Ready to take the next big step in your curatorial or aquarium career? 

Ready to dive into a job in one of Australia's most iconic and beautiful places?

Do you want to lead a passionate team, shape engaging marine displays, and play a hands-on role in conservation at one of Australia's top aquariums?

This is your chance to do just that-right here on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

Job Highlights

• Lead the delivery of world-class displays and animal welfare at one of Queensland’s most iconic attractions
• Located on the stunning Sunshine Coast, just minutes from the beach
• Drive conservation, education, and guest experience outcomes in a hands-on leadership role

About the Role

Reporting to the General Manager and as part of the Senior Leadership Team, the Displays Curator is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day operation of our animal displays, curatorial teams, and animal welfare programs.

You’ll lead a team of passionate aquarists, dive professionals, and animal care staff to deliver immersive, guest-focused displays while ensuring world-class animal care, safety, and innovation. This role is pivotal in aligning the aquarium’s curatorial function with Merlin’s Conservation, Welfare & Engagement (CWE) standards.

On a day-to-day basis, you will:

• Lead the delivery of best-practice animal welfare standards in line with Merlin and regulatory requirements
• Oversee life support systems, water quality, and display integrity
• Inspire and manage a high-performing curatorial team, including direct reports across animal care, diving, and veterinary support
• Design and implement engaging and educational displays and exhibits
• Drive conservation, breeding, and research initiatives with real-world impact
• Collaborate with other department heads on capital planning, marketing alignment, and guest experience enhancements
• Manage and report on curatorial budgets, compliance, audits, and project outcomes
• Champion health, safety, and risk mitigation for both animals and team

About You

You’ll bring a wealth of curatorial experience, a passion for aquatic life, and a strong commitment to guest experience and conservation. You thrive in a leadership role and are comfortable navigating the operational and strategic needs of a high-profile public attraction.

To shine in this role, you’ll have:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field (e.g., Marine Biology, Zoology, Aquaculture)
• Significant experience in curatorial or displays leadership roles, ideally in an aquarium or zoo setting
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop multidisciplinary teams
• Strong technical understanding of aquatic life support systems and animal husbandry
• A commitment to animal welfare and knowledge of the 5-domains model
• Excellent communication, planning, and problem-solving skills
• Experience working with compliance frameworks, including ZAA and ZIMS/OERCA systems
• Diving qualifications and familiarity with dive operations highly regarded

What We Can Offer You:

• Salary: Competitive salary package based on experience
• Perks: Complimentary entry to Merlin attractions globally (yes, all of them!)
• Leave: Additional wellbeing, birthday, and volunteer leave
• Growth: Access to internal and external professional development
• Impact: A meaningful role that combines leadership, animal care, and conservation
• Location: Work just minutes from beautiful Mooloolaba Beach, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast

• Culture & Values: Join a team that celebrates individuality, champions inclusivity, and supports diversity in all forms-including gender, culture, sexuality, age, and ability. We are proud of our Reconciliation Action Plan and our commitment to meaningful engagement with First Nations communities.

• Conservation: Be part of real, measurable conservation work through our support of the SEA LIFE Trust- protecting marine wildlife and habitats through local rescue efforts, beach cleans and global campaigns. We really make a difference here up on the Sunny Coast, and we want you to be part of it!

Apply Now

Dive into a rare opportunity to make waves in one of Australia’s most exciting aquariums. If you're ready to lead with passion, purpose, and impact- we want to hear from you!