Senior Aquarist

Senior Aquarist – SEA LIFE Orlando

Lead, dive, inspire, and protect the ocean—every single day. Join the Displays Team to lead animal care operations at one of Florida’s most exciting attractions.

Location: Orlando, FL

Pay Range: $24.00/hr (actual pay based on skills and experience)

Employment Type: Full-time – Flexibility required (weekends, holidays, evenings)

• Leadership & Team Support
  • Assist the Displays Supervisor in guiding the team.
  • Serve as a role model for professionalism and SEA LIFE values.
  • Support training, mentoring, and development of Aquarists and Husbandry Assistants.
  • Lead daily tasks and meetings when leadership is absent.
• Animal Care & Welfare
  • Maintain the highest standards of animal welfare across all exhibits.
  • Keep accurate records for animal care, diving, water quality, and health.
  • Assist with animal transport, quarantine, disease diagnosis, treatments, and vet rounds.
  • Educate team members on disease recognition, medication calculations, and husbandry best practices.
• Life Support Systems & Water Quality
  • Monitor and manage water quality parameters across all exhibits.
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and teach others about filtration systems, protein skimmers, UV, ozone, reactors, and plumbing.
  • Assist in designing, building, repairing, and improving aquarium life support systems.
  • Ensure chemistries stay within range and collaborate with leadership on corrective action.
• Diving & Exhibit Maintenance
  • Perform and lead SCUBA operations in large-scale exhibits (200,000+ gallons).
  • Dive with sharks, rays, turtles, and other marine life in closed environments.
  • Support underwater cleaning, maintenance, animal collections, and guest dive shows.
  • Maintain company‑issued dive gear and diver areas to SEA LIFE standards.
• Guest Experience, Education & Conservation
  • Support Animal Ambassador and education programs.
  • Present confidently to guests, media, and professional audiences.
  • Champion conservation initiatives and help develop new conservation projects.
  • Inspire guests through engaging storytelling and world‑class displays.

• Minimum 5 years of professional aquarium experience.
• At least 1 year in a leadership or lead‑of‑the‑day role.
• Experience with diverse taxa (fish, invertebrates, elasmobranchs, reptiles, amphibians, etc.).
• Strong background in water quality, life support systems, and animal health.

• Open Water SCUBA certification (required).
• Rescue Diver certification preferred or ability to obtain.
• 1–2 years diving in public aquarium exhibits (70,000+ gallons preferred).
• Ability to pass swim test, dive physical and obtain First Aid/CPR/AED/DAN O₂.

B.A./B.S. in Life Sciences or an accredited aquarium/zoological program (required).

• Ensure compliance with AZA, USDA, and Merlin Health & Safety standards.
• Assist with SOP development, risk assessments, and safety training.
• Accurate incident reporting and proactive risk management.

• Flexible schedule required (weekends, holidays, evenings).
• Work in wet, variable‑temperature environments.
• Lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks throughout the shift.
• On‑call emergency response may be required.

Because here, you don’t just care for animals—you lead, innovate, inspire, and protect the ocean while shaping the next generation of aquarists.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off.
• Merlin Magic Pass for friends and family.
• Recognition programs and rewards.
• 401(k) program with company matching.
• Tuition reimbursement programs.
• Learning and advancement opportunities.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing