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Aquarist 2
- LEGOLAND (Minneapolis, MN)
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What you'll bring to the team
• Aquarist II
SEA LIFE at Mall of America | Part of Merlin Entertainments 🌎
**Dive into a career that makes a splash!** 💦
SEA LIFE at Mall of America is looking for a passionate and dedicated **Aquarist II** to join our Displays Team! If you love caring for marine life, working underwater, and inspiring guests to protect our oceans, this could be the perfect next step in your aquatic journey. 🌊🐢
This is a **full-time, benefited position** — and yes, you’ll get to dive with sharks, rays, sea turtles, and more (how cool is that?!). 🦈🐠🐢
• About the Role
As an **Aquarist II** , you’ll be responsible for the daily care and maintenance of a variety of tropical and temperate marine, freshwater, reptile, and amphibian exhibits. You’ll assist in animal husbandry, diving, life support system operations, and guest interactions — all while ensuring world-class standards of animal welfare and exhibit presentation.
From hand-feeding fish to maintaining massive ocean displays, this role combines science, animal care, and a touch of adventure every single day. ⚗️🤿
Qualifications & Experience
• What You’ll Do
+ 🐡 Provide daily care for aquatic animals — from feeding to tank maintenance and habitat enrichment.
+ 📋 Maintain accurate daily logs for animal health, water quality, and dive operations.
+ 💧 Conduct water quality testing, assist with treatments, and ensure top-notch water conditions.
+ 🤿 Participate in underwater maintenance and public dive shows in our stunning 200,000-gallon tropical ocean display.
+ 🧽 Keep dive gear and equipment maintained and organized per SEA LIFE protocols.
+ 🚛 Assist with specimen transport, quarantine, and life support operations.
+ 🎤 Engage with guests through interactive presentations and educational talks — inspire the next generation of ocean lovers! 💙
+ 🦑 Collaborate with the Displays Team to continuously improve exhibits and animal care.
+ 🧠 Meet and maintain AZA, USDA, and Merlin Health & Safety standards.
• What You Bring
+ 🐠 **2–3 years of professional aquarium experience** (marine or freshwater) with a variety of aquatic species.
+ 🎓 Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences (Marine Biology, Zoology, Biology, etc.) or an accredited aquarium science program.
+ 🤿 Valid **Open Water SCUBA certification** (Rescue Diver preferred) and 1–2 years of recent dive experience in a large exhibit (70,000+ gallons).
+ 💪 Comfortable diving with sharks, rays, eels, and turtles — and performing underwater maintenance and guest dives.
+ ⚗️ Knowledge of water chemistry and experience using testing equipment for pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrate, etc.
+ 💡 Familiarity with life support systems (sand filters, UV sterilizers, skimmers, ozone, etc.).
+ 🧬 Understanding of fish disease diagnosis, treatments, and necropsy procedures.
+ 🗣 Excellent communication skills — both for teamwork and guest presentations.
+ 🌟 Leadership and mentoring skills to help support fellow Aquarists and Husbandry Assistants.
• Health & Safety
Safety — for both animals and humans — is our top priority! You’ll follow all SEA LIFE and Merlin Entertainments health and safety policies, ensure proper risk assessments are completed, and respond to any incidents with care and professionalism.
• Work Environment & Schedule
+ Typical schedule: **Sun–Thu or Tue–Sat** , 7:00 AM–3:30 PM.
+ Must be able to work **weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations** as needed.
+ Expect an **active, hands-on environment** — lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing, kneeling, and working around water.
+ Work areas may include **varying temperatures, wet floors, and loud sounds** (our ocean display can be quite chatty!). 🐙💦
• Why You’ll Love It Here
+ Be part of a **global family** with Merlin Entertainments — one of the world’s leading attraction operators. 🌍
+ Enjoy **exclusive perks** : free attraction tickets, discounts, and professional development opportunities. 🎟️
+ Work alongside **amazing animals** and passionate conservationists every day. 🐢
+ Inspire guests to **protect our oceans and wildlife** through education and engagement. 🌊
• Our Core Values
+ **Be Adaptable:** The ocean’s always changing — and so are we!
+ **Collaborate:** Teamwork makes the reef work. 🤝
+ **Communicate Effectively:** Clear signals above and below the surface.
+ **Ensure Accountability:** Care deeply, act responsibly. 🧭
**Are you ready to dive deeper into your passion for marine life?** 🌊
Apply today and help us make waves at **SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium — Mall of America!** 🐠💙
Benefits
• **Benefits of Joining Merlin Entertainments!** 🎉
• Excellent Health Care Options: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Outstanding Paid Time Off (PTO): Enjoy well-deserved breaks to recharge!
• Merlin Magic Pass: Free entry for friends and family to our amazing parks & attractions. 🎡
• Recognition Programs and Rewards: Celebrate your achievements and hard work!
• 401(k) Program: Save for the future with company matching contributions.
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs: Get support for further education and career growth.
• Numerous Learning and Advancement Opportunities: Grow your skills and advance your career with us!
Ready to be a part of the magic? Apply today and start your adventure with Merlin Entertainments! 🌟✨
Pay Range
USD $21.08/Hr.
Submit a Referral (https://careers-na-merlinentertainments.icims.com/jobs/10226/aquarist-2/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in\_iframe=1&hashed=-1834381883)
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.
**Location (Country-State-City)** _US-MN-Bloomington, MN_
**Job ID** _2025-10226_
**Employment Type** _Full-Time_
**Offer/Contract Type** _At Will (US Only)_
**Location Name** _SEA LIFE Minnesota_
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