Merlin Entertainments
Senior Aquarist – SEA LIFE Orlando
Lead, dive, inspire, and protect the ocean—every single day. Join the Displays Team to lead animal care operations at one of Florida’s most exciting attractions.
Location:
Orlando, FL
Pay Range:
$24.00/hr (actual pay based on skills and experience)
Employment Type:
Full-time – Flexibility required (weekends, holidays, evenings)
Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Support
Assist the Displays Supervisor in guiding the team.
Serve as a role model for professionalism and SEA LIFE values.
Support training, mentoring, and development of Aquarists and Husbandry Assistants.
Lead daily tasks and meetings when leadership is absent.
Animal Care & Welfare
Maintain the highest standards of animal welfare across all exhibits.
Keep accurate records for animal care, diving, water quality, and health.
Assist with animal transport, quarantine, disease diagnosis, treatments, and vet rounds.
Educate team members on disease recognition, medication calculations, and husbandry best practices.
Life Support Systems & Water Quality
Monitor and manage water quality parameters across all exhibits.
Maintain, troubleshoot, and teach others about filtration systems, protein skimmers, UV, ozone, reactors, and plumbing.
Assist in designing, building, repairing, and improving aquarium life support systems.
Ensure chemistries stay within range and collaborate with leadership on corrective action.
Diving & Exhibit Maintenance
Perform and lead SCUBA operations in large-scale exhibits (200,000+ gallons).
Dive with sharks, rays, turtles, and other marine life in closed environments.
Support underwater cleaning, maintenance, animal collections, and guest dive shows.
Maintain company‑issued dive gear and diver areas to SEA LIFE standards.
Guest Experience, Education & Conservation
Support Animal Ambassador and education programs.
Present confidently to guests, media, and professional audiences.
Champion conservation initiatives and help develop new conservation projects.
Inspire guests through engaging storytelling and world‑class displays.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum 5 years of professional aquarium experience.
At least 1 year in a leadership or lead‑of‑the‑day role.
Experience with diverse taxa (fish, invertebrates, elasmobranchs, reptiles, amphibians, etc.).
Strong background in water quality, life support systems, and animal health.
Required Certifications
Open Water SCUBA certification (required).
Rescue Diver certification preferred or ability to obtain.
1–2 years diving in public aquarium exhibits (70,000+ gallons preferred).
Ability to pass swim test, dive physical and obtain First Aid/CPR/AED/DAN O₂.
Education B.A./B.S. in Life Sciences or an accredited aquarium/zoological program (required).
Health, Safety & Compliance
Ensure compliance with AZA, USDA, and Merlin Health & Safety standards.
Assist with SOP development, risk assessments, and safety training.
Accurate incident reporting and proactive risk management.
Work Environment & Schedule
Flexible schedule required (weekends, holidays, evenings).
Work in wet, variable‑temperature environments.
Lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks throughout the shift.
On‑call emergency response may be required.
Why Join SEA LIFE Orlando? Because here, you don’t just care for animals—you
lead, innovate, inspire, and protect the ocean
while shaping the next generation of aquarists.
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Paid Time Off.
Merlin Magic Pass for friends and family.
Recognition programs and rewards.
401(k) program with company matching.
Tuition reimbursement programs.
Learning and advancement opportunities.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Management and Manufacturing
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Location:
Orlando, FL
Pay Range:
$24.00/hr (actual pay based on skills and experience)
Employment Type:
Full-time – Flexibility required (weekends, holidays, evenings)
Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Support
Assist the Displays Supervisor in guiding the team.
Serve as a role model for professionalism and SEA LIFE values.
Support training, mentoring, and development of Aquarists and Husbandry Assistants.
Lead daily tasks and meetings when leadership is absent.
Animal Care & Welfare
Maintain the highest standards of animal welfare across all exhibits.
Keep accurate records for animal care, diving, water quality, and health.
Assist with animal transport, quarantine, disease diagnosis, treatments, and vet rounds.
Educate team members on disease recognition, medication calculations, and husbandry best practices.
Life Support Systems & Water Quality
Monitor and manage water quality parameters across all exhibits.
Maintain, troubleshoot, and teach others about filtration systems, protein skimmers, UV, ozone, reactors, and plumbing.
Assist in designing, building, repairing, and improving aquarium life support systems.
Ensure chemistries stay within range and collaborate with leadership on corrective action.
Diving & Exhibit Maintenance
Perform and lead SCUBA operations in large-scale exhibits (200,000+ gallons).
Dive with sharks, rays, turtles, and other marine life in closed environments.
Support underwater cleaning, maintenance, animal collections, and guest dive shows.
Maintain company‑issued dive gear and diver areas to SEA LIFE standards.
Guest Experience, Education & Conservation
Support Animal Ambassador and education programs.
Present confidently to guests, media, and professional audiences.
Champion conservation initiatives and help develop new conservation projects.
Inspire guests through engaging storytelling and world‑class displays.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum 5 years of professional aquarium experience.
At least 1 year in a leadership or lead‑of‑the‑day role.
Experience with diverse taxa (fish, invertebrates, elasmobranchs, reptiles, amphibians, etc.).
Strong background in water quality, life support systems, and animal health.
Required Certifications
Open Water SCUBA certification (required).
Rescue Diver certification preferred or ability to obtain.
1–2 years diving in public aquarium exhibits (70,000+ gallons preferred).
Ability to pass swim test, dive physical and obtain First Aid/CPR/AED/DAN O₂.
Education B.A./B.S. in Life Sciences or an accredited aquarium/zoological program (required).
Health, Safety & Compliance
Ensure compliance with AZA, USDA, and Merlin Health & Safety standards.
Assist with SOP development, risk assessments, and safety training.
Accurate incident reporting and proactive risk management.
Work Environment & Schedule
Flexible schedule required (weekends, holidays, evenings).
Work in wet, variable‑temperature environments.
Lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks throughout the shift.
On‑call emergency response may be required.
Why Join SEA LIFE Orlando? Because here, you don’t just care for animals—you
lead, innovate, inspire, and protect the ocean
while shaping the next generation of aquarists.
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Paid Time Off.
Merlin Magic Pass for friends and family.
Recognition programs and rewards.
401(k) program with company matching.
Tuition reimbursement programs.
Learning and advancement opportunities.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Management and Manufacturing
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