Aquarist

What you'll bring to the team

Working in Iceland’s Beluga Whale Sanctuary and Puffin Rescue Centre is a truly unique experience - but be prepared for cold, wet, and sometimes smelly days! We’re looking for an Animal Care Specialist on a 6-month contract to provide top-level care for our beluga whales, puffins and aquarium species.

No two days are ever the same in this role. You’ll be responsible for feeding, enrichment, training and monitoring our animals, as well as assisting with life support system (LSS) checks and helping rehabilitate injured or orphaned puffins. You’ll also play a key role in engaging visitors, sharing knowledge about marine life and conservation efforts.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need a good understanding of animal health, behaviour and husbandry, plus the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Experience with marine animal care, LSS maintenance and SCUBA diving is preferred, but most importantly, we need someone enthusiastic, adaptable and ready to get stuck in!

This is a full-time, fixed-term role on a 6-month contract based in Iceland and includes regular weekend work.

When applying for positions at the Beluga Whale Sanctuary, please be aware that obtaining a work permit and residence permit can take approximately 8 to 10 months for first-time applicants. This duration may vary based on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application.

Qualifications & Experience

• Knowledge of marine animal behaviour, enrichment, and training (especially positive reinforcement techniques)
• Experience in animal husbandry, feeding, and welfare monitoring
• SCUBA certification (Rescue Diver preferred)
• Understanding of life support systems (LSS) and water quality testing
• Ability to engage and educate visitors on marine conservation topics
• A strong team player with excellent communication skills

Benefits

Alongside working with a supportive, hard-working, and fun team, you’ll also receive:

• Help with Visa costs
• Relocation package offered
• Merlin Magic Pass: Free tickets to all our attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends annually
• Enjoy the Ride Pass – giving you and 5 others a Merlin Annual Pass (Gold edition)
• Discounted rates at Merlin hotels globally

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at recruitment@merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Posted Salary Range

ISK kr559,349/Mo.