At a Glance
- Tasks: Dive into daily operations, ensuring animal health and display excellence.
- Company: Join SEA LIFE Brighton, a leader in aquatic conservation and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, discounts, and opportunities for volunteering.
- Other info: Full-time role with a rota, including weekends and bank holidays.
- Why this job: Make a splash in conservation while working with fascinating marine life!
- Qualifications: Experience in aquariums and a relevant degree or PADI Rescue Diver qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27441 - 38417 £ per year.
What you'll bring to the team
Dive into an adventure at SEA LIFE Birmingham!
Fancy spending your days surrounded by glittering scales, humongous tentacles and some otterly adorable sea otters? We’re on the lookout for Aquarists to join our curatorial team right here in the heart of Birmingham city!
Why join us?
At SEA LIFE, your career can be as exciting as the creatures you’ll care for. With a structured progression plan for our display teams across the UK, you’ll have the chance to grow from this role (which sits between Levels 1 and 5) to potentially becoming a Senior Aquarist. And with SEA LIFE locations across the globe, the opportunities are endless – who knows where the tide could take you?
What you’ll be doing:
You’ll play a vital role in ensuring our animals are happy, healthy and thriving. Here’s a snapshot of your responsibilities:
- Caring for our animals with high standards of health and welfare.
- Keeping our life support systems running smoothly – think filtration, water quality and environmental alarms.
- Preparing tasty diets for our creatures and delivering treatments under direction.
- Managing water parameters, backwashing filters and conducting health checks.
- Supporting animal training and enrichment
- Providing 24-hour alarm cover on a rota basis and ensuring all medications and chemicals are safely handled and recorded.
We currently have 2 positions available. One part-time (3 days per week) aquarist on a 12-month fixed term contract and one full-time permanent aquarist. Both roles include working weekends and bank holidays.
Qualifications & Experience
You’re passionate about marine life and have the skills to match. Ideally, you’ll have:
- Experience working in public aquariums, including maintaining life support systems.
- Strong knowledge of animal husbandry and water chemistry in an aquarium setting.
- An eye for detail when it comes to lighting, theming and water movement.
- A degree in animal care, marine biology, or equivalent (this is a bonus, not a must!).
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
- 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 recruitment@merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Pay Range
Aquarist employer: SEA LIFE
At SEA LIFE Brighton, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture centred around passion for marine life and conservation. Our Aquarists enjoy a supportive environment with ample opportunities for professional growth, alongside generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, volunteering days, and exclusive employee discounts. Join us in making a meaningful impact while working in one of the UK's most iconic seaside locations!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aquarist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific aquatic species and ecosystems that SEA LIFE Brighton focuses on. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine passion for marine life.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of SEA LIFE Brighton. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider volunteering or gaining experience in similar roles, such as internships at aquariums or marine conservation projects. This hands-on experience will enhance your understanding of animal husbandry and life support systems.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your creative ideas for educational exhibits during the interview. Think about how you can engage guests and promote conservation, as this aligns with SEA LIFE's mission and values.
We think you need these skills to ace Aquarist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to emphasise any previous experience you have in the aquarium industry, particularly in aquatic animal husbandry and life support systems. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
Show Your Passion:Express your enthusiasm for aquatic life and conservation in your application. Share any personal experiences or projects that showcase your commitment to marine life and how they align with SEA LIFE Brighton's mission.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect the key responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Highlight your relevant qualifications, such as a degree in a related field or PADI Rescue Diver certification, if applicable.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also conveys your creative mindset for developing educational exhibits. Make it engaging and personal to stand out from other applicants.
How to prepare for a job interview at SEA LIFE
✨Show Your Passion for Aquatic Life
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for marine creatures during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your love for aquatic life, as this role is all about passion and dedication.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Animal Husbandry
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of animal husbandry practices. Highlight any relevant experience you have in maintaining aquatic environments and caring for marine animals, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think about how you would handle emergencies or challenges related to animal care and display maintenance, and be ready to share your thought process.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so be sure to provide examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before. Discuss any experiences where you contributed to group projects or initiatives, especially in a conservation or educational context.
