Senior Aquarist - Marine Animal Care

Atlantis; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tax-free salary

Food and beverage privileges

Discounted rates

Health insurance

Annual flights home

Life insurance

Incentive program

Wellness initiatives

Career mobility

Job summary

Atlantis Resorts is seeking a Senior Aquarist in Dubai to lead marine animal care and aquarium operations at Atlantis The Royal. You will oversee health and welfare of marine life, ensure water quality and life-support system maintenance, and mentor Aquarists while supporting guest education.

Your role includes documentation, record-keeping, and coordinating with teams on new species and habitats, with opportunities for professional growth across Kerzner properties.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science or related field.
• PADI Rescue Certification or equivalent required.
• E-Quarist course certification for basic Aquarist knowledge.
• Experience with animal quarantine, treatment and transport; Life Support Systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain health and welfare of marine animals and monitor exhibits.
• Maintain accurate animal records and logs.
• Support water quality testing and system maintenance.
• Contribute to animal enrichment, nutrition, and welfare assessments.
• Provide guidance during major operational tasks and projects.
• Mentor junior Aquarists and ensure adherence to SOPs.

Skills

English communication

Leadership

Mentoring

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology/Zoology/Marine Science

Tools

OERCA

ZIMS

Job description

Senior Aquarist - Marine Animal Care Job Snapshot Role: Senior Aquarist Location: Dubai, UAE Industry: Veterinary Services Function: Veterinary-Animal Care Experience: Minimum 4 years in an Aquarist role Job Type: Full Time Position Overview Atlantis Resorts is hiring a Senior Aquarist in Dubai, UAE to support marine animal care, aquarium operations and guest education at Atlantis The Royal. The role combines advanced husbandry, animal welfare, life support systems, water quality management and scientific documentation with responsibility for mentoring Aquarists and contributing to the safe management of diverse aquatic collections.

Job Details Country: UAE City: Dubai Industry: Veterinary Services Function: Veterinary-Animal Care Salary: Not disclosed Gender: No Preference Candidate Nationality: Not specified Job Type: Full Time Work Arrangement: On-site

About the Role

As a Senior Aquarist, you will take an active role in maintaining the health, welfare and environments of marine animals while supporting aquarium operations, educational programs and scientific activities. You will monitor animals closely, maintain accurate records, contribute to treatment and corrective procedures, and provide experienced guidance during major operational tasks and projects.

Animal Care and Husbandry

• Conduct daily observations of animals and identify changes requiring attention.
• Contribute to animal diagnosis, treatment and corrective procedures.
• Maintain accurate animal records and departmental logbooks.
• Assess dietary requirements and recommend nutritional adjustments.
• Maintain records relating to animal enrichment, wellbeing, stock and size levels.
• Conduct behavioral, enrichment and welfare assessments.
• Assist with animal quarantine and treatment procedures.
• Support animal acquisitions and dispositions.
• Receive local and imported animal collections.
• Participate in animal transport activities.
• Assist with necropsy procedures when required.
• Support the introduction of new species and habitats according to welfare and enrichment standards.

Aquarium and Life Support Operations

• Maintain aquarium exhibits and cultures according to routine and preventive maintenance programs.
• Oversee saltwater and freshwater Life Support Systems within the assigned area.
• Perform water quality testing and analysis.
• Interpret test results and report abnormal readings.
• Contribute to corrective action when water quality parameters require adjustment.
• Maintain successful cultures and supplements used as food sources for invertebrates and larval fish.
• Support the introduction of new aquarium systems and theming.
• Maintain a safe, clean, hygienic and orderly working environment.

Scientific and Technical Responsibilities

The role contributes to scientific advancement projects through structured data collection, documentation and presentation of findings to the team. You will maintain detailed operational records covering Life Support Systems, animals and educational programs while preparing reports, email communications and accurate logs for your assigned area. Animal information and records must also be maintained through relevant online systems, including OERCA and ZIMS.

Guest Education and Marine Experiences

• Conduct marine educational programs for guests.
• Share detailed knowledge of marine life and aquarium operations.
• Create informative and enjoyable aquarium experiences.
• Promote and deliver Marine Animal Adventures as an extension of the Lost Chambers Aquarium experience.
• Maintain current knowledge of company facilities and related guest services.
• Follow applicable Standard Operating Procedures and departmental manuals.

Leadership and Operational Support

As an experienced member of the aquarium team, you will mentor Aquarists and demonstrate leadership when undertaking significant tasks or projects. The position requires sound independent judgment within the assigned area of responsibility as well as effective teamwork, reliability and the ability to respond constructively to professional feedback. You must be available for shifts required to receive, care for and observe animals regardless of the time, day or operational location.

Inventory and Resources

• Maintain supplies and equipment at established par levels.
• Monitor inventory requirements within the assigned area.
• Participate in the procurement process when additional supplies or equipment are required.
• Maintain the physical condition necessary to perform aquarium duties safely.

About You

Candidates should hold a Bachelor 's Degree, preferably in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science or a related field, and have at least four years of experience in an Aquarist role. PADI Rescue Scuba Certification or an equivalent qualification is required, along with completion of the E-Quarist course certification for basic Aquarist knowledge. Previous experience should include animal quarantine, treatment and transport, saltwater and freshwater Life Support Systems, behavioral and welfare assessments, and animal record management using online systems such as OERCA or ZIMS. Candidates should have experience working within a zoological organization accredited by a regional association. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft applications and report preparation, are required. You must also communicate clearly and professionally in spoken and written English and demonstrate the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Working at Atlantis

• Competitive tax‑free salary paid in UAE Dirhams
• Food and beverage privileges
• Discounted rates at Kerzner properties worldwide
• Comprehensive health insurance with dental coverage
• Annual flights home
• Life insurance
• An incentive program
• Colleague wellness and social initiatives
• Access to professional training, career mobility and internal growth opportunities across the Kerzner portfolio

About Atlantis The Royal

The Royal is part of Kerzner International and is located on Dubai 's Palm Island. The resort features 760 rooms, suites and signature penthouses alongside Michelin‑starred and celebrity chef dining, immersive wellness and luxury guest experiences. More than 6,000 colleagues representing 129 nationalities contribute to the wider Atlantis Dubai operation.