work. Anyone with a passion for animals and marine wildlife will be intrigued by the career opportunities offered by SeaWorld. While positions are highly competitive, the reward for making it through the application process is a job helping educate the world about the fantastic creatures that live in our oceans.
If you don’t hear back about your request the first time, don’t give up. You can always re-apply once you have more field experience or education in your area of choice. If a position working with SeaWorld sounds exciting, it’s time to take that first step and complete your application.
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