Head Aquarist

Burgers' Zoo; Arnhem; On-site; EUR 20.000 - 40.000; Full time

Job summary

A leading zoo and aquarium in Gelderland is seeking a Head Aquarist to manage staff and ensure optimal care for a diverse collection of marine life. Candidates should have extensive experience in a zoo or aquarium setting, effective leadership qualities, and a relevant degree. This position offers a supportive work environment with various employee benefits, including professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Pension plan

Transport allowance

Employee benefits in shops and catering

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in a zoo and/or aquarium.
• Management experience is an advantage.
• Completed diving training and experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage and motivate the staff in the aquarium.
• Optimize animal welfare and water quality.
• Plan and organize work efficiently for the diving team.
• Provide input for improvements in accommodation and safety.

Skills

Animal welfare optimization

Water quality management

Leadership

Team management

Education

Vocational college or Bachelor of Science Degree

Job description

As Head Aquarist, you will be responsible for managing and motivating the staff and, together with your team, you will take care of our extensive collection of animals and the day-to-day running of our Ocean, an 8000 m3 Indo-Pacific Coral Reef Aquarium. You are cooperating head, point of contact for the department and an important link in the collaboration with various departments. In short, an incredibly varied job.

What will you be doing?

• optimising animal welfare, filter technology, water quality and animal health;
• daily management and development of employees and team;
• efficient planning of employees and organisation of work, including the planning and work of the Burgers\' Zoo diving team of which you are a member;
• critical eye for accommodation, safety and instruction. You will provide input and suggestions for improvement.

What do you have to offer?

• vocational college or Bachelor of Science Degree;
• extensive work experience (at least 5-10 years) in a zoo and/or aquarium, management experience is an advantage;
• a leadership style your team can count on: clear, fair and inspiring;
• ability to respond to changes in the field and be solution-oriented;
• completed diving training and experience is a plus;
• a diving medical examination is part of the procedure.

Welcome to the family!

Here you work at a family business. A company that is independent, where committed people work and where the management knows and greets you by name. You can expect the following from us:

• Informal introduction day and a comprehensive induction programme. We will also help you grow in your work through training and mentoring.
• Information about what is happening in the park through news items and three-monthly meetings.
• Challenge, versatility and a lot of freedom in a unique environment with a great team.
• Good terms of employment, such as a salary in accordance with the zoo collective labour agreement, pension plan, transport allowance, employee benefits in our shop and catering establishments, admission benefits at a large number of zoos in the Netherlands, etc.
• Attention for you and your colleagues; we celebrate special moments together, build beautiful parties and we are there for you when you need us.