Trainee Animal Care Assistant

Merlin Entertainments; Gweek; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40% online LEGO discount

25% discount on food and retail

Merlin Magic Pass - free tickets to at

Merlin Magic Pass - giving you free...

Job summary

Merlin Entertainments’ Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, Cornwall, is seeking a Trainee Animal Care Specialist to help with daily management of our resident and rescue animals. The role involves high standards of animal husbandry, rescue and rehabilitation work, enrichment, public education, and 37.5 hours per week on a 7-day rota, with a 12-month FTC starting October 2026.

Qualifications include a relevant animal care or marine biology qualification, understanding of animal health and water

Qualifications

• A qualification in animal care, marine biology, or equivalent working experience.
• Good understanding of animal health and husbandry, particularly with Pinnipeds.
• Proven experience in positive reinforcement, husbandry training and animal behaviour.
• Experience assisting in veterinary procedures, wound management, and general animal first-aid.
• Working knowledge of filtration and Life Support Systems.
• Fundamentals of water chemistry as applied to an aquarium environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high standards of animal husbandry, facility upkeep and cleanliness.
• Assist with the rescue, care, rehabilitation and release of seal pups.
• Support daily animal health, enrichment, feeding and training routines.
• Maintain accurate records in line with legal and operational standards.
• Help ensure smooth running of animal facilities, pools and life support systems.
• Engage and educate the public about our animals and their habitats.
• Participate in callout duties alongside senior team members.
• Contribute ideas to improve husbandry, facilities and guest experience.

Education

Qualification in animal care / marine biology or equivalent

Water chemistry understanding for aquarium environments

Job description

Location: The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Cornwall, TR12 6UG

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, across a 7-day rota (any 5 days out of 7)

Contract Type: 12 month FTC, starting from October 2026

We are on the lookout for a Trainee Animal Care Specialist to support with the daily management of our resident and rescue animals here at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary!

What You’ll Do

• Deliver high standards of animal husbandry, facility upkeep and cleanliness.


• Assist with the rescue, care, rehabilitation and release of seal pups.


• Support daily animal health, enrichment, feeding and training routines.


• Maintain accurate records in line with legal and operational standards.


• Help ensure smooth running of animal facilities, pools and life support systems.


• Engage and educate the public about our animals and their habitats.


• Participate in callout duties alongside senior team members.


• Contribute ideas to improve husbandry, facilities and guest experience.

Qualifications & Experience

• A qualification in animal care, marine biology, or equivalent working experience


• A good understanding of animal health and husbandry, particularly with Pinnipeds


• Proven experience in positive reinforcement, husbandry training and animal behaviour


• Experience in assisting in veterinary procedures, wound management, and general animal first-aid


• A working knowledge of filtration and Life Support Systems


• An understanding of the fundamentals of water chemistry as applied to an aquarium environment

Benefits

• 40% online LEGO discount


• 25% discount on food and retail in our attractions


• Merlin Magic Pass - giving you free tickets to all Merlin Entertainment attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends every year

Pay Range

GBP £24,912.00/Yr.

SEA LIFE Trust Message

SEA LIFE Trust Message:Merlin Entertainments provides HR services for the SEA LIFE Trust and as part of this,all employees adhere to all Merlin Entertainments policies. Please be aware that you may receive correspondence from Merlin Entertainments regarding SEA LIFE Trust vacancies.