Merlin • Carlsbad, 92008, US

Aquarist FT

Employment type: Full time

Salary: $23 per hour

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Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

Level I Aquarist – Dive Into an Exciting Career! 🐠

Do you have a passion for marine life and a sharp eye for detail? As a Level I Aquarist, you’ll play a vital role in creating vibrant, thriving underwater worlds while delivering exceptional care to a diverse collection of animals. From dazzling fish to fascinating reptiles and amphibians, you’ll be at the heart of it all—ensuring every creature and exhibit is healthy, beautiful, and inspiring.

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to combine science, creativity, and hands-on care in a dynamic team environment.

What You’ll Do

Bring exhibits to life by setting up, maintaining, and perfecting aquatic habitats
Provide top-tier daily care, including feeding, observation, and enrichment
Monitor animal health and behavior, acting quickly and responsibly when concerns arise
Maintain crystal-clear water quality and optimal environmental conditions
Keep life support systems running smoothly through proactive maintenance
Create visually stunning, clean, and engaging displays for guests and staff alike
Conduct daily rounds, ensuring every tank and habitat is thriving
Administer medications under expert guidance when needed
Support exhibit renovations, including system design and fabrication
Keep detailed, accurate records of animal care and system performance
Maintain safe, organized, and tour-ready behind-the-scenes spaces

Team & Impact

Collaborate with a passionate team and contribute to a positive, supportive work culture
Partner with professionals from aquariums and zoos to share knowledge and best practices
Step in to support fellow aquarists when needed
Engage with the public through workshops, tours, and educational programs

What Makes You a Great Fit

You’re self-motivated and can confidently perform husbandry tasks independently
You thrive in a team setting and communicate clearly
You take pride in cleanliness, organization, and presentation
You’re flexible and ready to jump in—even on weekends or holidays when needed
You’re committed to the highest standards of animal welfare and ethical care

Join us and help create unforgettable experiences while making a real difference in animal care and conservation. 🌊

Qualifications & Experience

Background and Experience:

Strong identification skills, ability to identify all animals under their care
Extensive knowledge of biological processes as they pertain to water chemistry, physiology, animal health and psychological well-being.
Possesses familiarity with the natural history of all animals in their section, including a good understanding of the requirements of individual species in captivity
Attention to detail
Excellent oral and written communication skills

Education:

An Aquarist Level I must have previous exposure to aquariums and/or zoos and a background related to living organisms. Experience with, understanding of, and aptitude for maintaining fish and invertebrates. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or abilities required. A college degree (A.A, A.S. B.A. or B.S.) is preferred with an emphasis on biology/zoology or science course work, or equivalent hands on professional or volunteer experience/knowledge may be considered. One (1) year experience caring for animals in a public aquarium or zoological facility. Possess a valid driver’s license and obtain a California driver’s license within 6 months of hire date. Possess SCUBA certification to the level of Rescue Diver

Work Environment:

Various inside and outside locations with varying temperatures and floor surfaces.

Exposed to wet and/or humid, often dirty conditions.

Other Requirements:

Must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends to support aquarium operations.
Attendance and punctuality is important to the overall success of SEA LIFE® daily operations and is considered an essential function of this job.
Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and be willing to utilize own vehicle for business purposes.
CPR and First Aid certifications are required.

Employees:

Employees are responsible for the safety of themselves, their colleagues and guests (where appropriate), in line with the Group Policy (HS001) and the law. In particular, they must ensure that they follow safe working procedures for all work activities that they undertake and they must not use any tools or equipment for which they have not been trained. Where incidents do occur, they must ensure that they are reported to their line manager and must cooperate with any investigation as appropriate.

Physical Demands:

Standing: Constant 100%
Walking: Constant 100%
Sitting: None 0% (e.g., except during breaks)
Lifting/Carrying:

0–10 lbs: Constant 80%
10–25 lbs: Constant 80%
25–50 lbs: Constant 80%
50+ lbs: Occasionally team lift: 50% of the time

Pushing/Pulling: Frequent 80%(equipment used: [e.g., carts, product pallet jacks, machinery])
Reaching:

Below waist: Frequently 90%
Waist to shoulder: Frequently 90%
Overhead: Occasionally 10%

Bending/Stooping: Frequently 100%
Twisting: Frequently 100%
Kneeling/Crouching: Frequently 100%
Climbing (stairs/ladders): Occasionally 50%
Manual Dexterity (hands/fingers): Typing, handling small objects, tools, handling cardboard-Frequently 100%
Vision Requirements: close vision, distance, color vision, depth perception-Frequently 100%
Noise Exposure: Moderate-Frequently, Loud-Frequently 100%
Temperature Exposure: Indoor / Outdoor / Seasonal variations / Extreme conditions, anywhere from 25 degrees to 101 degrees. Frequently 100%
Work Environment: wet surfaces, heights, confined spaces, chemicals, working both indoors and outdoors Frequently 100%
Additional Requirements: N/A
Accommodation Statement:Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with applicable California law.