Are you passionate about marine conservation, animal welfare and creating amazing displays? Are you an experienced leader with a desire to manage a team in an iconic global brand?
We have an exciting opportunity to join us at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium as a Curatorial Department Supervisor with focus on Antarctic Penguins!
Merlin 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, Wild Life, Madame Tussauds, and the Fly Treetop Adventures, 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 3 charities: Merlins Magic Wand, the SEA LIFE Trust, and the WILD LIFE Conservation Fund.
Our SEA LIFE teams are all built on the foundation of a commitment to conservation and a need to share the beauty of our underwater workmates with the world! Our teams are what help to make the experience engaging and interactive by giving informative and interesting talks and being on hand for all of our guests needs.
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!
What you'll bring to the team
Reporting into the Curator, you will be responsible for coordinating the operations of the curatorial department as well as leading a team of Aquarists and Keepers, ensuring they are supported in delivering all animal welfare, displays, team development and guest experience objectives.
The role will be overseeing teams who work in both our penguin exhibit and aquatic displays.
Key responsibilities for both roles will include (but are not limited to);
- Ensure the highest possible standards of animal husbandry, exhibit presentation, technical operation and safety in daily operations of the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
- To monitor all public display areas to achieve the objective of delivering a World Class guest experience.
- Leading Aquarists/Keepers by example and setting the standard for animal care and professionalism.
- Work closely with the Curator/Other Curatorial Supervisors/ Head Aquarist/Keepers offering support and assistance with running your zone and staff.
- To ensure the correct animal acquisition/breeding, quarantine and transport processes to allow the collection of all animals in the correct health, whilst meeting or exceeding the requirements of the SEA LIFE network.
- Responsible for Displays line-budgets as agreed with Curator.
- Assist with the development and implementation in conjunction with Curator/ Other Curatorial Supervisors/Head Aquarist/Keeper of policies and procedures that maximises the management of animal husbandry and animal innovation throughout the displays development livestock holding facilities.
- Responsible for an allocated zone within the SEA LIFE attraction.
- Lead, develop and support SEA LIFE attraction Curatorial team members in specific areas of responsibility.
- Assist the Curator to develop collection management strategy for all species and displays.
- Work closely and coordinate with team, Managers and Curator to assure curatorial team is appropriately staffed and achieves overall department objectives day to day.
- Work closely with Veterinarian to carry out best practice animal health and wellbeing practices.
- Build relationships with relevant organisations to position and promote SEA LIFE attraction as a respected leading zoological/aquarium organisation.
- Deliver animals through acquisition, quarantine and/or transport in ideal health in accordance with SEA LIFE and Merlin CWE standards and local authority’s requirements.
- Maintain animal management records according to SEA LIFE and Merlin policy and legislative requirements.
- Ensure health and safety policy is strictly followed to ensure safety of staff, guests and animals.
- Stay up to date with scientific information regarding the animals within the collection.
- Promote high-quality guest interactions and presentations, and support team to do the same.
Qualifications & Experience
The ideal candidate for this role will have a passion for the marine environment and public engagement. We are also looking for an excellent people leader who can build rapport and encourage team cohesion.
The ideal candidate will also have experience working with both penguins and aquatic animals.
You will:
- Have at least 5 years proven aquatic animal husbandry experience with at least 2 years background in penguin husbandry. Experience with Antarctic penguin is desirable.
- You will have a high degree of supervisory skills in an aquatic display capacity.
- Be a clear communicator, good planner with strong organisation skills.
- Be adept at problem solving and proactive with a solutions focus.
The following qualifications would be an advantage:
- Certified rescue diver or above
- First aid and O2 provision certificate
- The AS2299 commercial dive medical and have the ability to dive regularly
- A Bachelor’s degree in Zoology or Biology or an equivalent Animal Care Diploma
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.
- Being part of a business built on fun.
Pay Range
Competitive
At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters!
Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry.
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