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Aquarist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Walt Disney Company

Aquarist

Lake Buena Vista, FL

$51K - $68K/yr

Aquarist Req ID: 10157677 Aquarists are professional aquatic animal keepers who provide for all aspects of husbandry for the aquatic animal collections at the Seas with Nemo & Friends and The Land ...

New

RIVER RIDGE MALL JV LLC

Aquarist

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

Hill City AquaZoo is looking for an aquarist. This is a full-time position that requires working Saturdays and Sundays. If you are passionate about fish, and their care, we are looking for you! The ...

RIVER RIDGE MALL JV LLC

Aquarist

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

Paid time off Hill City AquaZoo is looking for an aquarist. This is a full-time position that requires working Saturdays and Sundays. If you are passionate about fish, and their care, we are looking ...

RIVER RIDGE MALL JV LLC

Aquarist

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

Hill City AquaZoo is looking for an aquarist. This is a full-time position that requires working Saturdays and Sundays. If you are passionate about fish, and their care, we are looking for you! The ...

Ripley Entertainment Inc

Aquarist

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$17.30/hr

Aquarist Ripley Entertainment is seeking applications for the position of Aquarist for our Buffalo Marine Science Research Center. The Marine Science Research Center is a quarantine facility for the ...

Tennessee Aquarium

Aquarist Fellowship

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$16/hr

Thank you for your interest in an Aquarist fellowship at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee! The Aquarium hopes this experience will help guide and empower conservation-minded students ...

National Aquarium

Aquarist Jellies

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Aquarist- Jellies Posting Date: July 2026 Job Department: Animal Care and Welfare Schedule: Full Time Job Type: On-site Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202 ...

Tennessee Aquarium

Aquarist Fellowship

Chattanooga, TN

$16/hr

Thank you for your interest in an Aquarist fellowship at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee! The Aquarium hopes this experience will help guide and empower conservation-minded students ...

The Maritime Aquarium

Aquarist I - Jellies

Norwalk, CT · On-site

$21.13/hr

The Aquarist at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is responsible for living specimens and maintaining their life support systems. This is an non-exempt role, hourly pay of $21.13. ESSENTIAL JOB ...

Bass Pro Shops

Aquarist

Springfield, MO · On-site

The Aquarist has the ability to provide husbandry care for the animals housed at Bass Pro Store and executes related work to maintain the exhibits. This role scuba dives to clean aquariums, performs ...

Maymont Foundation

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20/hr

LEAD AQUARIST Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park, located in Richmond, Virginia, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature ...

Bass Pro Shops

Aquarist

Sayreville, NJ · On-site

$23 - $25.75/hr

The aquarist will provide husbandry care for the animals housed at Bass Pro Store and executes related work to maintain the exhibits. SCUBA dives to clean aquariums, performs scheduled fish feeding ...

Maymont Foundation

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$43K - $56K/yr

LEAD AQUARIST Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park, located in Richmond, Virginia, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature ...

Zooceanarium Group LLC

Aquarist 1

Dallas, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Aquarist 1 Position Title Aquarist 1 Reports To Animal Care Manager Department Animal Care Location Children's Aquarium Dallas Date Written/Revised August 7, 2026 Position Summary This position is ...

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How much do aquarist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for aquarist in the United States is $15.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to get a job as an aquarist?

Securing a job as an aquarist can be competitive and typically requires relevant education in marine biology, zoology, or related fields, along with hands-on experience in aquarium maintenance and animal care. Certifications such as CPR and first aid may also be beneficial, and familiarity with aquatic systems and equipment is often expected. Entry-level positions may be available, but advancing often requires specialized knowledge and experience.

What do you do as an aquarist?

An aquarist is responsible for caring for aquatic animals and maintaining aquarium environments. This includes feeding animals, cleaning tanks, monitoring water quality, and ensuring proper habitat conditions, often using tools like water testing kits. The role requires knowledge of marine biology and may involve working with live animals daily or on a scheduled basis.

What qualifications do you need to be an aquarist?

To become an aquarist, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with knowledge of marine biology, aquatic ecosystems, and animal care. Many employers prefer candidates with a degree in biology, marine science, or a related field, as well as hands-on experience with aquatic animals and familiarity with aquarium maintenance and safety protocols.

What is an aquarist?

An aquarist is responsible for the care and maintenance of aquatic animals and their habitats, typically in aquariums, marine parks, or research facilities. Their duties include feeding, monitoring water quality, cleaning tanks, and ensuring the health and well-being of fish, invertebrates, and other marine life. They may also assist in breeding programs, conservation efforts, and educating the public about aquatic ecosystems. Aquarists often work closely with veterinarians, marine biologists, and other specialists to maintain optimal living conditions for the animals. The job requires knowledge of marine biology, water chemistry, and animal behavior, along with hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the aquarist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aquarist, you need a solid understanding of aquatic biology, animal husbandry, and water chemistry, often supported by a degree in marine biology, zoology, or a related field. Familiarity with water quality testing kits, filtration systems, and aquarium maintenance tools is essential, and certifications in scuba diving or animal care are advantageous. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the health and well-being of aquatic species while maintaining safe, attractive, and educational aquarium exhibits.

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Aquarist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aquarist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 81% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,289 per year, or $15 per hour.

Aquarist

The Walt Disney Company

Lake Buena Vista, FL

$51K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted yesterday

New

Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 52 rated entertainment

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Aquarist

Req ID:

10157677

Job Description:

Aquarists are professional aquatic animal keepers who provide for all aspects of husbandry for the aquatic animal collections at the Seas with Nemo & Friends and The Land under the direction of Animal Care management and guidance of Senior Animal Care Specialists. An Aquarist has mastered the scope of animal care skills related to multiple aquatic species and habitats attributed to a Seas Husbandry Associate through work and educational experience. An Aquarist engages in and develops specialized husbandry skills through job-related training, enhanced leadership behavior in interactions with peers and leaders, and increased skill at engaging park guests by providing interpretation of their role and sharing their experiences.

This is a Full Time position.

You will report into the Zoological Manager for The Seas.

What You Will Do
  • Perform technical aspects of aquarium animal husbandry at a high level and develop additional technical skill sets while effectively performing husbandry routines.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in multiple species, ecosystem routines, or team subsets.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and proactive thought to solving day-to-day challenges relating to animal care, routines, and processes.
  • Demonstrate commitment to and increasing skills and promoting guest interactions and experiences
  • Assist in prioritizing training goals and enrichment methods.
  • Participate in the training of new keepers/team members.
  • Develop and support the team through regular coaching and feedback sessions.
  • Provide reliable and efficient communication during daily team meetings. These communications include, but are not limited to animal management challenges, training team updates, operational demands, operational improvements, daily tasks and enrichment, and best practices.
  • Exhibit independent decision making in the day-to-day operation as appropriate.
  • Work with their leader to establish and actively pursue a list of developmental behaviors that assist in personal growth and team/operational efficiency.
  • Complete work with a limited degree of supervision
  • Serve as an informal resource for colleagues with less experience.
  • Consistently demonstrate the Disney 5-keys and Seas Team - Norms & Commitments - 2025.
Required Qualifications & Skills
  • 3+ years of paid AZA animal experience
  • Post high school education = 0-9 years
  • Combined education/experience minimum = 5 years
    • (Preferred qualification: Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, Zoology or other related field).
  • SCUBA certified, CPR and First Aid certified
    • Be able to move 50 pounds on a regular basis
    • Carry, assemble, and don SCUBA tanks and gear daily
  • SCUBA Rescue Certified
Required Education
  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Additional Information:

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits (opens in new window).

The hiring range for this position in Florida is $51,500.00-$68,900.00 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

Park Ops

Job Posting Primary Business:

Animal Progrms & Environmntal Initiatives (WDW)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Animal Programs Aquarist

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-08-14

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media

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