Assistant Manager, Marine Mammals

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Dubai; On-site; AED 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hospitality group in Dubai is seeking an experienced Assistant Manager to supervise advanced animal training techniques and ensure animal welfare. The ideal candidate has a high school diploma, with at least 5 years of experience in marine mammal training, and is skilled in operational planning and customer service. This role offers a competitive, tax-free salary and numerous benefits, making it an exceptional opportunity for ambitious individuals.

Benefits

Generous food and beverage privileges

Comprehensive health insurance

Annual flights home

Career growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of proven experience in marine mammal training.
• Advanced knowledge of animal training and husbandry principles.
• Good command of written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily animal observations to assess behavior and health.
• Administer prescribed medications and vitamins to animals.
• Apply operant conditioning and positive reinforcement techniques.
• Provide excellent service during guest interactive programs.
• Engage in daily educational programs and presentations.
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in animal environments.
• Plan and oversee daily operations to ensure efficiency.
• Mentor and develop colleagues to advance their growth.

Skills

Animal Training

Leadership

Operational Planning

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Degree in Zoology, Psychology, or Marine Biology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Atlantis Dubai is part of Kerzner International, and home to two extraordinary resorts: the world-renowned Atlantis, The Palm and the ultra‑luxury Atlantis The Royal. Together, they represent world‑class service, bold innovation, and unforgettable experiences brought to life. With over 6,000 colleagues from 129 nationalities, Atlantis Dubai operates as one team, with many departments and back‑of‑house functions seamlessly supporting both resorts.

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.
• 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.

Skills, Experience & Educational Requirements

• 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.

Personal Skills

• Is open to constructive criticism and comfortable to admit mistakes.
• Shows integrity in all his/her dealings with others.
• Has strong desire to continuously learn and develop self.
• Seeks out mentor opportunities and proactively asks for feedback from others.
• Uses logic and systematic reasoning when approaching problems.
• Adapts well in a team environment, finds his/her role in a team.
• Shares ideas for improvement for the overall good of the team.
• Is open to other people’s ideas and suggestions. An active participant in the team, does not sit back.
• Contributes to creating strong team morale (enthusiastic, upbeat, positive, etc.).
• Celebrates the team, not the individual victory.
• Creates an environment in which people want to do their best.
• Leads by example.
• Makes people feel their contribution is important.
• Re‑enforces the company’s vision and mission and ensures employees know their contribution and impact to fulfilling the vision and mission.
• Demonstrates energy and enthusiasm for own work and attempts to transfer that feeling to others.

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 programme, 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.

How to Apply

Send aCV and cover letter to:

Zari Scott