Aquarist

SEA LIFE; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An iconic marine attraction in London is seeking an Aquarist to care for a variety of marine creatures, maintain life support systems, and conduct health checks. The role offers a structured progression path from entry-level to Senior Aquarist. Candidates should have experience in public aquariums and a qualification in animal care or marine biology. Employees enjoy competitive pay, various discounts, and an enriching work environment focused on marine conservation.

Benefits

40% off LEGO online

25% discount in retail shops

Merlin Magic Pass for free attraction tickets

Discounted hotel rates

Employee cinema tickets discount

Qualifications

• Experience with plumbing and operation of large life support systems.
• Demonstrable experience of animal husbandry with freshwater and marine animals.
• Keen eye for detail in record keeping requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain life support systems and conduct health checks.
• Support animal training, enrichment, and welfare.
• Ensure compliance with HSE and SSSMZP regulations.

Skills

Experience within public aquariums involving maintenance

Strong experience of animal husbandry with marine animals

Understanding of water chemistry fundamentals

Detail-oriented with record keeping

Skills in animal training and enrichment

Practical ability to create displays

Education

Qualification in animal care or marine biology

Job description

What you'll bring to the team

Dive into an Iconic Opportunity at SEA LIFE London!

Imagine working at the UK’s largest SEA LIFE site, right in the heart of London. Facing the Houses of Parliament and next to the London Eye, SEA LIFE London is home to some of the most incredible marine creatures – and we’re looking for an Aquarist to join our team!

What’s in store?You’ll work with an awe-inspiring collection, including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, the UK’s longest live coral reef exhibit, the largest jellyfish collection, a vibrant Rainforest zone, and our playful Gentoo Penguins.

Grow your career:With our structured progression plan, you’ll have the opportunity to develop through five levels of Aquarist. Join at the level that matches your skills, with compensation to match, and progress to a Senior Aquarist role. With SEA LIFE locations worldwide, the opportunities are endless!

Your role:You’ll play a key part in animal care and welfare, maintaining life support systems, conducting health and water quality checks, preparing diets, and supporting animal training and enrichment. You’ll also ensure compliance with HSE, COSHH, and SSSMZP regulations and provide 24‑hour alarm cover on a rota basis.

Why SEA LIFE?We believe weird is wonderful, and we’re here to inspire love for the ocean and its creatures.

This is a full‑time, permanent role, working any 5 days out of 7, including weekends and bank holidays.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience within public aquariums involving maintenance, plumbing and operation of large life support systems
• Strong demonstrable experience of animal husbandry with freshwater, marine animals, and reptiles
• An understanding of the fundamentals of water chemistry as applied to an aquarium environment
• A keen eye for detail and analytical approach in necessary record keeping in line with SSSMZP
• A practical ability to create ‘wow’ displays with a working knowledge of the correct use of theming, lighting, and water movement
• Skills in animal training and enrichment
• A qualification in animal care, marine biology or equivalent
• A dive qualification is also advantageous

Benefits

Alongside becoming an expert in washing up, you’ll also receive:

• 40% off LEGO online
• 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants
• Merlin Magic Pass - giving you free tickets to all our attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends every year
• Enjoy the Ride Pass – giving you and 5 others a Merlin Annual Pass (Gold edition)
• Discounted rates at Merlin hotels all over the world
• Employee pricing up to 55% off cinema tickets

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range

Competitive