Senior Aquarist - Marine Life Operations
Job Snapshot
Role: Senior Aquarist - Marine Life Operations
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Hospitality
Function: Veterinary-Animal Care
Experience: Minimum 4 years
Job Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Senior Aquarist - Marine Life Operations in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is a Hospitality opportunity focused on marine animal care, aquarium operations, life support systems, water quality, animal welfare and guest education.
Atlantis Resorts is hiring an experienced aquarist to manage daily animal observations, support treatment and quarantine activities, maintain aquarium exhibits, oversee aquatic systems and contribute to educational and scientific programs within a major luxury resort environment.
Job Details
Country: United Arab Emirates
City: Dubai
Industry: Hospitality
Function: Veterinary-Animal Care
Salary: 12000-18000 Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in the job city; please confirm the final offer with the employer.
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Role Context
The Senior Aquarist supports the health, welfare and presentation of marine and freshwater animal collections while helping maintain the technical systems required for stable aquarium environments. The role combines animal husbandry, life support system monitoring, water quality analysis, nutritional management, record keeping and guest education. Strong technical judgment and accurate observation are essential for identifying changes in animal condition, supporting corrective actions and maintaining safe, high-quality aquarium operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain clean, hygienic and safe aquarium working environments for animals, guests and colleagues.
- Conduct daily observations of marine and freshwater animals and identify changes in health, behavior or condition.
- Contribute to diagnosis, treatment and corrective procedures under established animal care protocols.
- Maintain accurate animal records, operational logs and departmental documentation.
- Support routine and preventive maintenance of aquarium exhibits and associated systems.
- Monitor Saltwater and Freshwater Life Support Systems and report abnormal operating conditions.
- Conduct water quality testing and interpret results against required operating parameters.
- Escalate abnormal water quality readings and assist with appropriate corrective actions.
- Evaluate animal dietary requirements and recommend nutritional adjustments when needed.
- Maintain accurate feeding, stock and animal size records in line with welfare standards.
- Develop and maintain cultures and supplements used as food sources for invertebrates and larval fish.
- Carry out behavioral, enrichment and welfare assessments for assigned animal collections.
- Support quarantine procedures for newly received or medically managed animals.
- Assist with animal treatments, transport and movement between facilities.
- Participate in animal acquisitions, dispositions and receipt of local or imported collections.
- Support introduction of new species, habitats, theming and aquarium systems.
- Ensure new animal introductions follow appropriate enrichment and welfare assessment standards.
- Assist with necropsy procedures when required.
- Participate in scientific projects through data collection, documentation and presentation.
- Maintain accurate records in animal management systems such as OERCA and ZIMS.
- Deliver marine education programs to guests using clear and engaging communication.
- Share detailed information about marine species, aquarium operations and conservation.
- Promote Marine Animal Adventures as part of the overall aquarium guest experience.
- Maintain current knowledge of resort facilities, guest services and aquarium programs.
- Follow Standard Operating Procedures and departmental manuals during all assigned activities.
- Maintain the physical fitness required to perform diving and animal care responsibilities safely.
- Support animal care outside normal operating hours when welfare or operational requirements demand it.
- Maintain inventory of equipment, supplies and animal care materials.
- Support procurement activities when stock replenishment or specialist equipment is required.
- Prepare reports, operational logs and professional email communications related to animals, Life Support Systems and educational programs.
- Mentor Aquarists and provide technical guidance during complex tasks or projects.
- Demonstrate leadership when coordinating major aquarium activities.
- Work independently when required while maintaining effective collaboration with the wider marine team.
Ideal Profile
- Bachelor 's Degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science or a related discipline.
- Minimum 4 years of professional experience in an Aquarist role.
- PADI Rescue Scuba Certification or equivalent.
- Experience working within an accredited zoological organization.
- Strong practical knowledge of marine and freshwater animal husbandry.
- Previous experience with animal quarantine, treatment and transport.
- Experience overseeing Saltwater and Freshwater Life Support Systems.
- Ability to conduct and interpret routine water quality testing.
- Familiarity with animal record systems such as OERCA or ZIMS.
- Experience carrying out behavioral, enrichment and welfare assessments.
- Completion of the E-Quarist course or equivalent basic Aquarist certification.
- Strong understanding of animal nutrition, feeding practices and stock monitoring.
- Ability to make informed decisions within assigned areas of responsibility.
- Confident working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong written and spoken English.
- Good computer skills including Microsoft Office and technical report preparation.
- Willingness to work flexible shifts when animal care or operational needs require coverage.
Skills Set
- Veterinary-Animal Care
- Marine animal husbandry
- Aquarium operations
- Aquarist operations
- Marine biology
- Zoological care
- Animal welfare
- Animal enrichment
- Behavioral assessment
- Animal quarantine
- Animal treatment support
- Animal transportMarine animal records
- OERCA
- ZIMS
- Life Support Systems
- Saltwater systems
- Freshwater systems
- Water quality testing
- Water chemistry
- Aquarium exhibits
- Preventive maintenance
- Animal nutrition
- Feeding programs
- Live food cultures
- Larval fish care
- Invertebrate care
- Necropsy support
- PADI Rescue Scuba
- Aquarium diving
- Scientific data collection
- Marine conservation
- Guest education
- Educational presentations
- Marine Animal Adventures
- Inventory management
- Technical reporting
- Aquarist mentoring
- Standard Operating Procedures
Why Join Us
This position offers experienced aquarists the opportunity to work with diverse marine and freshwater species within one of Dubai 's most recognized aquarium and luxury resort environments. The role combines advanced animal husbandry, Life Support Systems, water quality, research, education and leadership responsibilities, providing strong long-term development for professionals committed to marine animal welfare and aquarium operations within the Hospitality sector.
About the Company
Atlantis Resorts is part of Kerzner International and operates major luxury hospitality destinations in Dubai. Atlantis The Royal combines premium accommodation, dining, wellness and guest experiences with specialized marine operations supported by experienced aquarists, animal care professionals and technical teams responsible for maintaining high standards of animal welfare, aquarium management and guest education.