Aquarist

Aquarist

London Full-Time 16850 - 19600 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Care for amazing marine life and maintain their habitats at SEA LIFE London.
  • Company: Join Merlin Entertainments, a leader in global attractions and entertainment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy discounts on LEGO, free attraction tickets, and employee perks worldwide.
  • Why this job: Work in a vibrant environment, inspire ocean love, and grow your career with structured progression.
  • Qualifications: Experience in aquariums, animal care qualifications, and a passion for marine biology are essential.
  • Other info: Full-time role with flexible shifts, including weekends and bank holidays.

The predicted salary is between 16850 - 19600 £ per year.

Dive into an Iconic Opportunity at SEA LIFE London! Imagine working at the UK's largest SEA LIFE site, right in the heart of London. Facing the Houses of Parliament and next to the London Eye, SEA LIFE London is home to some of the most incredible marine creatures – and we’re looking for an Aquarist to join our team!

What’s in store?

You’ll work with an awe-inspiring collection, including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, the UK’s longest live coral reef exhibit, the largest jellyfish collection, a vibrant Rainforest zone, and our playful Gentoo Penguins.

Grow Your Career

With our structured progression plan, you’ll have the opportunity to develop through five levels of Aquarist. Join at the level that matches your skills, with compensation to match, and progress to a Senior Aquarist role. With SEA LIFE locations worldwide, the opportunities are endless!

Your Role

You’ll play a key part in animal care and welfare, maintaining life support systems, conducting health and water quality checks, preparing diets, and supporting animal training and enrichment. You’ll also ensure compliance with HSE, COSHH, and SSSMZP regulations and provide 24-hour alarm cover on a rota basis.

Why SEA LIFE?

We believe weird is wonderful, and we’re here to inspire love for the ocean and its creatures. This is a full-time, permanent role, working any 5 days out of 7, including weekends and bank holidays.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Experience within public aquariums involving maintenance, plumbing and operation of large life support systems
  • Strong demonstrable experience of animal husbandry with freshwater, marine animals, and reptiles
  • An understanding of the fundamentals of water chemistry as applied to an aquarium environment
  • A keen eye for detail and analytical approach in necessary record keeping in line with SSSMZPA
  • Practical ability to create ‘wow’ displays with a working knowledge of the correct use of theming, lighting, and water movement
  • Skills in animal training and enrichment
  • A qualification in animal care, marine biology or equivalent
  • A dive qualification is also advantageous

Benefits

  • 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 or medical condition, 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

GBP £28,063.15/Yr.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Entertainment Providers

Aquarist employer: Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture at the iconic SEA LIFE London, where you can engage with a diverse array of marine life while contributing to animal care and welfare. With structured career progression opportunities and unique benefits like discounts on attractions and hotels worldwide, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Join a team that values passion for the ocean and provides a supportive environment for personal and professional development.
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Contact Detail:

Merlin Entertainments Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Aquarist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific marine species and ecosystems featured at SEA LIFE London. Understanding their behaviours, habitats, and care requirements will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine passion for marine life.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former employees of Merlin Entertainments. Engaging with them can provide insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in aquarium technology and animal husbandry. Demonstrating your commitment to continuous learning can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. Inquiring about the team dynamics, conservation efforts, or future projects at SEA LIFE London shows your enthusiasm and interest in contributing to their mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Aquarist

Animal Husbandry
Water Quality Management
Life Support Systems Maintenance
Plumbing Skills
Knowledge of Water Chemistry
Record Keeping
Attention to Detail
Animal Training and Enrichment
Display Design
Theming and Lighting Knowledge
Compliance with HSE and COSHH Regulations
Dive Qualification
Communication Skills
Teamwork
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Aquarist position. Familiarise yourself with animal care, life support systems, and water chemistry as these are crucial aspects of the job.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in public aquariums, animal husbandry, and any qualifications in marine biology or animal care. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge related to the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for marine life and your commitment to animal welfare. Mention why you want to work at SEA LIFE London specifically and how your background makes you a great fit for the team.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as attention to detail, record keeping, and any experience with animal training and enrichment. These are key attributes that Merlin Entertainments is looking for in an Aquarist.

How to prepare for a job interview at Merlin Entertainments

✨Show Your Passion for Marine Life

Make sure to express your enthusiasm for marine creatures and conservation during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects related to marine biology that highlight your commitment to animal welfare.

✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge

Be prepared to discuss your understanding of life support systems, water chemistry, and animal husbandry. Highlight any relevant experience you have with maintaining aquariums or working with marine animals to showcase your technical skills.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life situations. Think about how you would handle emergencies, such as a water quality issue or an animal health concern, and be ready to explain your thought process.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, or future projects at SEA LIFE London. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.

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