Are you passionate about diving and delivering World Class Animal Experiences? Are you an experienced leader with a desire to manage a team in an iconic global brand?

We have an exciting opportunity to join us at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium as a SDX (Shark Dive Xtreme) Dive Supervisor and Curatorial Dive Lead.

About the Role

Reporting into the Curatorial Department Supervisor – Dive Operations you will be responsible for all SDX operations as well as leading a team of diving instructors, ensuring full Health and Safety in relation to all SDX related dive operations.

You will also support the coordination of all day-to-day dive operations within the Curatorial Department across all areas of the aquarium.

Key responsibilities and attributes for this role will include (but are not limited to):

• Ensure the highest possible standards of guest services, animal husbandry, exhibit presentation, technical operation and safety in daily operations at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
• Implement rigorous Health and Safety procedures that meet Merlin H&S / Dive and local authorities’ policies, standards and requirements. Including assisting in the Regional Dive Safety Board.
• Ability to make decisions on guest safety during SDX operations.
• Ability to make assessments of guest divers’ medical eligibility for SDX and handling any concerns appropriately.
• Develop and implement procedures that maximise time management of dive operations.
• Responsible for the day-to-day SDX operations and all related risk assessments.
• Responsible for the programmed maintenance of all diving and dive safety related equipment.
• Maintenance and storage of diving documentation and databases; all written or electronic records are completed accurately daily.
• Ensure diving operations aid in the delivery of world class guest experiences.
• ​Monitor all public display areas to achieve the objective of delivering a World Class guest experience.
• ​Lead divers by example and setting the standard for animal care, professionalism and dive safety.
• Manage and deliver to SDX operational and staffing budgets as agreed with line manager/Curator.
• Assist with the development and implementation, in conjunction with Curator, other curatorial supervisors, head keepers and keepers, of policies and procedures that maximise the management of animal husbandry and animal innovation throughout the displays development and livestock holding facilities.
• Provide support in any other curatorial area within the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
• Be available for mandatory alarm call-out duties and designated key holder accountabilities.
• Lead, develop and support SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium curatorial team members in your specific areas of responsibility.  
• Coordinate appropriate staffing levels to achieve the department daily objectives.
• Work effectively with the Veterinarian to carry out the highest-level animal health and wellbeing practices.  
• Network and build external relationships with relevant organisations to position and promote SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium as a respected and leading zoological/aquarium organisation.
• Maintain animal management records according to company and legislative requirements.
• Ensure health and safety policies are strictly followed to ensure the safety of staff, guests and animals.
• Stay up to date with scientific information regarding the animals within the collection.
• Promote high-quality guest interactions and presentations and support the team to do the same.

About Us

Merlin Entertainments is the company behind iconic brands like SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, and Peppa Pig World of Play. We operate in over 140 attractions across 25 countries, delivering memorable experiences to 54 million+ visitors a year. 

We’re the leading operator of visitor attractions in Australia and New Zealand, with 10 attractions, including SEA LIFE, Wild Life, Madame Tussauds, and the Fly Treetop Adventures, amongst others. 

Merlin Entertainments is driven by a strong social responsibility with the vision to create a world where the global community respects, conserves, and sustainably manages our precious aquatic habitats, wildlife, and natural resources. We strive to achieve this goal through our 3 charities: Merlins Magic Wand, the SEA LIFE Trust, and the WILD LIFE Conservation Fund.

Our SEA LIFE teams are all built on the foundation of a commitment to conservation and a need to share the beauty of our underwater workmates with the world! Our teams are what help to make the experience engaging and interactive by giving informative and interesting talks and being on hand for all of our guests needs.

Please let us know at anzrecruitment@merlinentertainments.biz if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application.

The ideal candidate for this role will have a passion for the marine environment and public engagement. We are also looking for an excellent people leader who can build rapport and encourage team cohesion. This is a position opened externally to any candidate with the required qualifications and internally for Global Merlin SEA LIFE curatorial staff with an active diving instructor qualification looking for a secondment opportunity. Ongoing/permanent position following secondment considered for the right candidate. Sponsorship and visa offered for suitable applicant (subject to government regulation and required qualifications).

​You will:

• Hold a valid Dive Instructor Certification and adhere to agencies requirements to maintain active status.
• Hold a Current Occupational Diver Medical AS2299 (or ability to obtain one before the start of the role)
• Hold a Current First Aid, CPR & Oxygen therapy provider certificates or Advance Resuscitation certificate (or ability to obtain one before the start of the role)
• Have proficient experience as a Dive Instructor
• Have proven aquatic animal husbandry experience is desirable.
• Have a high degree of supervisory skills in an aquatic displays capacity.
• Be a clear communicator, good planner with strong organisation skills.
• Be adept at problem solving and proactive with a solution focus.

The following qualifications would be an advantage:

• Hold or have the ability to obtain ADAS Aquarium Diver certification or above.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology or Biology or an equivalent Animal Care Diploma.

• Corporate benefits including free access to all our attractions worldwide
• Domestic and global opportunities to develop and progress your skills and career in tourism and attractions
• Additional Leave (including birthday and wellbeing) and 3 volunteer days to give back to a social cause you care about
• Being part of a business built on fun