Biologist/Diver

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aquarium in Plymouth is seeking a full-time Biologist/Diver. You'll be part of a passionate team committed to marine conservation, assisting in exhibit maintenance, animal welfare, and diving operations. The ideal candidate will have aquarium experience, DIY skills, and a PADI Dive Master qualification. This role requires weekend and holiday availability, promising an opportunity for personal development.

Qualifications

• Experience in an aquarium setting is essential.
• Divemaster qualification preferred; Rescue Diver may be accepted with training.

Responsibilities

• Provide best exhibit maintenance and animal welfare.
• Support diving operations and record keeping.

Skills

Proven/demonstrable experience in an aquarium setting

PADI Dive Master (or equivalent)

Practical DIY skills

Confident in own abilities and passionate about conservation

Good team player

Job description

National Marine Aquarium

South West Closing date for applications is: 22nd Aug 2025

Contact: Emma Whittle ([e-mail]) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £25,721- £26,598

The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust and our vision is of a world supporting a healthy ocean to sustain all life. we have been connecting people with the ocean for over 20 years, encouraging everyone to #thinkocean!

Our aquarium in Plymouth includes three large displays of 500,000 litres, 650,000 litres and 2.5 million litres, themed on the native marine environment, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Caribbean respectively.

An opportunity has arisen for the right candidate to join our team as a Biologist/Diver. The right candidate is someone who shares our ethos of how an aquarium should be run. A passion for marine conservation is a must, as is the belief that we can make a positive difference through immersive public engagement. The right candidate will also be a team player, show respect for the fellow biologists and offer support to junior team members and volunteers when needed. In return you will be given the opportunity to develop and flourish at the UK’s largest aquarium as we believe in the importance of personal development.

You would be joining one of the most experienced and knowledgeable aquarist teams in the country which is passionate about leading the way in developing the aquarium industry. Evidence shows that being exposed to nature helps people want to look after it and therefore we aim to create exhibits that help people connect to the animals and their habitats by developing displays that are windows into nature.

The successful candidate will ideally have demonstrable experience of working in an aquarium setting. Practical DIY skills, confidence in your own ability and a desire to improve yourself and the aquarium are all important aspects of this role.

About You

• Proven/demonstrable experience in an aquarium setting
• PADI Dive Master (or equivalent)
• Practical DIY skills
• Confident in your own abilities and passionate about the aquarium industry and conservation
• Good team player
  
  

A diving qualification of at least PADI Dive Master (or equivalent) is preferred although a qualification of PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent) may be considered for the right candidate with training provided to reach Dive Master level within a pre-determined period.

This role is full-time working 37.5 hours per week. Work will be on an annual rota’d basis to provide 7-day cover, providing the very best exhibit maintenance, animal nutrition and welfare, diving operation support, record keeping and reporting. Due to the nature of our business all applicants must be available to work weekends, public and bank holidays and throughout the school holidays.

Apply For This Job

To apply: please email your full CV with a covering letter setting out your experience and suitability for the role to: Emma Whittle, Assistant Curator: [e-mail]

For more information, Job Description and Person Specification please visit www.national-aquarium.co.uk/blog/job-vacancy/biologist-diver/