Aquarist

What you'll bring to the team

Love marine life? Want to make a real difference every day?

At SEA LIFE Blankenberge, we're home to Belgium's only seal sanctuary and hundreds of incredible marine and freshwater species. Every day, our team works to inspire guests, protect wildlife and deliver exceptional animal care.

We're looking for an enthusiastic Aquarist who shares our passion for animal welfare, conservation and creating unforgettable experiences for our visitors.

No two days are ever the same—and that's exactly how we like it.

Why join SEA LIFE Blankenberge?

This isn't just another aquarium.

You'll work across one of Europe's most diverse aquarium collections, including:

• Native North Sea species
• Tropical marine and freshwater habitats
• Amazon rainforest displays
• Sharks and rays
• Penguins
• Otters
• Reptiles and invertebrates
• Belgium's only seal sanctuary

You'll also help support our conservation work, protecting wildlife both inside our attraction and in the natural environment.

What you'll be doing

As an Aquarist you'll play a vital role in maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and guest experience.

Your day could include:

• Delivering exceptional daily animal husbandry
• Preparing specialised diets and feeding a wide variety of species
• Creating enrichment for penguins, otters and other animals
• Monitoring animal health and behaviour
• Maintaining water quality and life support systems
• Carrying out habitat maintenance and aquatic diving duties
• Assisting with breeding programmes and conservation initiatives
• Propagating corals and caring for aquatic plants
• Supporting veterinary procedures where required
• Delivering engaging guest presentations and sharing your passion for marine life
• Working closely with the wider Animal Care team on projects and continuous improvements

Every day brings something different—from preparing feeds for sharks to working underwater alongside rays.

Qualifications & Experience

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who is passionate about animal care and thrives in a collaborative environment.

Ideally you'll have:

• Experience working within a public aquarium or zoological collection
• Practical experience maintaining aquatic life support systems
• Knowledge of aquarium water chemistry
• Strong animal husbandry experience across multiple species
• A qualification in Animal Care, Marine Biology, Zoology or a related subject (desirable)
• A professional diving qualification (desirable)
• A full driving licence
• A positive attitude, excellent teamwork and a commitment to high welfare standards
• A genuine passion for conservation and protecting marine life

Working pattern

This is a full-time position.

Because we care for animals 365 days a year, you'll work a fair share of weekends and public holidays and participate in an emergency on-call rota.

Benefits

Alongside an exciting career helping care for amazing animals, you'll enjoy:

• Private healthcare including hospitalisation
• Monthly bonus scheme linked to guest experience and customer spend
• Meal vouchers
• Eco vouchers
• 25% discount in Merlin retail shops and restaurants
• Merlin Magic Pass – free entry to Merlin attractions worldwide for you, your family and friends
• STAR of the Month recognition awards
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension scheme
• Loyalty rewards and colleague recognition programmes

Be part of something bigger

At Merlin Entertainments, we're committed to creating memorable experiences while helping protect the world's oceans and wildlife for future generations.

If you're ready to combine your passion for animal welfare with conservation and education, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us inspire the next generation of ocean lovers.

Posted Salary Range

EUR €2,492.00/Mo.