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- Tasks: Care for diverse animals, maintain tanks, and engage with the public.
- Company: Exploris Aquarium, a unique aquarium and seal sanctuary in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Paid position at £12.21/hr with training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real difference in animal care and conservation.
- Qualifications: Willingness to learn, good communication skills, and a full UK driving licence.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal growth in a friendly environment.
The predicted salary is between 25 - 30 £ per hour.
This is a unique opportunity for willing candidates to come and help us take care of our extensive and diverse collection, including Fish, Sharks, Reptiles, Penguins, Otters and Capybara. Located in Portaferry, Northern Ireland. We are a small privately-owned Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary (supported by DAERA).
Reporting directly to the Head Keeper & General Manager, the Junior Aquarist will be responsible for all aspects of the day to day needs of the Animal department. You will be responsible for ensuring that the highest standards of wellbeing including health and presentation of all stock and exhibits.
This is a practical “hands on” role and the successful candidate will always be expected to work as part of the team as needed to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the department. It is a role where you will be given the time and training required for progression and personal development. The role is ideal for someone who has a real willingness to learn and the patience to learn from their mistakes as they develop. Self-motivation is a key requirement for this role. Exploris Aquarium expects all employees to work as a team in a friendly and professional environment. During busy periods we will require all employees to contribute in other areas of the business to ensure a smooth and professional service is delivered.
Responsibilities
- Ensure all animal welfare standards are met in-line with company policies, including: cleaning, feeding, enrichment, training, animal health and record keeping
- Maintenance of aquarium tanks and systems
- Monitoring of water quality
- Develop and maintain education and conservation program
- Engage with public while performing duties
- Ensure displays are kept to a high standard to be presented to the public
- Observe fire, health and safety rules and procedures and partake in fire and accident drills
- Ensure that all materials and equipment are not left in a hazardous state
- Immediately report any leaks, equipment failure or any other condition you would not deem normal
- Power washing of outdoor pools as required
The Junior Aquarist is expected to be available as necessary to ensure that the welfare and presentation of the collection(s) to visitors is always maintained to the highest standards. No set hours are laid down for this position but in general terms a five-day working week will be required including bank holidays and weekend days on a rota basis. A start time of 9.00am is required to enable the organization of staff and an early inspection of animals to take place and generally a finishing time of 5.00/6.30 pm will be required depending on the time of year.
Requirements
Essential:
- Ability to work shift patterns to the needs of the business.
- Ability to deal with the public comfortably and present information on a one to one and a group basis.
- Someone who has the desire to learn and develop animal husbandry skills.
- Full UK Driving License
Desirable:
- Previous experience in a similar role
- Experience in seal rehabilitation
Please send CVs and covering letter by email to euan@explorisni.com - Please use the subject line "Junior Aquarist Application". Interviews will be completed on a rolling basis and the position may be filled before the closing date.
Junior Aquarist employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Aquarist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Exploris Aquarium and its staff. Understanding their values and mission can help you connect during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for animal care! When you get the chance to chat with the interviewers, share your experiences with animals, whether it's volunteering or just your love for wildlife. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the well-being of the animals at the aquarium.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for hands-on questions! Since this is a practical role, expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations with the animals. Think about scenarios where you had to solve problems or learn from mistakes, and be prepared to discuss them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! While emailing your CV is great, applying directly through our site can sometimes give you an edge. It shows you're proactive and really want to be part of the Exploris family. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Aquarist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Catchy Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your passion for animal care and why you want to join the Exploris team. Keep it friendly and professional, just like we do at StudySmarter!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send out the same CV for every job. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the Junior Aquarist role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so make it personal!
Show Off Your Soft Skills: This role is all about teamwork and communication. Be sure to mention any experiences where you've worked well with others or dealt with the public. We love candidates who can connect with people and animals alike!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our awesome team at Exploris!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Animals
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the animals you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with their care requirements, habitats, and behaviours. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you stand out as a candidate who is ready to dive into the practical aspects of animal care.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role requires teamwork, be prepared to discuss your experiences working in a team. Think of examples where you've collaborated effectively or helped others. Highlighting your ability to work well with colleagues will resonate with the interviewers at Exploris Aquarium.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
The job description emphasises a desire to learn and develop. Be ready to share instances where you've taken the initiative to learn new skills or overcome challenges. This will show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in growing within the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the aquarium. Ask about training opportunities, team dynamics, or conservation efforts. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.
