Aquarist - Marine Animal Husbandry

Atlantis; Dubai; On-site; AED 67,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlantis Resorts in Dubai seeks an Aquarist - Marine Animal Husbandry to care for marine and freshwater species. The role involves daily husbandry, feeding, water quality monitoring, diving activities, and guest education within a world‑class marine facility.

You will contribute to animal welfare, maintain records, and work closely with veterinary and water quality teams to ensure safe exhibits and engaging public programs.

Qualifications

• PADI Rescue Scuba certification or an equivalent diving qualification.
• At least 2 years of experience in an aquarium, aquatic animal facility, or marine environment.
• A bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science, or related discipline is desirable but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily husbandry care for marine and freshwater animals according to established welfare standards.
• Observe animals closely and report unusual behavior or health concerns to management.
• Prepare diets in accordance with approved nutritional and feeding programs.
• Conduct topside and underwater feeding activities.
• Maintain accurate records of feeding, observations, husbandry activities, and data.

Skills

Marine animal husbandry

Aquarium operations

Water quality analysis

Diving safety

Public engagement

Animal welfare standards

OERCA

ZIMS

Education

Bachelor in Biology / Zoology / Marine Science

Tools

ZIMS

OERCA

Job description

Aquarist - Marine Animal Husbandry Job Snapshot Role: Aquarist - Marine Animal Husbandry Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Industry: Veterinary Services Function: Veterinary-Animal Care Experience: Minimum 2 years Job Type: Full-time Position Overview Aquarist - Marine Animal Husbandry in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is a Veterinary Services opportunity at Atlantis Resorts focused on the daily care, nutrition, welfare, environmental monitoring, and husbandry of marine and freshwater animals. The role combines aquarium operations, feeding programs, water quality monitoring, diving activities, animal observations, exhibit maintenance, record keeping, and marine education while supporting internationally recognized standards of animal welfare.

Job Details Country: United Arab Emirates City: Dubai Industry: Veterinary Services Function: Veterinary-Animal Care Salary: 6000-9000 Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in the job city; please confirm the final offer with the employer. Gender: Any Candidate Nationality: Any Job Type: Full-time

Role Context The Aquarist contributes directly to the health and wellbeing of Atlantis Dubai 's extensive marine and freshwater animal collections. Daily responsibilities extend beyond routine aquarium maintenance and require continuous observation of animal behavior, precise feeding practices, environmental monitoring, safe diving operations, and disciplined record keeping. The position also has an educational dimension. Aquarists interact with guests and colleagues, translating technical knowledge about marine life, husbandry, and aquarium operations into engaging learning experiences. Consistent execution helps maintain healthy animal populations, safe exhibits, reliable operational standards, and meaningful public engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily husbandry care for marine and freshwater animals according to established welfare standards.
• Observe animals closely and immediately report unusual behavior, physical changes, or potential health concerns to management.
• Prepare diets in accordance with approved nutritional and feeding programs.
• Conduct scheduled topside and underwater feeding activities.
• Maintain accurate records of feeding, animal observations, husbandry activities, and relevant operational data.
• Keep animal food preparation and storage areas hygienic, orderly, and compliant with departmental procedures.
• Perform routine water quality analysis and document results accurately.
• Apply appropriate quarantine and animal husbandry procedures when required.
• Maintain aquarium exhibits, holding areas, cultures, and supporting facilities.
• Conduct routine and preventive maintenance on exhibit equipment within assigned areas.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain diving equipment to ensure operational readiness and safety.
• Participate in diving activities required for animal care, feeding, cleaning, observation, and exhibit maintenance.
• Maintain safe, clean, hygienic, and organized working environments.
• Assist with animal acquisitions, transfers, dispositions, and receipt of locally sourced or imported collections.
• Follow established procedures when introducing or relocating animals.
• Support animal welfare initiatives through consistent application of approved husbandry techniques.
• Maintain departmental logbooks and animal records with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Use available animal tracking systems where applicable.
• Deliver marine education programs and guest interactions in an engaging and professional manner.
• Research marine life topics and prepare structured educational presentations for guests and colleagues.
• Develop technical husbandry knowledge through supervised participation, observation, training, and professional learning resources.
• Follow standard operating procedures, departmental manuals, safety requirements, and facility protocols.
• Maintain the physical fitness required to safely complete diving and animal care responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively with aquarists, veterinary teams, water quality personnel, and other operational departments.
• Remain available for shifts required to receive, care for, monitor, or respond to animal needs regardless of time or location.

Ideal Profile

The successful candidate should hold a PADI Rescue Scuba certification or an equivalent recognized diving qualification and have at least 2 years of experience in an aquarium, aquatic animal facility, marine environment, or comparable field. A bachelor 's degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science, or a related discipline is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates should possess a practical understanding of animal husbandry, feeding routines, aquarium maintenance, and basic animal record keeping. Experience with systems such as OERCA or ZIMS would be advantageous. Clear written and spoken English is required, along with the confidence to communicate enthusiastically with guests during marine education programs and animal-related experiences. The position requires someone capable of working independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Flexibility regarding shifts, days, and operational requirements is essential because animal care responsibilities continue outside conventional working hours.

Skills Set

• Marine animal husbandry
• Freshwater animal husbandry
• Aquarium operations
• Aquatic animal welfare
• PADI Rescue Scuba
• Professional diving safety
• Underwater feeding
• Animal feeding programs
• Diet preparation
• Animal behavior observation
• Animal health monitoring
• Aquarium exhibit maintenance
• Preventive maintenance
• Water quality analysis
• Quarantine procedures
• Animal record keeping
• OERCA
• ZIMS
• Marine life education
• Guest presentations
• Animal acquisition support
• Animal transfer procedures
• Dive equipment maintenance
• Food preparation hygiene
• Aquarium sanitation
• Microsoft Office
• Operational logbooks
• Marine biology
• Zoology
• Aquatic systems
• Public engagement
• Animal welfare standards

Why Join Us

Atlantis Resorts provides a distinctive environment for aquarists seeking hands‑on experience with large‑scale marine and freshwater collections in Dubai. The role combines animal husbandry, diving, aquarium operations, environmental monitoring, public education, and continuous technical development. Working alongside animal care and specialist teams also creates opportunities to broaden practical knowledge while building a long‑term career within an internationally recognized resort and marine‑life operation.

About the Company

Atlantis Resorts operates Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, with extensive marine attractions and aquarium facilities forming an important part of its guest experience. Its animal care teams support thousands of marine and freshwater animals through structured husbandry, welfare monitoring, environmental management, veterinary collaboration, education, and professionally maintained aquatic habitats.