Support Biologist Diver

Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ocean Conservation Trust Ltd in Plymouth seeks a dedicated Support Biologist Diver to join the National Marine Aquarium team. You will work to support habitat maintenance, animal welfare and nutrition, and assist diving operations, with a strong emphasis on public engagement and education.

You will collaborate with biologists, support volunteers and students, and commit to ongoing training and professional development to grow within the UK’s conservation aquarium environment.

Qualifications

• Passion for marine conservation and a commitment to public engagement.
• Comfortable working as part of a collaborative team and supporting volunteers and students.
• Diving qualification of PADI Rescue or equivalent is required.
• Willingness to undertake further training and development to grow in the role.

Responsibilities

• Support habitat maintenance and animal nutrition and welfare as part of a professional aquarist team.
• Assist with diving operations and ensure safe, effective procedures in daily work.
• Maintain accurate records and provide regular reporting to supervisors.
• Engage with visitors, helping to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Skills

IT skills

Biology knowledge

PADI Rescue

Team player

Willing to train

Fish biology

Job description

The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is run by the Ocean ConservationTrust,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 asa 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 willbe 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 aboutconservation
• Good team player.
• Competency in common IT programs.
• Basic understanding of fish biology.
• A diving qualificationof 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 besthabitatmaintenance, 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 moreinformation,pleaseread the Job Description and Person Specification.

Salary:£25,350 –£25,701depending on qualifications and experience.

Closing Date:16 th September2026.Interviewswill take place the week commencing21 st September2026.

In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility.The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit; however, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.