Are you passionate about marine life, sustainability, and conservation? If so, consider a career with SEA LIFE, a dynamic branch of Merlin Entertainments. It’s all part of our mission to inspire a love for the ocean and its animals – and to encourage people to preserve them for the future. With 50 aquariums, 2 sanctuaries, and over 180,000 animals, we bring our guests closer to the oceans than ever before.
Known for bringing people up close and personal with the wonders of our oceans, SEA LIFE is much more than a guest experience; it's a place where dedicated individuals help create a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and actively support conservation efforts worldwide. Working at SEA LIFE means being part of something bigger: inspiring ocean advocacy, educating the public, and playing a direct role in protecting our oceans.
Whether you're a marine biologist, an educator, or passionate about sustainability, SEA LIFE offers a variety of roles where you can make an impact. Working for SEA LIFE means aligning yourself with Merlin Entertainments' core value of "We Care"—a commitment to making a positive impact, both on the planet and in our communities.
Here, "We Care" isn't just a slogan; it’s a guiding principle shaping how SEA LIFE operates, and it's woven into the daily work of every team member.
Below, you can explore some of the career paths within SEA LIFE and how each role contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future for our oceans.
1. Aquarist: Guardians of the Seas
Aquarists at SEA LIFE are the beating heart of marine care and conservation efforts. From ensuring the well-being of jellyfish to rehabilitating sea turtles, aquarists take on the critical responsibility of caring for SEA LIFE’s diverse marine life. Daily tasks involve habitat maintenance, water quality monitoring, and animal care. Aquarists also play an educational role, sharing insights with guests about species conservation, endangered habitats, and how they can make a difference in ocean health.
Our inspiring teammate Natalie Emmerson shares her career story, from starting as an Assistant Aquarist, to becoming our Mobile Displays Supervisor for our SEA LIFE Centres across the UK & Ireland.
“No two days are ever the same in SEALIFE, so you’re always learning something new. Working at three different sites (and supporting at a few more) over the last decade I’ve had the opportunity to work with a huge variety of animals, people and systems, so I’ve had a diverse range of experiences and no doubt many more to come.”
2. Education & Guest Engagement Specialists: Inspiring Ocean Advocacy
Education is a core component of SEA LIFE’s mission, and guest engagement specialists make it their mission to inspire curiosity and action. These specialists create engaging, interactive experiences that teach visitors about marine biodiversity, climate change, and ways they can help protect our oceans.
By hosting school programs, guided tours, and interactive talks, SEA LIFE educators help bridge the gap between guests and the marine world. This role has lasting ripple effects, as many visitors leave SEA LIFE with a newfound respect and desire to protect marine life.
3. Animal Welfare: Champions of Marine Health
SEA LIFE’s commitment to animal welfare is second to none, and its veterinary team ensures each animal receives the highest standard of care. These professionals perform health check-ups, implement advanced treatment protocols, and work closely with rescue teams to rehabilitate injured or stranded marine animals. The focus on animal welfare extends beyond the walls of the aquariums, as SEA LIFE vets participate in global rescue efforts, from coral reef protection to assisting in marine mammal strandings.
6. Sustainability and Conservation Officers: Leading the Charge for Green Practices
SEA LIFE is committed to reducing its environmental footprint, and sustainability officers are the champions of these efforts. They lead initiatives like reducing plastic use, managing recycling programs, and improving energy efficiency throughout each site. From compostable packaging to eco-friendly retail products, SEA LIFE continually implements practices to reduce its impact on the environment and educate visitors on sustainable habits they can adopt in their own lives.
Sustainability officers at SEA LIFE are directly responsible for implementing initiatives that align with Merlin’s long-term goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its attractions—a crucial step in the fight against climate change.
Below, you can learn more about careers in Sustainability at SEA LIFE from Chris Brown, Global Head of Conservation Science and Education.
“I wouldn’t do this role if I wasn’t enthusiastic that people can make a difference, and that it is worth being passionate about the animals. And that’s the beauty of SEA LIFE, that you can actually show people and share that passion and excitement. It’s about finding ways to be part of the community. A major role for us is establishing that connection with animals. When people form a connection, they want to find out more. They develop an interest in the welfare of those animals, here and in the wild. I think that is incredibly important."
Why SEA LIFE?
Working at SEA LIFE is more than just a job; it’s a chance to be part of a global movement that actively protects marine life and educates millions about the importance of ocean conservation. By joining the SEA LIFE team, you’ll contribute to impactful projects, from breeding programs for endangered species to groundbreaking research on marine ecosystems. Merlin’s "We Care" philosophy fosters a compassionate and supportive work environment, where employees are encouraged to make a difference while growing in their careers.
If you’re looking for a career that combines purpose, passion, and professional growth, SEA LIFE offers a world of opportunity. Whether you’re caring for animals, engaging the public, or driving sustainability, every role at SEA LIFE contributes to a brighter future for our oceans.
So, are you ready to make waves with us? Dive into SEA LIFE careers today and find out how you can be part of a mission that changes lives, one ocean at a time.
Interested in hearing more about the magical moments at Merlin Entertainments? Check out some of our other blogs and dive deeper into our fun-filled culture!
