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 Biologist/Diver. 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 junior team members and volunteers 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.

The successful candidate will ideally have demonstrable experience of working in an aquarium
setting. Practical DIY skills, confidence in your own ability and a desire to improve yourself
and the aquarium are all important aspects of this role.

About you:

• Proven/demonstrable experience in an aquarium setting
• Practical DIY skills
• Confident in your own abilities and passionate about the aquarium industry and conservation
• Good team player

A diving qualification of at least PADI Dive Master (or equivalent) is preferred although a
qualification of PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent) may be considered for the right candidate
with training provided to reach Dive Master level within a pre-determined period.

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.

Salary: £24,128 per annum.

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: 26th November 2023. Interviews will take place week commencing
4th December 2023.

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.

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 under-represented in the workforce.