Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE park admission

Discounts on park admission tickets

Park discounts on food, merchandise

Scholarship opportunities

Exclusive employee events and guidance

Job summary

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment’s Discovery Cove Orlando is seeking an Aquarist to deliver memorable guest experiences while caring for aquatic life. You will combine guest service, scientific knowledge, and SCUBA diving expertise to educate visitors, promote marine conservation, and support animal wellbeing.

Daily duties include basic husbandry, feeding, water quality testing, large exhibit maintenance diving, and contributing to SeaVenture underwater tours.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology/Science or related field preferred.
• SCUBA certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Learn basic food preparation and feeding of aquarium animals.
• Guide guests through SeaVenture underwater experience using SCUBA diving and guest service skills following safety procedures.
• Provide clear instructions and engaging interpretation to park guests about aquarium animals, their habitats, and marine conservation.
• Promote respectful interactions with aquatic animals while maintaining animal welfare standards and protecting the exhibit environment.
• Perform basic water quality testing.
• Perform large exhibit aquarium maintenance diving.
• Use animal observation skills to monitor the health and wellbeing of the animal collection.
• Perform aquarium husbandry techniques including taxonomy, record keeping, animal treatments, and emergency procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Guest service skills

Animal knowledge

SCUBA diving expertise

Communication skills

Swimming ability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology/Science or related field

Tools

SCUBA certification

Job description

At Discovery Cove Orlando, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

What You Get To Do

As an Aquarist, you will play a key role in creating memorable guest experiences through frequent interaction, animal education, and guided programs, including SeaVenture underwater tours and shark and ray feeding experiences and tours. You will combine guest service skills, animal knowledge, and SCUBA diving expertise to engage guests, inspire an appreciation for marine life, and support guest safety and animal wellbeing. You will also provide daily husbandry and care for fish and other aquatic life, including food preparation, feeding, animal observation, exhibit maintenance diving, and preventive maintenance. You will:

• Learn basic food preparation and feeding of aquarium animals
• Use SCUBA diving and guest service skills to guide guests through the SeaVenture underwater experience, following established dive safety and program procedures.
• Provide clear instructions and engaging interpretation to park guests about aquarium animals, their habitats, and marine conservation.
• Promote respectful interactions with aquatic animals while maintaining animal welfare standards and protecting the exhibit environment.
• Perform basic water quality testing
• Perform large exhibit aquarium maintenance diving
• Use animal observation skills to monitor the health and wellbeing of the animal collection
• Perform aquarium husbandry techniques including taxonomy, record keeping, animal treatments, and emergency procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

What It Takes To Succeed

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology/Science or a related field preferred
• SSCUBA certification required
• Advanced/Rescue certifications are preferred
• Possession of a valid state driver's license preferred
• Be at least 18 years old
• Able to pass qualifying swim test and annual swim test competency exam
• Able to pass Discovery Cover dive test and dive physical
• Able to complete provided Dive Skills, First Aid, DAN O2, and CPR training/certification
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Able to swim and work in/around water
• Able to stand for long periods of time
• Able to lift 75 pounds
• Able to train on and properly use protective gear
• Comfortable working around chemicals
• Able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and temperature extremes
• Available to work varying shifts/hours based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts; nights, weekends, and holidays

Position level and Compensation rate will be contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility. Level is determined through review and assessment of applicable experience by Zoo leadership.

As a 365 day/year operation, candidates are expected to provide flexible availability to support year-round operating needs. This may include, but is not limited to, working opening, mid-day and closing shifts during peak and non-peak seasons, as well as weekends and holidays.

The perks of the position: Ambassadors will enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment, and great teammates, as well as:

• FREE park admission
• Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends
• Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
• Scholarship opportunities
• Exclusive employee events and giveaways

EEO Employer

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.