Marine Mammal Sanctuary Curator at Merlin Labs

Vestmannaeyjabær, , Iceland -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

09 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

11 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Cetacean Management, Animal Welfare, Operant Conditioning, Animal Husbandry, Life Support Systems, Team Leadership, Communication, Boat Craft, Open Water Diving, Community Engagement, Training, Aquatic Animal Husbandry

Industry

Entertainment

Description

What you'll bring to the team Join the SEA LIFE Trust team and Beluga Whale residents, Little White and Little Grey as a Curator at the World’s first Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland! We’re seeking an inspiring and expert leader who can demonstrate knowledge of managing the welfare and training of cetaceans. A role which goes far beyond the sanctuary. If you haven’t heard the story, Little White and Little Grey, two beluga whales previously living in an aquarium in China, arrived in Iceland as the first residents of the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary – the world’s first such open water sanctuary. We may be the world’s first, but our goal is to encourage captive facilities to consider a different future for the cetaceans in their care. In this unique and multifaceted role, you will deliver consistently high standards of beluga training and welfare, including operant conditioning, animal husbandry and life support system operations. You will also be responsible for the welfare and development of our animal care areas within the sanctuary, including resident puffins, rescued pufflings and the aquarium collection. As part of the role the curator will support and advise the sanctuary partners including Conservation, Welfare and Engagement (CWE), Merlin and other partners on specialist areas of cetacean care. As well as encouraging a creative mentality amongst the animal care team to generate innovative ideas to improve the sanctuary experience. This includes educating the public on key areas relating to the Belugas, their habitat and other sanctuary residents in our care. This role is full-time and includes working a regular, fair share of weekends and bank holidays as required as well as providing emergency call out cover on a roster basis. Qualifications & Experience Previous experience in managing animal collections is essential You’ll be a strong communicator who can lead, develop, and support our displays team At least 5 years of work experience with Cetaceans including advanced studies/education A well-developed understanding of cetacean training with operant conditioning, animal health, husbandry, and behaviour to ensure each animal has the best individual care Knowledge of complex life support systems and aquatic animal husbandry is critical Good boat craft ability relating to inshore waters To be a strong swimmer and able to pass a department swim test A good understanding of communication skills in terms of local community engagement Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record Open water dive certification or higher All applicants must ensure they fulfil the requirements to be able to live and work in Iceland Benefits Alongside becoming part of the SEA LIFE Trust, you’ll also receive a competitive salary, plus benefits including FREE attraction tickets globally. Posted Salary Range Competitive

Responsibilities

The Curator will deliver consistently high standards of beluga training and welfare, managing operant conditioning, animal husbandry, and life support system operations for the sanctuary residents. This role also involves overseeing the welfare and development of other animal care areas, supporting sanctuary partners, and educating the public.