Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium

seaworldentertainment
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📍 Discovery Cove OrlandoFull time
Full time

About this role

At Discovery Cove Orlando, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

What you get to do:

As an Aquarist you will maintain husbandry of fish and other aquatic life in aquarium exhibits, including preparing food and feeding animals. This role will involve providing proper aquarium maintenance, such as algae removal, display diving, aquarium decorating, preventive maintenance, pump replacement, etc. You will:

  • Basic Food preparation and feeding of animals in specific aquarium area
  • Use SCUBA diving and guest service skills to perform SeaVenture underwater tours for guests
  • Basic water quality testing
  • Perform large exhibit aquarium maintenance diving
  • Use animal observation skills to monitor the health of the animal collection
  • Perform aquarium husbandry techniques including taxonomy, record keeping, animal treatments, and emergency procedures
  • Interact with park guests and educate them about the aquarium animals and animal conservation
  • Perform other duties as assigned

What it takes to succeed:

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science or a related field preferred
  • Possession of a valid state driver’s license preferred
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Able to pass qualifying swim test and annual swim test competency exam
  • Able to pass Discovery Cover dive test and dive physical
  • Able to complete provided CPR training/certification
  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Able to swim and work in/around water
  • Able to stand for long periods of time
  • Able to lift 75 pounds
  • SCUBA certified
  • Able to train on and properly use protective gear
  • Comfortable working around chemicals
  • Able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and temperature extremes
  • Available to work varying shifts/hours based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts; nights, weekends, and holidays

Position level and Compensation rate will be contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility. Level is determined through review and assessment of applicable experience by Zoo leadership.  Experience required for each level is detailed below:

  • Associate: Entry level position

  • Specialist: Minimum of 12 months (2,080 hours) professional zoological experience

  • Senior: Minimum of 2.5 years (5,200 hours) professional zoological experience

  • Senior 1: Minimum of 5 years (10,400 hours) professional zoological experience

As a 365 day/year operation, candidates are expected to provide flexible availability to support year-round operating needs. This may include, but is not limited to, working opening, mid-day and closing shifts during peak and non-peak seasons, as well as weekends and holidays.

The perks of the position:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
  • Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K Retirement plan
  • Voluntary Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium position at seaworldentertainment?
The salary for this Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium role at seaworldentertainment is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium position at seaworldentertainment located?
This Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium role at seaworldentertainment is based in Discovery Cove Orlando. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium role at seaworldentertainment full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium role at seaworldentertainment.
How do I apply for the Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium position at seaworldentertainment?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to seaworldentertainment's official application portal hosted on workday where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium job at seaworldentertainment posted?
This Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium position at seaworldentertainment was posted on Aug 21, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium
seaworldentertainment
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