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- Tasks: Care for over a thousand amazing creatures and maintain life support systems.
- Company: Join Chessington World of Adventures, a fun-filled resort dedicated to conservation and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, Merlin Annual Passes, company bonuses, and discounts on LEGO and dining.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting team, develop animal welfare, and support innovative exhibit developments.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry and experience with reptiles is essential; degree preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity for ongoing training and development in a vibrant, engaging environment.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 26000 £ per year.
What you\’ll bring to the team
Location: Chessington World of Adventures Resort Leatherhead Road Chessington Surrey KT9 2NE
In this role you will ensure we are delivering amazing, immersive, safe experiences for our guests each day, with a positive team spirit, initiative, innovation, and high standards. Working with the curator, you will be part of the team of Aquarists that looks after our SEALIFE and the reptile section. Together with the team, you will undertake the vital day to day tasks involved in caring for over a thousand amazing creatures.
You’ll be responsible for the maintenance of the life support systems along with the cleanliness and presentation of our displays, record keeping, tank and enclosure design, aqua scaping, and theming, always striving to ensure it is the best it can be. You will ensure suitable diets and feed plans are in place and delivered for our creatures, as well as continuing to develop our excellent animal welfare across the collection.
In addition to this, you will support exciting new exhibit developments, with a proactive focus on the correct care and attention to the quarantine and transportation processes, and implementation of policies and procedures that maximise the efficiency of the management of animal husbandry and innovation throughout the resort.
Qualifications & Experience
- A dynamic, confident, self-motivated individual who supports our conservation and education goals.
- Have robust knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry, and a good level of understanding of animal behaviour
- Experience and knowledge of reptiles and amphibian’s husbandry is essential
- A degree in a relevant biological science is advantageous, or a minimum of two years of paid relevant experience in public aquaria, as equivalent
- Experience as a diver in an aquarium setting and trained to a level PADI Rescue Diver, or equivalent as laid down by the HSE, is advantageous
- Good presentation skills, in addition to the ability and passion to interact with the public
- Strong communication and computer skills are required, as are efficient time management and organisational skills
- Enthusiasm to learn and develop in the role
Benefits
- An annual salary of £26,000
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- ‘Enjoy the Ride’ Merlin Annual Passes – 6 in total per year, 1 for you, plus 5 to gift to loved ones!
- Merlin Magic Pass – 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
- Company bonus
- Private pension scheme
- 40% discount online off LEGO
- 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Plus, many more…
Pay Range
GBP £26,000.00/Yr. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Aquarist employer: Merlin Entertainments Group
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 aquatic species and reptiles that Chessington World of Adventures cares for. Understanding their behaviours, dietary needs, and habitat requirements will show your genuine interest and knowledge during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Chessington World of Adventures. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when you get the chance to speak with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with aquatic animal husbandry and any relevant certifications, such as PADI Rescue Diver. Being able to articulate your practical skills and experiences will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for conservation and education in your conversations. This role is not just about animal care; it's also about engaging with the public and promoting awareness, so be ready to share your ideas on how to enhance guest experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Aquarist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in aquatic animal husbandry and any specific skills related to reptiles and amphibians. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for marine life and conservation. Mention specific experiences that showcase your knowledge of animal behaviour and husbandry, and how you can contribute to the team at Chessington World of Adventures.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, consider including examples of how you've effectively interacted with the public or worked within a team. This could be through previous jobs, volunteer work, or educational experiences.
Highlight Your Qualifications: If you have a degree in a biological science or relevant certifications like PADI Rescue Diver, make sure these are prominently displayed in your application. If you lack formal qualifications, emphasise your two years of paid experience in public aquaria.
How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin Entertainments Group
✨Show Your Passion for Aquatic Life
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for marine and reptilian creatures during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your dedication to animal welfare and conservation, as this aligns with the company's goals.
✨Demonstrate Relevant Knowledge
Prepare to discuss your understanding of aquatic animal husbandry and animal behaviour. Be ready to answer questions about specific care practices, diets, and the maintenance of life support systems, showcasing your expertise in these areas.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully worked in a team environment and communicated well with colleagues and the public.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations related to animal care or exhibit management. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and initiative.
