Kaci Koch
Summary
Marine mammal trainer with a drive for promoting animal welfare in human care, as well as instilling passion in guests to care for the natural world and conservation. Skilled in public education, maintaining learned behaviors, and novel training while ensuring safety and health standards are met.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Marine Mammal Trainer
Mississippi Aquarium
Gulfport
04.2025 - Current
- Serves as B-point/safety trainer during guest encounters
- Performs 7-14 minute mock encounters with staff
- Regularly participates in dives to maintain dolphin habitat appearance and regulations
- Assists in the development of interns in all day-to-day operations
- Conducts new behavior learning with dolphin collection
- Continues to perform all previous responsibilities
Seasonal Assistant Marine Mammal Trainer
Mississippi Aquarium
Gulfport
08.2024 - 01.2025
- Delivered microphone narrations of dolphin presentations and otter chats daily, sometimes simultaneously working a dolphin or otter while speaking to audience
- Recorded training sessions and other routine information (diets, enrichment, etc.) using Tracks program
- Conducted fish prep shifts as sole staff member in the commissary kitchen - conducted all aspects independently
- Seasonal position was extended in November, then again in December
Marine Mammal Intern
Mississippi Aquarium
Gulfport
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Assisted in daily operations, including morning and afternoon cleaning, as well as components of diet preparation
- Developed a firm understanding of animal training fundamentals and executed knowledge through hands-on interactions
- Participated in weekly training lectures and quizzes regarding subjects within animal training
- Created both a behavior and EED plan as part of intern objectives
- Engaged with guests frequently to answer questions post-session
Seasonal Marine Mammal Attendant
Indianapolis Zoo
Indianapolis
04.2023 - 10.2023
- Greeted and facilitated the entrance, exit, and needs of guests in the Dolphin Pavilion
- Regularly maintained housekeeping of both public and private areas, oftentimes focused on dolphin decks and surrounding areas
- Participated in various feeding and training sessions with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lion collections
- Assisted in the cleaning of the fish kitchen, wetsuit room and bins, buckets, and enrichment
- Worked alongside trainers to assist in situations of medical emergency involving the dolphin collection as needed
Zoo Teen Volunteer
Indianapolis Zoo
Indianapolis
02.2022 - 04.2023
- Oversaw daily operations of kids' summer camps, ensuring a safe and engaging environment
- Developed enrichment activities for macaw collection to enhance their well-being
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of Dolphin Pavilion, supporting staff operations
- Completed 140+ hours of volunteer service across multiple departments
Education
Associate of General Studies -
Ivy Tech Community College
Noblesville, IN12-2025
Skills
- Public speaking
- Self-sufficient
- Detail-oriented
- Strategic thinking
- Time management
- Hospitality with guests
- Troubleshooting behaviors
Certification
- SCUBA certified
- CPR Certified
- IMATA Associate since 2022
- Attended 2024 San Antonio IMATA Conference
- Attended 2025 Chicago IMATA Conference
Timeline
Assistant Marine Mammal Trainer
Mississippi Aquarium
04.2025 - Current
Seasonal Assistant Marine Mammal Trainer
Mississippi Aquarium
08.2024 - 01.2025
Marine Mammal Intern
Mississippi Aquarium
05.2024 - 08.2024
Seasonal Marine Mammal Attendant
Indianapolis Zoo
04.2023 - 10.2023
Zoo Teen Volunteer
Indianapolis Zoo
02.2022 - 04.2023
Associate of General Studies -
Ivy Tech Community College