🌊 Aquarist I – SEA LIFE Arizona 🐢🦈

Dive into a career where your office is an aquarium!

Do you love animals, teamwork, and getting your hands wet? 💦 SEA LIFE Arizona is looking for a passionate Aquarist I to join our Displays Team and help care for an incredible collection of freshwater and marine animals—from sharks and rays to reptiles and invertebrates 🐍🐟

If you’re excited about animal care, guest engagement, and working behind the scenes (and sometimes in the tanks!), this might be the perfect role for you.

🐠 Job Summary

As an Aquarist I, you’ll work closely with the Displays Team to support the daily care, feeding, and life support systems of our aquatic and reptile exhibits. You’ll help ensure the highest standards of animal welfare while creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.

🛠️ Key Responsibilities

✨ Provide daily care for aquatic and reptile exhibits, including diet prep, feeding, cleaning, and maintenance
📋 Maintain accurate daily records for animal care, water quality, dive logs, and health documentation
🧪 Assist with water quality testing, quarantine procedures, disease diagnosis, and treatments
🚚 Support specimen transports and exhibit development projects
🤿 Assist with husbandry and life support systems, including SCUBA diving in large exhibits (up to 200,000 gallons!)
🧰 Maintain company-issued dive gear and diver workspaces per SEA LIFE standards
🎤 Deliver fun, interactive guest programs and public presentations—both dry and underwater
🌟 Engage with guests to create magical, educational experiences
🔧 Perform other duties as assigned to support the team and attraction goals

🎓 Education & Experience

✅ High School Diploma or GED required
🎓 B.A./B.S. in Life Sciences (Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology, Psychology) or accredited aquarium/zoo program preferred
🐾 Experience in a public aquarium or zoo is a plus
🧠 Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
🌱 Eager to learn, adaptable, and thrives in a fast-paced environment
💬 Excellent communication and customer service skills
😄 Fun, outgoing, and enjoys working both independently and as part of a team

📜 Licenses & Certifications

✔ Ability to obtain required certifications and licenses
✔ Ability to meet AZA, USDA, and Merlin Health & Safety standards

🚗 Travel

📍 Occasional local travel may be required

🦺 Health, Safety & Working Conditions

Safety is a top priority! Employees are responsible for following all health, safety, and security procedures and reporting incidents as required.

⏰ Must be available to work flexible schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
📅 Attendance is an essential function of the role

💪 Physical & Environmental Requirements

🏋️ Lift up to 50 lbs with or without accommodation
🚶‍♀️ Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, reach, and move throughout the attraction for full shifts
🌡️ Work indoors and outdoors with varying temperatures, lighting, noise levels, and wet conditions
🧤 Wear required personal protective equipment

🌟 Ready to dive in and make waves with us?

Join SEA LIFE Arizona and be part of a team that inspires conservation, curiosity, and unforgettable guest experiences—every single day 🐬💙

🎉 Benefits of Joining Merlin Entertainments! 🎉

🏥 Excellent Health Care Options: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
🌴 Outstanding Paid Time Off (PTO): Enjoy well-deserved breaks to recharge!
🎢 Merlin Magic Pass: Free entry for friends and family to our amazing parks & attractions. 🎡
🏆 Recognition Programs and Rewards: Celebrate your achievements and hard work!
💼 401(k) Program: Save for the future with company matching contributions.
📚 Tuition Reimbursement Programs: Get support for further education and career growth.
🚀 Numerous Learning and Advancement Opportunities: Grow your skills and advance your career with us!
Ready to be a part of the magic? Apply today and start your adventure with Merlin Entertainments! 🌟✨