Description:
The National Aquarium is looking to appoint a newly formed position, titled Animal care specialist. which will be focused on the care of our quarantined, sensitive and under rehabilitation animals. Alongside this, the position will also oversee water quality data and assist in Veterinarian operations.
Purpose:
The newly implemented role of the Animal care specialist at the National Aquarium, Abu Dhabi is to primarily provide animal care to those in need and to oversee sensitive operations within our quarantine and rehabilitation areas. This area is akin to Senior aquarist level.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the onsite Quarantine facilities which includes, maintenance, feeding, record keeping, organisation and transfers.
- Oversee the onsite Quarantine facilities which includes, maintenance, feeding, record keeping, organisation and transfers.
- Administer and oversee treatments and medications throughout the aquarium
- Assist with the Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation program which includes our work with sea turtles
- Assist in overseeing the husbandry practices and animal health at the Louvre, Abu Dhabi ‘turtle lagoon’.
- Help keep up to date records on ZIMs
- Perform daily monitoring and assessment of animals, their health, treatment, and management to ensure the highest level of quality throughout the aquarium facility and associated locations.
- Prepare daily feeds to satisfy the proper nutritional needs of the livestock.
- Diving as required on a day to day basis and perform maintenance and feedings as required.
- Understands and follows husbandry manuals and exhibit record keeping.
- Handle live animal shipments and acclimation processes.
- Basic understanding of aquarium systems and daily upkeep.
- Always follows Health and Safety protocols.
- Assist Aquarist team in any required task.
- Monitor water quality and act appropriately to the needs of the collection.
- Assist with collection of daily data for husbandry protocols.
- Communicate to the public as needed.
- Support and collaborate with Front of House personnel as needed.
- Assists in that animal encounters and feeding shows.
Qualifications & Experience
- A higher school degree in Biology or similar is an advantage.
- SCUBA Diving qualification is essential
- Must feel comfortable working in closed spaces or when surrounded by wild animals.
- Must be able to lift 25Kg.
- Driving license is desirable
- Passionate about Sea turtles, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work with direct experience with Sea turtle husbandry and ideally rehabilitation.
- Ideally experienced in administering aquatic treatments
This is a permanent full-time role, working on a variable rota system including some weekend days and public holidays. A high level of energy and physical fitness will enable you to meet the daily challenges of the role. We are a fun and enthusiastic team, who thrive in this challenging and rewarding area.