Assistant Curator

The Ocean Conservation Trust is a global ocean conservation charity that exists to restore and protect the ocean. From our base at the National Marine Aquarium (NMA) in Plymouth, UK, we deliver conservation at scale through three interconnected pillars: Ocean Habitats, Ocean Advocacy, and Ocean Experiences. We believe that connecting people with the ocean is key to driving behaviour change and catalysing systemic action for marine recovery.

A rare opportunity has arisen for the right candidate to join our team as the Assistant Curator. This role will oversee the daily operations of the husbandry team and the development of our exhibits which include three large displays of 500,000 litres, 650,000 litres and 2.5 million litres, themed on the native UK marine environment, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Caribbean. Evidence shows that being exposed to nature helps people want to look after it; therefore, we aim to create habitats that help people connect to the ocean.

You would be joining one of the most experienced and knowledgeable husbandry teams in the country who are passionate about leading the way in developing the aquarium industry. This is a great opportunity for someone with proven aquarium leadership to showcase their skills at a UK conservation aquarium. The right candidate shares our ethos of how an aquarium should be run. A passion for marine conservation is a must, as is the belief that we can make a positive difference through immersive public engagement.

The role also involves developing protocols and improving care and husbandry techniques by providing the very best exhibit maintenance, animal nutrition and welfare, diving operation support, record keeping, and reporting. In return you will be given the opportunity to develop and flourish at a UK conservation aquarium as we believe in the importance of personal development.

The successful candidate will ideally have a minimum of five years’ experience of working in an aquarium setting. You will be highly confident in managing life support systems and maintaining water quality, proactively identifying issues and resolving them effectively, as well as being a team leader who brings out the best in their team.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in an aquarium setting
• PADI Dive Master (or equivalent)
• Practical DIY skills
• Proactive problem solver
• Confident in your own abilities and passionate about the aquarium industry and conservation
• Previous experience leading a team
• Show empathy and professionalism in how you work with colleagues and guests
• Actively contribute to a workplace where everyone feels welcome, heard, and supported

This role is full-time, working 37.5 hours per week. Normal working hours are Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm. Due to the nature of the work, there will be occasions when you are required to work weekends and additional hours. Applicants must be available to work weekends, public and bank holidays, and throughout the school holidays.

In line with current legislation, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility in the form of a passport, birth certificate or a visa share code. The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit, however we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found. Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.

To apply: please email your full CV with a covering letter setting out your experience and suitability for the role to: Emma Whittle, recruitment@oceanconservationtrust.org.

For more information, including job description and personal specification, please visit this link.