British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Animal Care Manager (Curator)
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Beluga Whale Sanctuary, Iceland
Iceland
Closing date for applications is: 31st Jul 2026
Contact: Jennifer Byfleet (jennifer.byfleet@sealifetrust.com)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: £58,2443 per annum
What you'll bring to the team
Lead the Future of Beluga Whale Conservation
Imagine waking up each day knowing your work is helping shape the future of one of the world's most unique marine conservation projects.
At the SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary, you'll lead an experienced team dedicated to providing world-class care for Little Grey and Little White, our resident belugas, while also overseeing the welfare of rescued puffins and our aquarium collection.
This is far more than an animal care management role. It's an opportunity to combine exceptional leadership, animal welfare expertise and conservation passion at the world's first open-water beluga whale sanctuary.
If you're an inspiring leader with extensive experience working with cetaceans or large marine mammals, we'd love to hear from you.
As our Animal Care Manager (Curator), you'll lead all aspects of animal care, welfare and husbandry across the sanctuary.
Working closely with the General Manager and the wider SEA LIFE TRUST and Merlin Entertainments teams, you'll ensure our animals receive exceptional care while supporting scientific research, conservation, education and unforgettable guest experiences.
You'll lead, coach and develop a passionate team of animal care professionals whilst ensuring the highest standards of welfare, safety and operational excellence.
What You'll Be Doing
Leading World-Class Animal Care
- Lead the care, health and welfare of our resident beluga whales, puffins and aquarium animals.
- Oversee animal husbandry, enrichment, operant conditioning and behavioural management.
- Ensure excellent standards across all animal habitats and life support systems.
- Drive continual improvements in animal welfare and husbandry practices.
Leading and Developing People
- Inspire, coach and develop a highly skilled animal care team.
- Create a culture of collaboration, continuous learning and professional development.
- Provide leadership during day-to-day operations and emergency response situations.
- Ensure clear performance expectations and high professional standards.
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Conservation & Collaboration
- Work alongside veterinarians, conservation partners, researchers and animal welfare specialists.
- Provide expert advice to the SEA LIFE TRUST, Merlin Entertainments and external stakeholders on cetacean care.
- Support ongoing conservation programmes and future sanctuary developments.
Operational Excellence
- Manage departmental budgets, veterinary services and critical animal care resources.
- Ensure compliance with animal welfare legislation, licensing requirements and health & safety standards.
- Oversee record keeping, husbandry documentation and life support operations.
- Participate in the animal care call-out rota.
Inspiring Others
- Help bring conservation to life by engaging with guests, media and local communities.
- Support educational programmes and public awareness initiatives.
- Act as an ambassador for the SEA LIFE TRUST and our conservation mission.
Qualifications & Experience
We're looking for someone who combines exceptional technical expertise with outstanding leadership.
Essential
You'll ideally have:
- At least 10 years' experience working within a cetacean, aquarium or zoological environment, including significant leadership experience.
- Extensive knowledge of marine mammal behaviour, training and welfare.
- Proven experience leading and developing professional animal care teams.
- Strong understanding of operant conditioning, enrichment and husbandry.
- Excellent communication and decision-making skills.
- Strong swimming ability and confidence working in open water.
- Ability to work from boats and in challenging marine environments.
- Fluent English.
- Ability to obtain the legal right to live and work in Iceland.
Desirable
- Degree in Zoology, Biology or a related discipline.
- Experience with Life Support Systems (LSS).
- Drysuit or cold-water diving qualifications.
- PADI Rescue Diver (or higher).
- Veterinary technical experience.
- Bird rehabilitation experience.
- First Aid qualification.
- Experience handling cetaceans in open-water environments.
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Benefits
This isn't just another animal care leadership role.
You'll be joining one of the world's most recognised marine conservation charities and helping shape the future of marine mammal welfare.
You'll Have The Opportunity To
- Lead the world's first open-water beluga whale sanctuary.
- Work with internationally respected animal welfare experts.
- Influence global conservation and welfare standards.
- Develop and mentor an exceptional animal care team.
- Make a genuine difference to the lives of marine animals every single day.
- Live and work in the stunning natural surroundings of Iceland.
About The SEA LIFE TRUST
The SEA LIFE TRUST is a global marine conservation charity dedicated to protecting the world's oceans and marine wildlife through conservation, education and campaigning.
Our Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland provides a safe, natural environment for formerly captive beluga whales while inspiring millions of people to care for our oceans.
Together, we're creating a future where marine life can thrive.
If you're an experienced animal care leader who shares our passion for conservation, welfare and exceptional animal care, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of marine conservation.
Posted Salary Range
ISK kr815,400/Mo.
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At Merlin we welcome the world to our magical attractions and resorts every day and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together. Because at Merlin, everyone matters!
Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry.
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