Support Biologist/Diver

THE NATIONAL MARINE AQUARIUM IN PLYMOUTH IS RUN BY THE OCEAN CONSERVATION TRUST AND OUR
VISION IS OF A WORLD SUPPORTING A HEALTHY OCEAN TO SUSTAIN ALL LIFE. WE HAVE BEEN CONNECTING
PEOPLE WITH THE OCEAN FOR OVER 25 YEARS, ENCOURAGING EVERYONE TO #THINKOCEAN!

Our aquarium in Plymouth includes three large displays of 500,000 litres, 650,000 litres and
2.5 million litres, themed on the native marine environment, the Great Barrier Reef, and the
Caribbean respectively.

An opportunity has arisen for the right candidate to join our team as a Support Biologist. The
right candidate is someone who shares our ethos of how an aquarium should be run. A passion for
marine conservation is a must as is the belief that we can make a positive difference through
immersive public engagement. The right candidate will also be a team player, show respect for
the fellow biologists and offer support to volunteers and students when needed. In return you
will be given the opportunity to develop and flourish at the UK’s largest aquarium as we
believe in the importance of personal development.

You would be joining one of the most experienced and knowledgeable aquarist teams in the
country which is passionate about leading the way in developing the aquarium industry. Evidence
shows that being exposed to nature helps people want to look after it and therefore we aim to
create exhibits that help people connect to the animals and their habitats by developing
displays that are windows into nature.

ABOUT YOU:

• Proven/demonstrable experience in an aquarium setting
• Confident in your own abilities and passionate about the aquarium industry and conservation
• Good team player
• Competency in common IT programs
• Basic understanding of fish biology

Although not necessary for this role, applicants with a diving qualification of PADI Rescue (or
equivalent) is desirable, and a change in salary will reflect the additional diving role. This
role is full-time working 37.5 hours per week. Work will be on an annual rota’d basis to
provide 7 day cover, providing the very best exhibit maintenance, animal nutrition and welfare,
diving operation support, record keeping and reporting. Due to the nature of our business all
applicants must be available to work weekends, public and bank holidays and throughout the
school holidays.

For more information about this role please select ‘Find out more and apply’ which will take you to our website where you will find the job description and person specification.

Salary: £22,308 – £22,966 dependent on diving qualification.

To apply please email your full CV with a covering letter setting out your experience
and suitability for the role to: Emma Whittle, Assistant Curator: [email protected]

Closing Date: 12th July 2024. Interviews will take place week commencing 17th
July 2024.

Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.

In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As
part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of
eligibility.

In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the
UK. As part of the recruitment process you will be asked to provide documented evidence of
eligibility. The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a
diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.
All applications will be judged solely on merit; however, we particularly welcome applications
from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.