Diver / Assistant Biologist

Conservation is all about people. Our team of marine biologists, educators, communicators, researchers, ecologists, oceanographers and divers are Ocean optimists. We work tirelessly to connect people to the Ocean and influence pro-Ocean behaviour.

The Ocean Conservation Trust is a charity focussed on habitat restoration and behaviour change which owns and runs the National Marine Aquarium and brings you the opportunity to work in the prestigious Salesforce Tower London development at 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY.

The team work on a rota’d basis to provide 7 day cover, providing the very best exhibit maintenance, animal nutrition and welfare, diving operations, record keeping and reporting. The successful candidate will ideally be located within easy reach of the centre of London. We are looking for someone who is professional, punctual and well presented. You will be an excellent communicator and proficient in the use of computers. A diving qualification in the form of HSE part IV, PADI Divemaster or equivalent are essential and experience in aquatic animal husbandry is preferable, along with the ability to pass a HSE commercial dive medical. Normal work location will be in London but there may be occasions when you need to travel to the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth for short periods.

Primary Objectives

• To maintain the Salesforce Tower London Exhibit and back of house facilities to the highest possible standards up to and including those laid out by the Secretary of State’s Standard for Modern Zoo Practice (SSSMZP).
• To provide unparalleled levels of animal care and professionalism whilst adhering to the ethos and standards of both the National Marine Aquarium and Salesforce Tower London.
• To adhere to the Core Values of the NMA which are: Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Engagement.

Duties

• Assist with activities relating to exhibit care and husbandry including exhibit diving.
• Assist with the maintenance of the health of the collection.
• Assist with monitoring water quality appropriate to the needs of the collection.
• Assist the Curator and Aquarium Operator with the development of the exhibit to continually impress the client at Salesforce Tower London.
• Work with the Curator, Aquarium Operator and appointed engineering agent to ensure that life support systems are adequate for maintaining the collection and that water quality is maintained to the highest possible standard.
• Provide 24hr on-call cover of the exhibit on a rota basis and deal with problems in an appropriate manner when they arise. 
• Assist with carrying out routine specimen recording and monitoring programmes.
• Communicate to the public at all levels.
• Participate in regular diving activities.
• Show a responsible understanding and application of environmental issues at home and work and ensure the impact of these activities align with the Ocean Conservation Strategy 2022 – 2027.
• Participate in extraordinary duties as required.
• To carry out other activities as appropriate on the instruction of the Aquarium Operator and Curator.
• At all times to behave in a safe and responsible manner in accordance with company Health & Safety policy and the requirements of Health & Safety legislation relating to your responsibilities and to promote and act in the employers best interest.
• Undertake training as deemed appropriate to your role.
• To adopt a flexible approach to working hours to ensure the viability of aquarium operations (this includes the shift-working pattern, public bank holidays and weekends).

Contracted hours are 23 per week but some flexibility is required to cover for holidays. The rate of pay is £13.82 per hour.