Senior Aquarist - Atlantis Dubai

About Atlantis Dubai

Atlantis Dubai, part of Kerzner International, encompasses two exceptional resorts: the renowned Atlantis, The Palm and the ultra-luxury Atlantis The Royal. Together, they deliver world-class hospitality, innovative experiences, and unforgettable memories, supported by a diverse workforce of over 6,000 colleagues from 129 nationalities operating cohesively to serve guests and colleagues alike.

Role Overview

The Senior Aquarist maintains a safe, sanitary, and well-organized environment for marine life exhibits, delivering educational programs to guests that highlight marine biology and resort operations. Daily activities include observing aquatic animals, contributing to their diagnosis and treatment, maintaining meticulous records, and ensuring aquarium habitats comply with maintenance protocols.

The role requires flexibility with shifts to care for animals around the clock, strict adherence to standard operating procedures, physical fitness to perform job duties safely, and a professional attitude marked by cooperation, reliability, and receptiveness to feedback.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a clean and hygienic workplace around aquatic exhibits.
• Deliver engaging marine life education to guests to enhance their experience.
• Monitor animal health and participate in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
• Keep detailed animal and departmental logs and records.
• Maintain aquarium exhibits and cultures, following routine and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Perform various duties as required across different shifts to facilitate animal care and observation.
• Stay knowledgeable of company facilities, services, and comply with departmental manuals and SOPs.
• Maintain personal fitness suitable for safe job performance.
• Adopt a professional demeanor demonstrating consideration, tolerance, teamwork, and constructive criticism acceptance.
• Assist with necropsies when necessary.
• Support animal acquisitions and dispositions including receiving local and imported aquatic animals.
• Implement processes to introduce new species and habitats with appropriate enrichment and welfare assessments.
• Promote and deliver Marine Animal Adventures as part of the Lost Chambers Aquarium guest experience.
• Conduct water quality analysis, identify abnormalities, report findings, and participate in corrective interventions.
• Consistently culture and provide nutritional supplements for invertebrates and larval fish.
• Regularly evaluate dietary requirements for all animals, updating nutritional plans and maintaining enrichment and wellbeing records correlating with animal population and size.
• Engage in scientific projects by collecting data, documenting findings, and presenting results to the team.
• Manage inventory levels of supplies and equipment and contribute to procurement processes.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, emails, and logs related to aquarium operations including life support systems and educational programs.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to aquarists during significant tasks and projects.

Qualifications & Experience

• Holds PADI Rescue Scuba Certification or an equivalent qualification.
• Exceptional communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 4 years of progressive experience in an aquarist role.
• Proficient with computer applications, particularly Microsoft Office, and experienced in report writing.
• Skilled in quarantine procedures, animal treatment, and transport logistics.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Experienced in managing both saltwater and freshwater life support systems.
• Competent in maintaining animal records and uploading data to systems such as OERCA and ZIMS.
• Experienced in conducting behavioural, enrichment, and welfare assessments.
• Completion of the E-Quarist course for foundational aquarist knowledge.
• Capability to make informed decisions within the scope of responsibilities.
• Previous employment at a zoological institution accredited by a regional association is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

This position offers a competitive, tax-free salary paid in UAE Dirhams (AED), complemented by extensive benefits. These include generous food and beverage privileges, exclusive discounts at Kerzner properties globally, comprehensive health and dental insurance, annual airfare allowance, life insurance, incentive programs, and diverse wellness and social initiatives for colleagues.

Atlantis Dubai emphasizes continuous professional development through world-class training, career advancement opportunities, and internal mobility within the Kerzner group, ideal for motivated individuals seeking a long-term career in luxury hospitality.