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
Fancy working with jaw-some sharks, energetic penguins, or perhaps our cheeky otters? If you’re a hardworking and experienced Aquarist, then prepare for a world of glittering scales, humongous tentacles, and razor-sharp teeth!
We have a structured progression plan for our display teams in place across the UK, which means our Aquarists can develop through five levels. You can join us between levels 1 and 5 (depending on experience) and will be compensated accordingly, as you progress to the next tier. Successful performance can lead to you becoming a Displays Supervisor and with so many sites across the world, the opportunities are endless.
A day at Hunstanton is full of amazing things. From caring for our resident creatures, to rescuing an injured seal pup on the beach, to diving a tank, to tagging a shark to going on a trip with multiple aquariums to find jellyfish polyps, no day is the same. It is, however, often topped off with stunning Hunstanton sunsets!
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. This will include weekends and bank holidays on a roster basis.
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience within public aquariums involving maintenance, plumbing and operation of large life support systems
- Strong demonstrable experience of animal husbandry
- An understanding of the fundamentals of water chemistry as applied to an aquarium environment
- Solid understanding of the accurate use of theming, lighting, and water movement
- A degree level qualification in animal care, marine biology or equivalent (desirable)
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)
- X2 volunteer days per 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 Merlin, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates diversity and creativity. As a Weekend Performance Host at SEA LIFE London, you'll not only engage with guests in a meaningful way but also enjoy fantastic benefits such as a monthly bonus, discounts, and the Merlin Magic Pass for free access to attractions worldwide. With opportunities for personal growth and a supportive team environment, this role is perfect for those passionate about marine life and eager to inspire others.
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.
