British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Lead Biologist
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National Marine Aquarium
South West
Closing date for applications is: 7th Aug 2026
Contact: Emma Whittle (recruitment@oceanconservationtrust.org)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: £29,000-£29,933
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 20 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 UK marine environment, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Caribbean respectively.
An opportunity has arisen for the right candidate to join our team as a Lead Biologist/Diver. The Lead Biologists oversee our three exhibition areas and are responsible for maintaining high standards and developing not just the displays, but also protocols for improving care and husbandry techniques. This is a great opportunity for someone with proven aquarium leadership to showcase their skills in the UK’s conservation aquarium.
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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 leader, show respect for their colleagues 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 conservation aquarium as we believe in the importance of personal development.
You would be joining one of the most experienced and knowledgeable husbandry 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 a minimum of four years’ 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.
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About You
- Minimum 4 years’ experience in an aquarium setting
- Practical DIY skills
- Confident in your own abilities and passionate about the aquarium industry and conservation
- Previous experience supervising a team
Diving qualification of PADI Dive Master (or equivalent) is desirable, but not essential for this 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.
Apply For This Job
To apply please email your full CV with a covering letter setting out your experience and suitability for the role to: Emma Whittle, Curator: recruitment@oceanconservationtrust.org
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