Apprentice Aquarist - Sea Park

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family‑held themed attractions company, with 49 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide. Our shared purpose is to bring families closer together by creating memories worth repeating. We call this "Heartspitality®"—the intersection of heart and hospitality.

As an equal‑opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feels welcome, valued, and loved.

As an Apprentice Aquarist at Sea Life Park Hawai`i, you will work alongside the animal care staff in the Reef Life department to maintain all aspects of daily care and life support maintenance for the collection.

• Participate in the daily husbandry of fish, elasmobranchs, invertebrates and sea turtles.
• Perform cleaning and maintenance of enclosures using SCUBA and hydraulic cleaning equipment for large exhibits.
• Maintain acceptable water‑quality parameters to ensure the health of the animals.
• Recognize symptoms of fish and invertebrate disease and poor health, and report to a supervisor.
• Ensure proper care of life‑support equipment by adhering to a regular maintenance schedule and keeping all components clean.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Interact with guests, management, veterinarians, and other individuals as required, including public presentations.
• Exemplify a high standard of animal husbandry, exhibit presentation, and customer service.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field, or equivalent work experience (preferred).
• Working knowledge of fundamental aquarium life‑support systems and components.
• Proven ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and multi‑task as necessary.
• Must be SCUBA open‑water certified and able to pass a dive test and physical assessment.
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, Rescue Diver SCUBA certification by a nationally recognized instructors association (e.g., PADI, NAUI).
• Must have or obtain CPR and First Aid certification.
• Ability to read, write, and speak fluent English.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work for your scheduled shift.
• Must possess a strong passion and unwavering commitment for exceptional animal care and welfare.
• Must possess exceptional customer service skills and the ability to resolve questions, problems, and concerns in a positive and professional manner.
• Must possess effective communication skills and the ability to convey ideas and concepts to students, park guests, and leadership.
• Ability to safely dive underwater and follow all SCUBA protocols.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and directives, and issue clear verbal/written instructions to others.

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for the majority of the workday.
• Ability to frequently balance, stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders.
• Ability to work in a salt‑water environment both inside and outside of the water at all times of the day and/or night.
• Ability to carry, push, pull, lift, and hold objects weighing 30pounds or more.

This role will be primarily based outdoors in aquatic environments. Job duties are frequently performed under physically demanding conditions and in potentially hazardous environments, including enclosed spaces. Tasks may involve working with marine mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Employees will be exposed to salt water, wet conditions most of the day, and will regularly enter and exit the water regardless of weather.

Exposure to variable outside temperatures, such as high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, and other weather conditions, is common. Frequent repetitive motion and interruptions may require rapid reprioritization of activities.

• Flexible schedule.
• Ability to cross‑train and learn unique skills across various departments.
• Free admission to Sea Life Park on your days off.
• Invitation to exclusive employee events throughout the season.

We support a balance between work and family, promote advancement from within, and encourage host development for a fulfilling and rewarding career.