SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is seeking a Full-Time Animal Care Manager to lead integrated animal care and display operations in Sydney, Australia. In this role, you will oversee husbandry routines, foster a collaborative team culture, and partner with veterinary specialists to champion animal welfare.
Requirements
Tertiary qualifications in animal care/management
At least three years of experience as a team lead, supervisor, or manager in a zoological setting
Thorough understanding of life support systems, animal welfare science, and behavior
Current First Aid, CPR & Oxygen Therapy Provider Certificates
Strong communication, organizational, and team development skills
Skills & Responsibilities
People and performance management: Lead and deploy animal care teams, fostering a collaborative and development-focused culture.
Animal welfare and husbandry: Maintain health awareness, coordinate safe animal movements, and partner with veterinary specialists.
Life support systems and exhibitory: Apply knowledge of life support systems and exhibitory standards to create engaging displays.
Workplace health and safety: Implement safety principles specific to the zoological working environment.
Potential transition routes: People from senior zookeeper or aquarium supervisor roles may bring relevant animal husbandry and team leadership skills, alongside meeting the required tertiary qualifications and zoological management experience.
Job description
What you'll bring to the team
Do you have the Magic in you to create memorable experiences all for the love of fun? Do you wish to cast a spell of laughter and enjoyment to the people around you? Want to join a team that creates smiles and memories globally on a daily basis? Then you have the magic to be Team Merlin at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium! About the RoleWe are seeking a Full-Time, Animal Care Manager to join the team at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Reporting to the Senior Curator, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Leading integrated animal care and display operations across husbandry routines, hygiene, welfare observation, habitat presentation and daily team deployment
Maintains strong animal health and welfare awareness, including recognition of changes in condition, behaviour and other potential indicators of concern
Coordinates the safe operational implementation of approved animal movements, introductions, breeding-management actions and habitat allocations.
Fostering a collaborative and development focused team culture across the animal care teams.
Partner closely with veterinary and technical specialist support to champion the highest standards of animal welfare across all aspects of care, husbandry and display design
Be a part of the development and execution of innovative display development plans that maximise guest engagement, encourage repeat visitation, and deliver the brand standards.
Work within Merlin and CWE policies and standards and relevant site procedures to implement and continuously improve curatorial practices, drawing on site-based data, operational observations, and current industry and association guidance and developments.
Supporting supervisors in building and maintaining team culture, removing barriers and providing guidance and fostering innovation
About You To succeed in this role, you will have:
Tertiary qualifications in animal care/management with a strong background in people and performance management as gained through at least three years’ experience working as a team lead/supervisor/manager in a zoological setting.
Ability to train, develop and engage a team of functional experts.
A thorough understanding of life support systems and equipment related to best practice exhibitory and animal care.
An understanding of contemporary animal welfare science, animal behaviour, transport, legislation, and animal record management.
An eye for detail with a practical ability to inspire and create “wow” displays with a working knowledge of the correct use of theming and lighting for delivery.
A detailed understanding of workplace health and safety principles, specifically pertaining to the environment in which we work.
Current First Aid, CPR & Oxygen Therapy Provider Certificates.
Strong communication skills and ability to build rapport with internal and external stakeholders, guests, and colleagues.
Ability to multi-task and have a flexible and adaptable approach along with the ability to meet deadlines and have demonstrated planning, organisational and time management skills.
Benefits
Corporate benefits including free access to all our attractions worldwide
Domestic and global opportunities to develop and progress your skills and career in tourism and attractions
Additional Leave (including birthday and wellbeing) and 3 volunteer days to give back to a social cause you care about
Opportunity to be involved with our Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, including our Reconciliation Action Plan
Being part of a business built on fun
About usMerlin Entertainments is the company behind iconic brands like SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, and Peppa Pig World of Play. We operate in over 140 attractions across 25 countries, delivering memorable experiences to 54 million+ visitors a year. We’re the leading operator of visitor attractions in Australia and New Zealand, with 10 attractions, including SEA LIFE, Wildlife and Madame Tussauds, amongst others. Merlin Entertainments is driven by a strong social responsibility with the vision to create a world where the global community respects, conserves, and sustainably manages our precious aquatic habitats, wildlife, and natural resources. We strive to achieve this goal through our 2 charities: Merlins Magic Wand and the SEA LIFE Trust.So, if you are vibrant and passionate about delivering an amazing service within a great company and in a team who loves what we do – then we want to hear from you! Merlin Entertainments strongly encourages application from all background, including people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander decent.
