Marine Mammal Specialist 3

Atlantis Dubai; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury resort in Dubai is seeking a Marine Mammal Specialist 3 to support daily care and training of marine mammals. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience, strong skills in behavioral training, and excel in delivering guest interactions. You'll be responsible for animal husbandry, data recording, and team mentorship in a dynamic outdoor setting. This role offers opportunities for professional growth within the hospitality industry, coupled with a competitive, tax-free salary and benefits.

Benefits

Generous food and beverage privileges

Discounted rates at Kerzner properties

Comprehensive health insurance

Annual flights home

Life insurance

Incentive programme

Colleague wellness initiatives

World-class training access

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with marine mammals.
• Demonstrated understanding of husbandry and training principles.
• Strong written and spoken English; additional languages are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily assessments for animal health and welfare.
• Apply operant conditioning techniques for training.
• Participate in guest programs for public engagement.
• Maintain accurate records for operational data.

Skills

Operant conditioning

Behavioral training

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Observation skills

Communication in English

Education

High School Diploma

Degree in Zoology or Marine Biology (preferred)

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.

Atlantis Dubai is seeking a dedicated Marine Mammal Specialist 3 to join our world-class Marine Mammal Operations team. This role supports the daily care, training, welfare, and enrichment of a diverse marine mammal collection within a high-volume interactive facility. The position requires strong behavioural training skills, a solid understanding of operant conditioning, and the ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences while upholding best practices aligned with the Five Domains of Animal Welfare.

Under the supervision of management, the Marine Mammal Specialist 3 is responsible for husbandry behaviours, program participation, accurate data recording, habitat maintenance, and mentorship of junior team members. The role requires a high level of professionalism, physical readiness, and the ability to thrive in dynamic outdoor environments.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Animal Welfare & Husbandry

• Perform daily behavioural, health, and environmental assessments in alignment with the Five Pillars: Nutrition, Environment, Health, Behaviour, and Mental Well-being.
• Support administration of medications, vitamins, and routine treatments.
• Prepare diets and ensure proper food handling, portioning, and storage.
• Maintain clean, safe, and sanitary animal habitats and workspaces.

Training & Behavioural Conditioning

• Apply operant conditioning and positive reinforcement to maintain and progress behaviours.
• Assist in training for guest programs, husbandry procedures, enrichment, and behavioural management.
• Participate in behaviour modification plans under management guidance.

Guest Programs & Public Engagement

• Participate in interactive programs, presentations, and educational experiences.
• Provide exceptional guest service with a focus on conservation messaging and memorable interactions.
• Complete all pre- and post-program safety and operational checks.

Record Keeping & Digital Accuracy

• Maintain accurate, timely records for animal health, behaviour, and operational data using digital systems.
• Support departmental documentation and administrative duties as required.

Team Support & Mentorship

• Serve as a role model for Marine Mammal Specialists 4, supporting their skill development and training progression.
• Promote teamwork, positive communication, and a constructive learning environment.
• Contribute to team morale by demonstrating enthusiasm, professionalism, and reliability.

Operational Standards & Safety

• Adhere to all SOPs, safety procedures, and facility guidelines.
• Practice resource efficiency, minimize waste, and support sustainability initiatives.
• Maintain physical readiness and pass the annual departmental swim test.

Other Requirements

• Ability to adapt to changing schedules including weekends, holidays, and overtime.
• Work outdoors in extreme temperatures and variable weather conditions.
• Respond to operational direction positively and professionally.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with marine mammals in a professional training environment.
• High School Diploma required; degree in Zoology, Psychology, Marine Biology, or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of advanced husbandry and training principles.
• Strong written and spoken English; additional languages are a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Successful completion of annual swim and physical fitness tests.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong foundation in operant conditioning and marine mammal behaviour.
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a high-functioning team.
• Strong observation, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning, feedback, and professional growth.
• Ability to communicate clearly with colleagues, management, and guests.
• High integrity, accountability, and resilience under pressure.
• Positive, enthusiastic, and solution-oriented attitude.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks including swimming, lifting, bending, and extended periods of standing.
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, humidity, and unpredictable conditions.
• Ability to handle raw seafood and work in wet environments.

Perks

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.

Salary

Competitive