This is a rare and unusual opportunity for a full-time Managing Aquarist position at an innovative, airport-based aquarium nearby the Great Barrier Reef. Join the AAT team that manages aquariums elsewhere in Australia and overseas too.
About Us
Advanced Aquarium Technologies designs, builds, operates and services iconic public aquariums that attract tourists and delight visitors, promote conservation, rescue and rehabilitate wild animals and support marine science research.
We also create, install, and manage stunning feature aquariums to enrich shopping malls, hospitals, airports, entertainment centres, hotels, luxury properties and other premium venues.
AAT is the only vertically integrated service provider in the international aquarium development industry. Over 25 years, we have assembled an unparalleled portfolio of in-house capabilities, including AAT Acrylics, the world’s only Australian-owned manufacturer of cast PLEXIGLAS® block (the essential component in our aquarium windows, tunnels, domes and cylinders).
We also manufacture advanced life support system apparatus; electronic control systems; marine-habitat simulations (hyper-realistic artificial rockwork and coral); creative props for aquarium theming; swimming pool windows and building skylights.
Our post-construction services include aquarium commissioning; staff training and handover; technical audits and inspections; equipment maintenance and repair; aquarium refurbishments and aquarium-management outsourcing.
AAT team members work in an exciting, inspiring, and global industry at the intersection of marine science, conservation and tourism. This role is within our curatorial and aquarist team that manages aquariums – on behalf of their owners – in Queensland and Victoria and international destinations in Europe and the Middle East.
The Role
Advanced Aquarium Technologies has a unique, full-time opportunity for a Managing Aquarist at the innovative Heart of the Reef Aquarium located within the terminal building at the Whitsunday Coast Airport in Queensland, Australia.
Located on the northeast coast of Australia, the airport is a gateway to one of the world’s most iconic and beautiful regions, home to over 70 idyllic tropical islands and the world-heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. The region attracts some 600,000 visitors in a typical year.
The 10-meter long aquarium contains 30,000 litres of water and features 100 different species – including angelfish, clownfish tangs and sweetlips – and a unique, heart-shaped reef simulation.
AAT was contracted by the Whitsunday Regional Council to create this aquarium as part of a major airport upgrade in 2019. The aquarium is a memorable celebration of the region’s exceptional natural assets and ecosystems. Much loved by staff and visitors – especially the children – the aquarium is one of the first and last attractions that visitors see on arrival and departure and turns waiting time at the terminal into a relaxing and unforgettable experience.
On behalf of our client, the local council, AAT aquarists visit the aquarium daily to feed and care for the fish, deliver animal enrichment activities, dive in the tank to clean and maintain the exhibit and to manage the Life Support System (LSS). The skid-mounted LSS comprises a foam fractionator, biofilters, a UV filter, an ozone generator and a digital control system. (LSS familiarisation training will be provided.)
Read more about the aquarium Heart of the Reef Aquarium:
Read more about life as an AAT Managing Aquarist Managing Aquarist Article:
Duties and Responsibilities
- Daily operations and management of a public aquarium
- Operating and maintaining Life Support System equipment
- Diving and Diver Supervision
- General aquarist duties
- Feeding
- Animal health management
- Animal enrichment
- Submit weekly operational and water quality reports
- Maintain a professional working relationship with the client, contractors, and internal staff at all times
- Ensure that the aquarium achieves its front-of-house and back-of-house operational requirements.
- Contribute to virtual-team projects and initiatives with aquarists in different regions and countries.
- Take photographs and videos of the aquarium and animals, with short and straightforward written or audio commentaries, for use on AAT social media
Skills and Capabilities
Working remotely as part of a virtual team is not for everyone. However, if you are a qualified aquarist with the right experience and approach, this is a fabulous opportunity to join a unique international team.
- Passionate about your work and an enthusiastic contributor.
- Creative and effective problem solver that can think outside the box.
- Value-adding, self-motivated team member comfortable working as part of a remote team connected virtually via modern digital platforms.
- Experience managing and operating public aquariums or large-scale retail systems or aquaculture systems
- Dive qualifications – Dive master level minimum
- Qualification and/or experience maintaining dive equipment
- Willingness and ability to be on call 24/7
- Life Support System Operation experience
- First Aid Certificate
- Advanced resuscitation – Oxygen admin
- Microsoft office skills
- Comfortable participating in video conferences
- Familiar with basic underwater photography
If you possess the above attributes and are seeking permanent full-time employment, please forward your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
ONLY APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITH A COVER LETTER OUTLINING HOW YOU WOULD BE IDEAL FOR THIS ROLE WILL BE ACCEPTED.