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Aquarist

SEA LIFE Brighton, Marine Parade
Brighton, EAST SUSSEX, BN2 1TB
United Kingdom

Fancy working in the oldest operating aquarium in the world? We’re looking for a hardworking Aquarist, initially on a one-year, fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extending.

Working here feels pretty outstanding, but also very cold, wet, and rather smelly at times. SEA LIFE Brighton has a rich history but also a great future with 2023 having a great investment in local conservation, protecting our wonderful creatures both inside and outside of the building.

What we are looking for

• Experience within public aquariums involving maintenance, plumbing and operation of large life support systems
• 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)
• A professional level of dive qualification is also desirable
• A desire to be involved with conservation and research projects protecting not just our animals inside the building but their wild counterparts

Why us?

Compared to other aquariums we have cold fresh water, native marine, tropical fresh water, a rain forest dedicated area (which houses a green iguana), a tropical marine display (including our large new refurbished ocean displays – over 700,000 Litres) and lots of life support systems to take care of, as each tank has its own dedicated system!

We are home to a real variety of animals, including fish, sharks and rays, reptiles, insects, jellyfish, and marine invertebrates, which makes us a great site for refining your skills as a well-rounded aquarist. No two days are ever the same, therefore your work routine (if you can call it that) will be divided by an assigned area as we have over 70 displays.

During a typical day, duties may include crafting enrichment for our striking Octopus, scrubbing the carapace of our large sea turtles, propagating corals, or getting stuck into project work. Other duties include preparing the feed for our large ocean sharks, culturing live food for our jellyfish and working towards the breeding of some on site species. Or even entering a display for siphoning and getting really close to our rays.

This role is full-time and initially on a one-year fixed-term contract (with the possibility of extension). This includes working a regular, fair share of weekends and bank holidays as required, as well as providing emergency call out cover on a roster basis.

What’s in it for you

• Depending on experience salary starts at £24,000 per annum. With potential increase in line with our matrix grading system, which matches the specialised skillset of our curatorial teams.
• 40% off LEGO online and 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
• Hotel stay discounts
• O2 discount

Everyone Matters at Merlin.
At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters! Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry.

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at [email protected] and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.