At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and maintain stunning marine exhibits while promoting conservation and public engagement.
- Company: Join the National Marine Aquarium, a leader in ocean conservation and education.
- Benefits: Full-time role with personal development opportunities and a passionate team.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on marine conservation and inspire others to connect with nature.
- Qualifications: 4+ years aquarium experience, leadership skills, and a passion for marine life.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32450 £ per year.
The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, and our vision is of a world supporting a healthy ocean to sustain all life.
We have been connecting people with the ocean for over 20 years, encouraging everyone to #thinkocean!
Our aquarium in Plymouth includes 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 respectively.
An opportunity has arisen for the right candidate to join our team as a Lead Biologist/Diver.
The Lead Biologists oversee our three exhibition areas and are responsible for maintaining high standards and developing not just the displays, but also protocols for improving care and husbandry techniques.
This is a great opportunity for someone with proven aquarium leadership to showcase their skills in the UK’sconservationaquarium.
The right candidate is someone who 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 right candidate will also be a teamleader, show respect for their colleagues and offer support to junior team members and volunteers when needed.
In return you will be given the opportunity to develop and flourish at the UK’sconservationaquarium as we believe in the importance of personal development.
You would be joining one of the most experienced and knowledgeable husbandry teams in the country which is passionate about leading the way in developing the aquarium industry.
Evidence shows that being exposed to nature helps people want to look after it and therefore we aim to create exhibits that help people connect to the animals and their habitats by developing displays that are windows into nature.
The successful candidate will ideally have a minimum of four years’ experience of working in an aquarium setting.
Practical DIY skills, confidence in your own ability and a desire to improve yourself and the aquarium are all important aspects of this role.
About you
- Practical DIY skills
- Confident in your own abilities and passionate about the aquarium industry and conservation
- Previous experience supervising ateam
- Diving qualification of PADI Dive Master (or equivalent) is desirable, but not essential for this role.
This role is full-time working 37.5 hours per week.
Work will be on an annual rota’d basis to provide 7-day cover, providing the very best exhibit maintenance, animal nutrition and welfare, diving operation support, record keeping and reporting.
Due to the nature of our business all applicants must be available to work weekends, public and bank holidays and throughout the school holidays.
Closing Date :7 th August2026. Interviews will take place week commencing17 th August2026.
Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.
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.
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 onmerit; however, we particularly welcome applications from groups currentlyunderrepresentedin the workforce.
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Lead Biologist in Plymouth employer: Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd
The Ocean Conservation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises sustainability and collaboration. Located in the vibrant city of Plymouth, employees benefit from unique opportunities for professional growth, including hands-on experiences at the National Marine Aquarium and the chance to make a tangible impact on marine conservation efforts. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to fostering meaningful corporate partnerships that drive positive change.
Contact Details:
Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Biologist in Plymouth
✨Explore University Career Fairs
University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!
✨Join Biology Communities
Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Biologist in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Lead Biologist at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.
Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Biology
As this is a full-time position, employers at Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!
