Aquarist

Aquarist

Scarborough Full-Time 25991 - 28391 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Care for amazing marine animals and maintain their habitats daily.
  • Company: Join SEA LIFE Great Scarborough, home to Yorkshire's only seal hospital.
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounts on LEGO, attractions, and cinema tickets, plus a competitive salary.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare while working in a fun, dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience with aquariums and animal care is preferred; a degree is a bonus.
  • Other info: Full-time role with structured progression and opportunities across the globe.

The predicted salary is between 25991 - 28391 £ per year.

What you\’ll bring to the team

Do you dream of working alongside majestic sharks, playful penguins or our cheeky seals? If you’re a dedicated aquarist, SEA LIFE Great Scarborough offers a varied workload. Whether that’s creating enrichment or rescuing injured seal pups from our local coasts. We’re home to Yorkshire’s only seal hospital, and work closely with national animal charities and other rehabilitation sites across the UK.

We have a structured progression plan for our display teams in place across the UK, which means we can now offer a role between levels 1 and 5 and will be compensated accordingly. Successful performance can lead to you becoming a Displays Supervisor and with so many sites across the world, the opportunities are endless.

You’ll play a vital part in caring for our animals, ensuring consistently high levels of animal health and welfare as well as looking after and carrying out routine maintenance of the filtration and life support systems, crisis management equipment and environmental alarms. Other duties include back washing main filters, water changes, water quality checks, water parameters, health checks, plus training and enrichment.

You’ll prepare suitable diets and feed all livestock, as well as provide medication and treatment of animals under direction. You will also provide 24-hour alarm cover on a rota basis and maintain strict codes of practice for the use, storage and record keeping of all medications and chemicals according to HSE, COSHH and SSSMZP regulations.

This is a full-time, permanent role, working any 5 days out of 7. This will include weekends and bank holidays on a roster basis.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Experience within public aquariums involving maintenance, plumbing and operation of life support systems.
  • Demonstrable experience of animal husbandry with freshwater, marine animals, and amphibians.
  • Skills in animal training and enrichment.
  • A degree level qualification in animal care, marine biology or equivalent (not essential).

Benefits

Alongside becoming an expert in washing up, you’ll also receive:

  • Salary between £25,991 (level 1) to £28,391 (level 5) per annum, depending on experience.
  • 40% off LEGO online.
  • 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants.
  • Merlin Magic Pass – giving you free tickets to all our attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends every year.
  • Enjoy the Ride Pass – giving you and 5 others a Merlin Annual Pass (Gold edition).
  • Discounted rates at Merlin hotels all over the world.
  • Employee pricing up to 55% off cinema tickets.

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability, medical condition, or being a care leaver, please contact us by email at gatewayuk.recruitment@merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range

From GBP £25,991.00/Yr. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Aquarist employer: Merlin Entertainments Group

At SEA LIFE Great Scarborough, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where passion for marine life meets professional growth. With structured progression plans and opportunities to advance within our display teams, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while enjoying unique benefits such as discounts on attractions and hotels worldwide. Join us in making a difference for marine animals and experience the joy of working in Yorkshire's only seal hospital.
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Contact Detail:

Merlin Entertainments Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Aquarist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific species and systems used at SEA LIFE Great Scarborough. Understanding their unique needs and behaviours will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine passion for marine life.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former aquarists from SEA LIFE or similar establishments. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the work culture, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on the latest trends in animal husbandry and marine biology. Being knowledgeable about recent advancements can set you apart as a candidate who is committed to continuous learning and improvement.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with life support systems and animal training during the interview. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed these tasks in previous roles.

We think you need these skills to ace Aquarist

Animal Husbandry
Knowledge of Marine Biology
Experience with Life Support Systems
Water Quality Management
Filtration System Maintenance
Animal Training Techniques
Enrichment Strategies for Animals
Attention to Detail
Emergency Response Skills
Record Keeping and Documentation
Understanding of HSE and COSHH Regulations
Teamwork and Collaboration
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in animal husbandry, maintenance of life support systems, and any specific skills related to marine biology or animal training. Use keywords from the job description to catch their attention.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for marine life and your dedication to animal welfare. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your skills and how they align with the responsibilities of the Aquarist role.

Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous work in public aquariums or similar environments. Detail your hands-on experience with freshwater and marine animals, as well as any involvement in crisis management or animal rehabilitation.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a role that involves caring for animals and maintaining their environments.

How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin Entertainments Group

✨Show Your Passion for Marine Life

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for marine animals and conservation during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your dedication to animal welfare and environmental protection.

✨Demonstrate Relevant Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in public aquariums, particularly focusing on maintenance and operation of life support systems. Highlight specific tasks you've performed, such as water quality checks or animal husbandry.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions related to the technical aspects of the role, such as crisis management equipment and environmental alarms. Brush up on your knowledge of HSE, COSHH, and SSSMZP regulations to show you understand the importance of safety and compliance.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the organisation. Inquire about their conservation efforts, training programmes, or how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the company.

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