Animal Care Specialist (Fixed Term - 9 Months)

Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

The SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary and Puffin Rescue Centre is looking for a dedicated and compassionate Animal Care Specialist to join our team on a 9-month fixed term contract.

This is a hands-on role supporting the daily care and welfare of our animals, including our beluga whales, puffins, and aquarium species, while contributing to the exceptional standards of welfare and conservation the sanctuary is known for.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Provide excellent day-to-day care for all animals, including diet preparation, feeding, enrichment, training, behavioural observations and medical monitoring

• Carry out health and welfare monitoring, reporting any changes to your supervisor

• Deliver training and enrichment programmes that support animal wellbeing

• Support with facility maintenance, including cleaning enclosures, pools and workspaces

• Complete daily Life Support System (LSS) checks, ensuring optimal water quality and habitat conditions

• Support the Puffin Rescue Centre, including intake, rehabilitation and release of puffins

• Engage with visitors through education, tours and presentations, helping share our conservation mission

• Maintain accurate animal records and documentation (including AHEFs)

• Work collaboratively as part of a supportive team, contributing to protocols and best practice

Qualifications & Experience

We’re looking for someone who is a team player, proactive, and passionate about animal welfare.

Essential /preferred experience and skills include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, Animal Science or similar (preferred)

• Experience in marine animal care (preferred)

• Strong knowledge of animal behaviour, welfare and enrichment

• Confidence with observation, record keeping and data collection

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• SCUBA certification (preferred)

• First Aid / CPR (or willingness to obtain)

• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays and evenings as required

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain high standards of cleanliness

• A genuine commitment to animal welfare and conservation

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a truly unique sanctuary environment, supporting world-leading animal welfare and conservation work. You’ll be part of a passionate and supportive team, gaining valuable hands-on experience across beluga care, aquarium operations and puffin rescue, while contributing to an inspiring mission-led organisation.

Posted Salary Range

ISK kr559,349/Mo.