Zoological Senior Specialist

Miral Experiences; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Miral Experiences seeks a dedicated specialist to ensure smooth operations in SeaWorld Abu Dhabi facilities within the Zoological Department. Responsibilities include animal husbandry, training, enrichment, public programs, and research; shift work includes nights, weekends, and holidays.

Expect physical activity, weight handling, and continuous professional development. The role covers diverse areas such as Antarctic, Arctic, Aviculture, Dolphin, Sea Lion, and general zoo support; strong

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Open Water SCUBA (not required for Aviculture).
• 3–5 years in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and zoological care; emergency response, rehabilitation, release planning.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily husbandry tasks; administers vitamins and medications as directed.
• Prepares food, provides nutrition, maintains clean habitats.
• Oversees animal training and behavior modification with supervision.
• Ensures safety of guests, staff, and animals; monitors behavioral precursors.
• Maintains animal records and daily communications with leadership.

Skills

Verbal & written English

Swim & dive skills

Mathematical basics

MS Office & animal records

CPR/AED certified

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor/College background in Psychology, Zoology or Biology (plus)

Tools

MS Office

Animal recording system

Job description

Miral Experiences is a region’s leader in the management and operation of world-class, award-winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi. Our diverse portfolio includes some of the most iconic entertainment and leisure destinations, including Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, and TeamLab. Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, as well as cultural treasures like Qasr Al Watan.

We specialize in crafting unique experiences that cater to all tastes and ages, delivering a seamless blend of thrills, joy, and discovery. Our attractions are designed to ignite the imagination and create unforgettable memories for visitors from around the world. Whether you're seeking excitement, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, we offer something for everyone.

About the Role

To ensure a smooth and efficient operations of the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi facilities in Zoological Department by safely fulfilling the duties in animal/guest interactions, animal training, husbandry, enrichment, public presentations, and research. This position is responsible of overseeing the training and development of animals and colleagues as directed by the leadership. This position requires standing in a prolonged period, moves/lifts up to 25kgs of load; also requires to work in varying shifts based on business need. This includes: opening, mid, and closing shifts, nights, weekends and holidays. Areas/fields of assignment for this position are: Animal Ambassador, Antarctica, Arctic, Aviculture, Dolphin, Dynamic Habitats/Aquarium, Sea Lion, Zoo Support & Rescue

Key Responsibilities

• Performs daily husbandry tasks including administration of vitamins and medication as directed
• Prepares food, provides proper nutrition and constant care of animals
• Maintains a safe, appropriate and sanitary living conditions for all animal habitats
• Applies proficient behavioral modification techniques. This includes, but is not limited in developing and implementing new behavior, training of naïve animals with minimum supervision, training behavior to completion without supervision, proactively maintaining conditioned behavior, and the ability to form relationships with most, if not all, of the animals in assigned area
• Oversees the training and evaluation of colleagues and animals as directed by the leadership
• Ensures guests, personal, colleagues, contractors and animals’ safety through constant monitoring of the behavioral precursors of potentially harmful behavior by both animals and people
• Provides proactive guest services through guest interactions, animal programs/displays presentation, and responding to guest inquiries
• Performs assigned roles in education and general public programs in the respective areas
• Makes daily observations of animals and reports any abnormalities to the leadership team
• Maintains all animal records, equipment, area responsibilities and communication requirements on a daily basis
• Functions as Ambassador by displaying consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability; maintains a consistent attitude, motivation, and ability to accept feedback
• Ensures all policies, guidelines, manuals and SOPs are followed at all times
• Consistently practices safe work habits including, but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment, lifting and reporting of unsafe situations
• Completes all required trainings and maintains professional development and competencies
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Open Water SCUBA (not required for Aviculture)
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of professional experience in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and zoological animal care, with demonstrated competency in emergency response operations, animal assessment, rehabilitation, and release planning
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Excellent swimming and diving skills (not required for Aviculture)
• Basic mathematical skill
• Basic computer knowledge including MS Office and animal recording system
• Thorough understanding of fish, reptile, amphibian and invertebrate husbandry, nutrition and natural history
• Aviculture
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of avian husbandry and incubation principles and techniques
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of marine mammal husbandry and training principles and techniques
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of marine mammal, avian, and reptilian husbandry/rescue/rehabilitation techniques
• College background in Psychology, Zoology or Biology is a plus
• CPR/AED certified
• 2 years of senior level experience in a zoological setting

Shape the Future with Us

At Miral Experiences, we don’t just create world-class destinations - we create unforgettable memories for our guests and remarkable careers for our people.

From theme parks and attractions to guest services and behind-the-scenes roles, every member of our team plays a part in delivering exceptional experiences. We’re driven by passion, powered by innovation, and committed to excellence in everything we do.

We’re looking for passionate, driven, and talented individuals who are ready to grow, lead, and make a difference. No matter your background or expertise, there's a place for you at Miral Experiences.