Associate Aquarist - Sea Life Park FT

As an equal‑opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. Responsibilities Participate in daily husbandry of fish, elasmobranchs, invertebrates, and sea turtles. Perform cleaning and maintenance of enclosures, including use of SCUBA and hydraulic cleaning equipment for large exhibits. Maintain acceptable water quality parameters to ensure the health of the animals. Recognize symptoms of fish and invertebrate disease and poor health and report to supervisor. Ensure proper care of life support equipment by adhering to a regular maintenance schedule and keeping all components clean. Assist with maintaining quarantine/holding systems. Maintain detailed and accurate records. Interact with guests, management, veterinarians, and other individuals as required, including public presentations. Exemplify a high standard of animal husbandry, exhibit presentation, and customer service. Maintain a high level of knowledge of species under care. Mentor less experienced staff and interns on daily husbandry, feeding, and exhibit maintenance protocols. Other duties as assigned by leadership. Education & Experience Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field, or equivalent work experience. Minimum 2 years' experience as an aquarist working with marine life. Experience in open/closed system husbandry and maintenance. Working knowledge of fundamental aquarium life support systems and components. Requirements Minimum 18 years of age. Must be SCUBA open water certified and able to pass a dive test and physical. Must possess, or be able to obtain, Rescue Diver SCUBA certification by a nationally recognized instructor association (e.g., PADI, NAUI). Must have, or be able to obtain, CPR and First Aid certification. Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English. Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Reliable transportation to and from work for scheduled shift. Strong passion and unwavering commitment for exceptional animal care and welfare. Exceptional customer service skills with ability to resolve questions, problems, and concerns in a positive and professional manner. Effective communication skills, with ability to convey ideas and concepts to students, park guests, and leadership. Ability to safely dive underwater and follow all SCUBA protocols. Ability to follow oral and written instructions and directives, and issue clear verbal/written instructions or directives to others. Physical Requirements Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for majority of the workday. Ability to frequently balance, stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders. Ability to work in a salt‑water environment both in and out of the water at all times of the day and/or night. Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 30 pounds or more. Working Conditions This role will be primarily based outdoors in aquatic environments. Job duties are frequently performed under physically demanding conditions and in potentially hazardous environments, including enclosed spaces, which may be in or out of the water while working with marine mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Frequent exposure to salt‑water, wet most of the day, regularly entering/exiting water throughout the day regardless of the weather. Frequent exposure to variable outside temperatures, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, and other weather conditions. Subject to constant repetitive motion. Subject to frequent interruptions and may need to reprioritize activities. Benefits Flexible schedule. Ability to cross‑train and learn unique skills across various departments. Free admission to Sea Life Park on your days off. Invited to exclusive employee events throughout the season. #J-18808-Ljbffr