Support Biologist Diver

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is run by the Ocean Conservation Trust and is seeking a dedicated Support Biologist Diver to help protect marine life and engage visitors.

You will support habitat maintenance, animal nutrition and welfare, and diving operations, with weekend and holiday shifts. The role offers training and development opportunities within a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Confident in your own abilities and passionate about conservation.
• Good team player.
• Competency in common IT programs.
• Basic understanding of fish biology.
• Diving qualification of PADI Rescue or equivalent.
• Willingness to undergo further training.

Responsibilities

• Maintain habitats and assist in animal nutrition and welfare.
• Support diving operations and safety procedures.
• Record keeping and reporting to supervisors.
• Assist volunteers and students and promote a positive learning environment.
• Work flexibly in a 37.5 hour week with weekend/public holiday cover.

Skills

Conservation

Team player

IT skills

Fish biology basics

Diving qualification (PADI Rescue)

Tools

IT programs

Job description

National Marine Aquarium

South West Closing date for applications is: 16th Sep 2026

Contact: Will Payne ([e-mail]) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £25,350 - £25,701

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 25 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 Support 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. As part of our team, you will be a collaborative and supportive colleague who values professionalism, respect, and teamwork. You will work closely with fellow biologists and play an active role in supporting volunteers and students, helping to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.

In return, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and build your career at the UK's conservation aquarium. We are committed to investing in our people and supporting continuous professional development through a range of learning opportunities, including e-Quarist modules and other industry-recognised training programmes, enabling you to grow and thrive within the profession.

You will 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.

About You

• Confident in your own abilities and passionate about conservation
• Good team player.
• Competency in common IT programs.
• Basic understanding of fish biology.
• A diving qualification of PADI Rescue or equivalent.
• Willingness to undergo further training.

This role is full-time working 37.5 hours per week. Work will be on an annual rota basis to provide 7-day cover, providing the very best habitat 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.

For more information, including the Job Description and Person Specification please visit https://oceanconservationtrust.org/work-with-us/support-biologist-diver/

Closing Date

16th September 2026.

Interviews

Interviews will take place the week commencing 21st September 2026.