Senior Aquarist - Marine Life
Atlantis
| Company | Atlantis |
| Category | Uncategorised |
| Location | Dubai |
| Remote | On-site (inferred) |
| Employment | Not stated |
| Level | Not stated |
| Salary | AED 8k–12k |
| Posted | 20 Jul 2026 |
| Last verified | 12 Aug 2026 |
| Source | The employer's own careers page (company_site) |
Description
Senior Aquarist - Marine Life Job Snapshot Role: Senior Aquarist - Marine Life Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Industry: Hospitality Function: Biological-Chemical Research Experience: Minimum 4 years in an Aquarist role Job Type: Full-time Position Overview Senior Aquarist - Marine Life in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is a specialized Hospitality opportunity for an experienced marine animal care professional with strong knowledge of aquarium operations, life support systems, animal welfare, water quality, quarantine, nutrition, and educational programming. Atlantis Resorts is hiring a qualified aquarist to support the health of marine collections, maintain aquarium exhibits, mentor colleagues, and contribute to scientific and guest-facing programs. Job Details Country: United Arab Emirates City: Dubai Industry: Hospitality Function: Biological-Chemical Research Salary: 8000-12000 Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in the job city; please confirm the final offer with the employer. Gender: Any Candidate Nationality: Any Job Type: Full-time Job Reference: 20335 Role Context The Senior Aquarist helps maintain the health, welfare, presentation, and operational integrity of marine and freshwater animal collections across Atlantis Dubai. The position combines direct animal care, exhibit maintenance, life support system oversight, water quality analysis, record management, nutrition planning, quarantine procedures, scientific data collection, and educational engagement with guests. The role also provides technical leadership during major projects, supports junior aquarists, and contributes to the continuous improvement of animal care and aquarium operations. Key Responsibilities * Maintain safe, clean, hygienic, and organized aquarium workspaces, exhibits, holding areas, and support facilities. * Conduct marine education programs that provide guests with accurate and engaging information about marine life and aquarium operations. * Make detailed daily observations of animal health, appearance, appetite, behaviour, and environmental conditions. * Report unusual findings promptly and contribute to diagnosis, treatment, and corrective care procedures. * Maintain accurate animal records, treatment notes, feeding logs, departmental logbooks, and operational documentation. * Manage aquarium exhibits and biological cultures in line with routine and preventive maintenance programs. * Support animal care during all required shifts, including unusual hours when receiving, transporting, treating, or monitoring animals. * Follow departmental manuals, standard operating procedures, animal welfare standards, and established safety protocols. * Maintain the physical fitness required to complete diving, lifting, cleaning, animal handling, and aquarium maintenance duties safely. * Assist with necropsy procedures and related sample handling when required. * Participate in animal acquisitions, transfers, dispositions, and the receipt of local or imported collections. * Support the introduction of new species, habitats, exhibit themes, and operating systems following welfare and enrichment assessments. * Promote and deliver Marine Animal Adventures as part of the Lost Chambers Aquarium guest experience. * Perform water quality tests, interpret results, report abnormalities, and recommend or support corrective action. * Maintain reliable live cultures and nutritional supplements for invertebrates and larval fish. * Assess the dietary needs of animals and recommend adjustments based on species, health, stock level, growth, and welfare requirements. * Maintain accurate nutrition, enrichment, wellbeing, stock, and animal size records. * Collect, organize, document, and present scientific data for research and operational improvement projects. * Monitor supplies, tools, medications, feed, and technical equipment to maintain agreed inventory levels. * Participate in purchasing and procurement processes for aquarium materials and operational supplies. * Prepare reports, professional emails, maintenance logs, animal records, educational documentation, and life support system updates. * Oversee saltwater and freshwater life support systems within the assigned area. * Record and upload animal data accurately using OERCA, ZIMS, or comparable zoological record systems. * Conduct behavioural, enrichment, and welfare assessments in line with recognized zoological standards. * Mentor Aquarists and demonstrate leadership during complex tasks, animal moves, maintenance programs, and special projects. * Make informed operational decisions within the assigned area of responsibility. * Work cooperatively with veterinary, life support, diving, education, maintenance, and animal care teams. Ideal Profile * Bachelor 's degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science, or a closely related discipline. * Minimum 4 years of professional experience working as an Aquarist. * PADI Rescue Scuba certification or an equivalent recognized diving qualification. * Completion of the E-Quarist course or comparable basic aquarist certification. * Previous employment with a zoological organization accredited by a recognized regional association. * Experience with marine and freshwater animal husbandry. * Practical knowledge of quarantine procedures, animal treatments, and animal transportation. * Proven ability to oversee saltwater and freshwater life support systems. * Experience conducting water quality testing and interpreting technical results. * Familiarity with behavioural observation, enrichment planning, and animal welfare assessments. * Experience maintaining animal records and uploading data to OERCA, ZIMS, or similar systems. * Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and professional report preparation. * Clear and professional written and spoken English. * Able to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team. * Sound judgment and confidence making decisions within an assigned area. * Physically capable of completing diving, lifting, cleaning, and aquarium maintenance duties. * Willing to work flexible shifts based on animal care and operational requirements. * Reliable, cooperative, receptive to feedback, and committed to high professional standards. Skills Set * Marine animal husbandry * Freshwater animal care * Aquarium operations * Life support systems * Saltwater systems * Freshwater systems * Water quality testing * Animal observation * Animal welfare assessment * Behavioural assessment * Enrichment programs * Quarantine procedures * Animal treatment support * Animal transport * Marine nutrition * Live feed cultures * Larval fish care * Invertebrate care * OERCA * ZIMS * Animal recordkeeping * Scientific data collection * Aquarium exhibit maintenance * Preventive maintenance * PADI Rescue Scuba * Necropsy assistance * Guest education * Team mentoring * Inventory control * Technical reporting Why Join Us This role offers a distinctive opportunity to advance within Dubai 's established luxury Hospitality and marine attraction sector. The position provides hands-on responsibility for diverse animal collections, advanced aquarium systems, scientific projects, guest education, and high-standard welfare programs within an internationally recognized resort environment. Atlantis Resorts offers a competitive tax-free salary in UAE Dirhams, comprehensive medical insurance with dental coverage, annual flights home, life insurance, incentive opportunities, food and beverage privileges, and discounted accommodation across Kerzner properties. Colleagues also benefit from specialist training, internal mobility, wellbeing initiatives, and long-term career growth across the Kerzner International portfolio. About the Company Atlantis Resorts operates Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, combining luxury accommodation, acclaimed dining, entertainment, aquatic attractions, and immersive guest experiences. Its marine operations include extensive aquarium environments, educational programs, animal care activities, and specialist life support systems. Part of Kerzner International, Atlantis Dubai is supported by more than 6000 colleagues representing 129 nationalities. The organization promotes inclusion, professional development, animal welfare, operational excellence, and memorable experiences for guests and colleagues.