Assistant Manager, Marine Mammals

Atlantis Resorts; Dubai; On-site; AED 391,000 - 580,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Food & beverage privileges

Discounted rates at Kerzner properties

Health insurance (dental)

Annual flights home

Life insurance

Incentive program

Wellness and social initiatives

Job summary

Atlantis Resorts in Dubai seeks an Assistant Manager for marine mammal training to oversee and enhance animal training programs using operant conditioning and positive reinforcement. You will lead with a focus on welfare, education, and guest experiences, ensuring compliance with SOPs, health and safety, and collaboration across departments in a luxury hospitality setting.

Applicants must be physically fit to work outdoors, pass the annual fitness test, and be flexible with schedules including

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years’ proven experience in marine mammal training.
• Degree in Zoology, Psychology or Marine Biology related would be an advantage.
• Advanced knowledge of animal training and husbandry principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Good command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of additional languages is a plus.
• Pass the annual department fitness test.
• Rescue Diver Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Animal Welfare & Observations: conduct daily observations for health and environment.
• Administer animal medications and vitamins as prescribed.
• Behavioral Conditioning: apply operant conditioning and positive reinforcement.
• Deliver exceptional customer service during guest programs and education.
• Participate in interactive programs and ensure checks are completed.
• Record Maintenance: manage health and behavior data in digital systems.
• Environment & Safety: ensure cleanliness and safety in animal areas.
• Follow SOPs and guidelines for best practices.
• Manage daily operations and planning as required.
• Mentor and develop colleagues to meet management goals.
• Promote sustainability and resource efficiency.
• Be flexible with scheduling; pass physical swim tests and adapt to overtime.

Skills

Marine mammal training

Leadership

Operations planning

Animal welfare

Microsoft Office

English proficiency

Rescue Diver

Education

High school diploma

Degree in Zoology or Marine Biology (advantage)

Job description

( 21441 )

A part of Kerzner International, a global leader in luxury hospitality, Atlantis, The Palm is a world where iconic stays, legendary adventures, and the boldest flavours all come together to transport guests to A World Away. The iconic resort, located on the crescent of Palm Island, features 1,544 Rooms, Suites, and Signature Suites, each designed with thoughtful details inspired by the sea. It is the ultimate destination for world-class dining, bringing together some of the most renowned celebrity chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants. The resort is also home to unforgettable experiences, from record-breaking thrills at the world’s largest waterpark to stunning views of 65,000 marine animals in the aquarium, and close encounters with resident Indo-Pacific dolphins at Dolphin Bay. Behind this extraordinary destination are over 6,000 colleagues from 129 nationalities. Together, we foster a vibrant and inclusive culture where talent is nurtured, wellbeing is prioritised, and careers truly thrive.

About The Role

The Assistant Manager plays a crucial role in overseeing and supporting the implementation of advanced animal training techniques, including operant conditioning and positive reinforcement. This position requires strong leadership and operational planning skills to ensure the well-being of the animals and to deliver exceptional guest experiences. The Assistant Manager will uphold the company's commitment to conservation, education, and research while ensuring adherence to the five pillars of animal welfare: good nutrition, a suitable environment, good health, appropriate behavior, and positive mental experiences. Applicants must be physically fit and able to work effectively outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Animal Welfare & Observations: Conduct daily animal observations to assess behavior, health, and environmental conditions, ensuring that all practices align with the five pillars of animal welfare.
• Administer animal medications and vitamins: Ensure daily administration of prescribed medications and vitamins.
• Behavioral Conditioning: Apply operant conditioning and positive reinforcement techniques to maintain and enhance animal behavior. Address and modify challenging behaviors while ensuring the mental well-being of the animals.
• Deliver exceptional customer service: Provide excellent service during guest interactive programs, focusing on education, conservation, research and creating memorable experiences.
• Participate in interactive programs and presentations: Engage in daily educational programs and presentations and ensure that all pre- and post-program checks are completed thoroughly.
• Record Maintenance: Accurately record and manage animal health, behavior data, and general departmental records using digital systems.
• Environment & Safety: Ensure cleanliness and safety in animal environment and the overall work areas.
• Follow SOPs and guidelines: Adhere to standard operating procedures and organizational guidelines to ensure consistent best practices.
• Manage daily operations: Plan, organize, and oversee daily operations as required, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning.
• Mentor and develop colleagues: Empower and motivate team members at all levels by advancing their professional growth and development. Serve as a role model and guide, helping them to achieve their full potential and align with management’s vision and goals.
• Resource Efficiency: Strive to minimize waste and promote sustainability in all aspects of operations.
• Adapt to new circumstances: Be flexible and versatile, adapting to new situations and supporting company decisions as they evolve.
• Promote a positive work environment: Create an enjoyable and motivating workplace, helping each team member excel and achieve their best.
• Be a team player: Collaborate effectively with others, working well under pressure and taking direction as needed.
• Pass physical swim test: Successfully complete an annual physical swim test to ensure readiness for the role’s physical demands.
• Be flexible with scheduling: Adapt to varying schedules, including overtime, public holidays, and weekends as required.
• Pass physical swim test: Successfully complete an annual physical swim test to ensure readiness for the role’s physical demands.
• Be flexible with scheduling: Adapt to varying schedules, including overtime, public holidays, and weekends as required.

About You

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 5 years’ of proven experience in marine mammal training.
• Degree in Zoology, Psychology or Marine Biology related would be an advantage.
• Advanced knowledge of animal training and husbandry principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Good command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of additional languages is a plus.
• Pass the annual department fitness test.
• Rescue Diver Certified preferred

We offer a competitive, tax-free salary paid in UAE Dirhams (AED), alongside a wealth of benefits. These include generous food and beverage privileges, exclusive discounted rates at all Kerzner properties worldwide, comprehensive health insurance (with dental coverage), annual flights home, life insurance, an incentive program, and a variety of colleague wellness and social initiatives.

With a strong emphasis on learning and development, colleagues at Atlantis enjoy access to world-class training, career mobility, and internal growth opportunities across the Kerzner portfolio - making this an ideal environment for ambitious individuals seeking a long-term, fulfilling career in luxury hospitality. Join the A-Team and discover the extraordinary.