Aquarist Supervisor - Marine Operations

Atlantis; Dubai; On-site; AED 167,000 - 246,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlantis Resorts in Dubai, United Arab Emirates seeks an Aquarist Supervisor - Marine Operations to lead marine and freshwater husbandry, oversee exhibits, life support systems and water quality, and drive guest-facing marine experiences.

The ideal candidate has minimum 5 years aquarium experience with at least 1 year in supervision, a biology-related degree, and certifications such as PADI Open Water or Divemaster; strong English and mentoring skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science or related discipline preferred.
• Minimum 5 years aquarium experience.
• At least 1 year supervisory or team leadership experience.
• PADI Open Water certification required; Divemaster desirable.

Responsibilities

• Observe marine and freshwater animals daily and identify changes in health, appetite, behavior or condition.
• Oversee routine animal husbandry practices and ensure established welfare standards are followed consistently.
• Maintain aquarium exhibits through established routine and preventive maintenance programs.
• Lead problem-solving activities within assigned operational areas.
• Mentor junior aquarists and provide clear technical direction during routine and complex tasks.

Skills

Veterinary-Animal Care

Aquarium supervision

Marine animal husbandry

Freshwater animal husbandry

Animal welfare

Team supervision

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science or related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Snapshot

• Role: Aquarist Supervisor - Marine Operations
• Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Industry: Hospitality
• Function: Veterinary-Animal Care
• Experience: Minimum 5 years aquarium experience with 1 year supervisory experience
• Job Type: Full-time

Aquarist Supervisor - Marine Operations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is a Hospitality opportunity focused on supervising marine and freshwater animal husbandry, aquarium exhibits, life support systems, water quality, feeding programs and guest-facing marine experiences. Atlantis Resorts is hiring an experienced aquarium professional to guide junior team members, oversee animal care standards, support quarantine and treatment programs, maintain technical systems and contribute to conservation and educational activities within a large luxury resort environment.

Job Details

Country: United Arab Emirates City: Dubai Industry: Hospitality Function: Veterinary-Animal Care Salary: 15000-22000 Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in the job city; please confirm the final offer with the employer.

Role Context

The Aquarist Supervisor provides hands‑on leadership within marine aquarium operations while maintaining high standards of animal welfare, water quality and exhibit condition. The position combines advanced husbandry knowledge with team supervision, technical troubleshooting and guest engagement. By monitoring animal health, supporting preventive maintenance and developing junior aquarists, the role contributes directly to safe aquarium operations, consistent animal care and engaging marine experiences for resort guests and the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

• Observe marine and freshwater animals daily and identify changes in health, appetite, behavior or condition.
• Report abnormalities promptly and participate in decisions regarding appropriate corrective action.
• Oversee routine animal husbandry practices and ensure established welfare standards are followed consistently.
• Maintain healthy and sanitary living conditions throughout assigned aquarium areas.
• Supervise feeding schedules and confirm dietary programs are completed accurately.
• Review animal nutrition requirements and support appropriate adjustments when necessary.
• Ensure disease recognition, treatment and preventive health procedures are carried out according to approved standards.
• Plan and execute quarantine protocols for newly received or medically managed animals.
• Support safe animal handling, transfer and transport activities.
• Maintain accurate records covering animal observations, diets, treatments and behavioral changes.
• Compile information from animal records and departmental logbooks to identify trends requiring attention.
• Maintain aquarium exhibits through established routine and preventive maintenance programs.
• Verify that team members complete exhibit maintenance tasks according to required procedures.
• Inspect dive equipment and exhibit equipment regularly and arrange corrective action for faults.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance on operational equipment within assigned areas.
• Report equipment malfunctions immediately to the appropriate supervisor.
• Maintain working knowledge of Saltwater and Freshwater Life Support Systems.
• Troubleshoot abnormal Life Support System conditions and participate in identifying practical solutions.
• Conduct water quality analysis and evaluate results against established operating parameters.
• Ensure corrective actions are initiated when water conditions move outside acceptable ranges.
• Oversee live feed culture programs supporting fish and invertebrate husbandry.
• Maintain consistent rearing and feeding practices for relevant animal collections.
• Apply animal compatibility, behavioral and welfare knowledge when managing aquarium populations.
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of local and exhibit species, including common and scientific names.
• Apply knowledge of external fish anatomy, disease indicators and species behavior during daily observations.
• Lead problem‑solving activities within assigned operational areas.
• Mentor junior aquarists and provide clear technical direction during routine and complex tasks.
• Coach team members in animal husbandry, safety and aquarium operating procedures.
• Provide constructive feedback while promoting cooperation, reliability and professional development.
• Support development of stronger technical capability across the aquarium team.
• Maintain employee, guest and animal safety during all husbandry and operational activities.
• Deliver marine educational and conservation experiences for resort guests and community audiences.
• Support Marine Animal Adventure interactions and ensure programs meet required operational standards.
• Communicate marine knowledge confidently during public speaking, marketing or public relations activities.
• Build effective working relationships with international aquarium organizations, vendors and internal departments.
• Prepare clear written reports, operational updates and professional email communications.
• Maintain knowledge of resort facilities, guest services and departmental procedures.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures and departmental manuals during all activities.
• Remain available for animal care requirements that may occur outside normal operating schedules.
• Support continuous professional development through structured learning, observation and technical resources.

Ideal Profile

• Bachelor 's Degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science or a related discipline is preferred.
• Equivalent technical knowledge supported by substantial professional aquarium experience may also be considered.
• Minimum 5 years of aquarium experience.
• At least 1 year of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• PADI Openwater Scuba Certification or equivalent is required.
• PADI Divemaster certification or higher is desirable.
• Strong practical understanding of marine and freshwater animal husbandry.
• Proven experience managing animal diets, health observations and welfare programs.
• Experience with quarantine procedures, disease recognition and treatment protocols.
• Practical knowledge of animal transport and safe handling methods.
• Strong understanding of water quality analysis and aquarium record keeping.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting Life Support Systems.
• Knowledge of live feed cultures, fish rearing and invertebrate husbandry.
• Ability to mentor, coach and direct junior aquarium personnel.
• Confident decision‑making within assigned operational responsibilities.
• Strong spoken and written English.
• Professional reporting and email communication skills.
• Good Microsoft Office skills.
• Comfortable working independently while also contributing effectively within a team.
• Strong public speaking ability and genuine interest in guest interaction.
• Able to communicate professionally with managers, colleagues, vendors and external aquarium partners.
• Flexibility to support animal care requirements across varying shifts and operating conditions.

Skills Set

• Veterinary-Animal Care
• Aquarium supervision
• Marine animal husbandry
• Freshwater animal husbandry
• Animal welfare
• Animal behavior
• Animal observation
• Fish health
• Disease recognition
• Animal treatment
• Quarantine protocols
• Animal transport
• Animal handling
• Feeding programs
• Animal nutrition
• Dietary management
• Marine species identification
• Scientific species identification
• Fish anatomy
• Animal compatibility
• Life Support Systems
• Saltwater systems
• Freshwater systems
• Water quality analysis
• Water chemistry
• Aquarium exhibit maintenance
• Preventive maintenance
• Dive equipment maintenance
• Aquarium equipment
• Live feed cultures
• Fish rearing
• Invertebrate husbandry
• Animal record keeping
• Departmental logbooks
• PADI Openwater Scuba
• PADI Divemaster
• Marine education
• Conservation education
• Marine Animal Adventures
• Public speaking
• Guest engagement
• Team supervision
• Aquarist mentoring
• Technical coaching
• Problem solving
• Microsoft Office
• Technical reporting
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Aquarium safety

Why Join Us

This position offers an experienced aquarium professional the opportunity to combine technical husbandry expertise with team leadership in a sophisticated marine operation within Dubai 's Hospitality sector. The role provides broad exposure to marine and freshwater collections, Life Support Systems, quarantine programs, water quality, guest education and conservation initiatives while creating a clear pathway toward more senior aquarium and animal care leadership responsibilities.

About the Company

Atlantis Resorts is part of Kerzner International and operates major luxury hospitality destinations in Dubai. Atlantis The Royal combines premium accommodation, signature dining, wellness and entertainment with specialized marine operations supported by animal care, aquarium, technical and guest experience teams committed to maintaining high standards of welfare, education and operational excellence.