Job Title: Curator

Division: SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND

Classification: Exempt

Department: Displays

Reporting to: Senior Curator of SEA LIFE North America / Site Manager

Direct Reports: Senior Aquarist(s), Education Specialist

Job Purpose:

Delivery of industry-leading, engaging and impactful displays, animal welfare standards, and programs across the site. Achieved through direct operational ownership of the SEA LIFE curatorial team, animal collection, and displays. The Curator works closely with the SEA LIFE North America (NA) Curators, Global Conservation, Welfare and Education (CWE) division, and all LEGOLAND Departments (HR, Finance, Facilities, PR, Marketing, Department Managers/Directors) to deliver brand and LEGOLAND’s long-term visions. The Curator will work closely with the operations and education team to ensure daily operations are appropriately managed.

Essential Job Functions:

• Leads continued development to achieve consistently high standards of animal care in accordance with all SEA LIFE (Merlin) and AZA policies and procedures.

• Leads Curatorial team to deliver world-class aquatic and terrestrial displays through a focus on team engagement, development and implementation of innovative and pioneering display development plans.

• Consistently improves team engagement, productivity and performance through engagement initiatives, training and structured management.

• Oversees Education Specialist to ensure interpretive content and program content is up to standard.

• Drives conservation and education programs, partnerships and collaborations in conjunction with other departments (e.g., operations, LEGOLAND education, etc.).

• Manages operational and capital expenditure in line with budgets to deliver budgeted EBIT.

• Ensures effective use and maintenance of the LSS on site to maintain the highest animal welfare standards and deliver on SEA LIFE Experience Mandatories. Ensures systems are in place to effectively collate, report, and rectify deficiencies in LSS systems or their operations.

• Drives continuous improvement by creating and following up on recommendations for key actions through effective monitoring of month-to-month performance (e.g., KPIs, mortality rates, breeding successes, conservation projects, etc.), display appraisals, and veterinary visits.

• Works with key stakeholders and develops strategies to maintain and improve existing and new displays, while meeting the SEA LIFE Cornerstones and Experience Mandatories across the region. Inspires teams to innovate and create, maximizing guest engagement with creatures.

• Cultivates guest-obsessed teams who focus on experience as a fundamental requirement of their roles, as measured by Mystery Visit, external and internal reviews, and key performance indicators.

• Ensures that all diving operations on site are managed and undertaken safely by adhering to the Global SEA LIFE Dive Policy and actively leads involvement of site specialists through the Regional Dive Safety Board.

• Consistently improves team engagement, productivity, and performance through engagement initiatives, training, and structured management.

• Works creatively with their own team and attraction management team to develop and deliver new and engaging displays, products, marketing campaigns, and HR initiatives.

• Operates autonomously and makes decisions in line with technical and animal expertise, guiding business decisions around animal/display-related actions.

• Has accountability for all animal/display decisions across the SEA LIFE site.

• Supports other functions without direct oversight, including Admissions, Commercial Ops, Maintenance, HR, Finance, Marketing, and Public Relations.

• Demonstrates strong communication skills and the ability to represent the attraction on media outlets (TV, radio, social media, etc.).

About the Candidate:

• A strong background in people and performance management, gained through significant experience working as a Curator/Displays Head.

• A thorough understanding of animal welfare principles, animal behavior, transport, and husbandry development. Remains close to industry best practices and implements relevant techniques.

• A practical eye for detail with the ability to inspire and create "wow" displays, with working knowledge of theming, lighting, and water movement.

• Accountable for Curatorial OPEX and CAPEX budgets.

• Identifies strategic and tactical opportunities to develop curatorial facilities and recommends appropriate actions.

• Solves complex issues using investigative techniques and engagement with specialist stakeholders.

• Empowered to develop and adapt team functions, structures, approaches, and priorities in line with broader business vision.

Other Responsibilities:

• Strictly observes all appropriate financial authority mandates.

• Demonstrates ability to think on their feet.

• Embodies the Merlin Values at every opportunity.

• Follows SEA LIFE Animal Ethical Sourcing protocols and assists in managing the site collection to maximize animal welfare.

• Actively supports SEA LIFE’s conservation efforts and initiatives through education and involvement.

Health & Safety:

Managers/supervisors are responsible for all aspects of Health, Safety & Security within their team, in line with Group Policy (HS001). This includes ensuring risk assessments are carried out, safe working procedures are in place, and all employees are aware of the Group Health, Safety, and Security Policy and their obligations. Managers must ensure practices are monitored, risk assessments are reviewed regularly, and corrective actions are taken when needed.

Education and Experience:

• B.A./B.S. degree in Life Sciences (Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology, Psychology) or a two-year certification from an accredited aquarium science/zoological program is preferred.

• 10 years of animal experience is preferred.

• 5+ years of supervisory/management experience is preferred.

• Proven knowledge of the maintenance and operation of large life support systems (e.g., sand filters, canister filters, UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, ozone generators).

• SCUBA diving skills: advanced underwater exhibit maintenance, open-water diving, and animal collection. Dive program management experience preferred.

• Advanced experience with a wide variety of tropical and temperate marine, freshwater, and terrestrial specimens including sharks, rays, jellies, corals, seahorses, cephalopods, reptiles, and turtles.

• Advanced knowledge in the quarantine, diagnosis, and treatment of fish disease.

• Strong water quality testing and record-keeping skills.

• Skilled in aquarium display setup and development including LSS design, exhibit collection planning, and theming concepts.

• Proven leadership, verbal/written communication, and organizational skills.

• Comfortable communicating with guests in public forums.

Work Environment:

• Various indoor/outdoor areas within the facility, with varying temperatures and floor surfaces.

• Flexible working arrangements may be considered.

Working Pattern:

• Typically flexible, based on facility operating hours.

• Will require some weekend and holiday availability.

• Standard work schedule is five days out of seven (40 hours).

urs a week- Salaried Role).

About the Perks

In return, you will find a competitive salary and benefits package (including a medical, vision, dental, life insurance, and 401(k) matching plan offering), and benefit from free entry to all of our Merlin attractions which also extend to family and friends.  In addition, you can expect continued growth of joining an exciting, global organization.

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. 

We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to perform their best at interview, so if you have any additional requirements due to ill health or a disability, please contact our friendly team to have a discussion. You can get in contact at NAPeopleHUB@merlinentertainments.biz.