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Aquarium Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aquarium

Retail Associate

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

Handle customer inquiries and resolve any issues promptly with management. * Promote and upsell Aquarium merchandise and special promotions. * Engage our Guest in their experience with Build A Bear ...

National Aquarium

Life Support Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$17.64 - $22.74/hr

... Manager, Life Support or Director of Life Support. KEY REQUIREMENTS: Essential responsibilities include: * Operates life support systems for the large aquarium exhibits: Atlantic Coral Reef, Open ...

Aramark

Sales Manager - Adventure Aquarium

Camden, NJ · On-site

Adventure Aquarium has over 15,000 aquatic animals including the largest collection of sharks in ... Sales Management. • Secure prospective client appointments via participation in targeted ...

1001 Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc.

NY · On-site

$195 - $261/hr

Zoological & Aquarium Operations Provide vision, leadership, and direction for animal care, animal ... Partner with Public Affairs, Communications, Legal, Risk Management, Security, and other ...

New

National Aquarium

SVP Chief Mission Officer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

... manage institutional risk, and advance the Aquarium's mission, vision, and strategic plan. This role helps to foster a collaborative culture grounded in connection, optimism, operational integrity ...

New

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Aquarium Manager information

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$23K

$61.4K

$102.5K

How much do aquarium manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for aquarium manager in the United States is $61,351.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aquarium manager?

Aquarium Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of public or private aquariums. Their duties include managing staff, ensuring the health and safety of aquatic animals, maintaining water quality, and coordinating educational programs and exhibits. They also handle budgeting, procurement, and compliance with regulations. Effective Aquarium Managers combine knowledge of marine biology, business management, and strong leadership skills to ensure their facility runs smoothly and provides a positive experience for visitors.

What are some of the key challenges an aquarium manager might face in daily operations?

Aquarium Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal water quality, managing a diverse team of aquarists and support staff, and ensuring the health and wellbeing of a wide variety of aquatic species. Additionally, they must balance operational budgets, oversee exhibit maintenance, and comply with strict regulatory standards for animal care and public safety. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the role requires collaborating with veterinarians, educators, and other departments to deliver a positive visitor experience while prioritizing animal welfare.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aquarium manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aquarium Manager, you need expertise in marine biology or aquatic science, experience in animal husbandry, and often a relevant degree. Familiarity with water quality testing equipment, aquarium life support systems, and regulatory compliance software is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for managing staff, ensuring animal welfare, and engaging with the public. These skills are crucial for maintaining healthy aquatic environments, meeting regulatory standards, and delivering exceptional visitor experiences.

What is the difference between Aquarium Manager vs Aquarium Technician?

AspectAquarium ManagerAquarium Technician
CertificationsOften requires advanced certifications in marine biology or aquacultureTypically requires basic certifications or relevant technical training
Work EnvironmentOversees entire aquarium operations, staff management, and visitor experiencePerforms hands-on maintenance, cleaning, and animal care
ResponsibilitiesManagement, budgeting, staff supervision, and strategic planningAnimal feeding, tank maintenance, and technical repairs

While both roles are vital in an aquarium setting, the Aquarium Manager focuses on overall operations and staff management, whereas the Aquarium Technician handles the technical and animal care tasks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Aquarium Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Aquarium Manager jobs? Cities with the most Aquarium Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aquarium jobs? The most popular types of Aquarium jobs are:
What states have the most Aquarium Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Aquarium Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aquarium Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aquarium Manager jobs are:
Aquarium Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aquarium Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,351 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Dive Programs Manager

The Living Planet Aquarium

Draper, UT • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position: Dive Programs Manager

Reports To: Vice President of Zoological Operations

Compensation: Starting at $70,000/year

Why Utah?

Utah is home to five national parks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning deserts, mountains, and lakes, all within easy driving distance. Outdoor adventure is part of everyday life. The Salt Lake Valley consistently ranks high for safety, clean communities, short commute times, and family-friendly amenities. Draper offers a balance of suburban comfort and urban access, with downtown Salt Lake City just 15 minutes away. Enjoy all four seasons without extremes—sunny summers, colorful falls, snowy winters, and mild springs, perfect for both outdoor recreation and city living. Utah’s communities are known for being engaged, supportive, and service-oriented, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.

About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a mission-driven institution dedicated to inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Founded in 1997, the Aquarium provides impactful educational experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.

Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world, including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the opening of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, the Aquarium became the largest in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.

Position Summary:

The Dive Programs Manager leads all aspects of the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s diving program, overseeing safety, training, and operations for both staff and volunteer divers. This position ensures compliance with institutional, AZA, and OSHA Commercial Diving standards while maintaining the highest levels of diver safety and program integrity. The Dive Programs Manager is responsible for administrative oversight, equipment program supervision, diver training, and management of certifications.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for overseeing and maintaining all Aquarium dive operations in compliance with institutional protocols and regulatory standards, including but not limited to: OSHA, ADPA, and AZA.
  • Lead all trainings and oversee certification maintenance for staff and volunteers divers, including first aid, CPR, AED, and emergency oxygen.
  • Supervise and support ancillary dive staff, including the staff divers and dive technicians.
  • Ensure safe operation of and routine preventative maintenance of all dive and dive-related equipment and infrastructure.
  • Supervise Volunteer Dive program, with support from the Volunteer Coordinator, driving recruitment, providing trainings, and overseeing scheduling.
  • Design and enact emergency procedures and safety drills, ensuring compliance with AZA standard 11.7.4.
  • Manage administrative responsibilities including recordkeeping, purchasing, and budget management.
  • Support interdepartmental collaboration for dive-related animal care, exhibits, and infrastructure projects.


Experience and Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine science, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum five (5) years of professional diving experience in a zoo or aquarium setting, with at least 2 years serving in a Dive Safety Officer or equivalent role.
  • Valid SCUBA instructor certification from a nationally recognized agency, with the ability to teach open-water, advanced open water, rescue diver, first aid/CPR/AED, and oxygen provider classes – DAN or Rescue X preferred.
  • Experience with open-circuit, surface supply, full face mask, dry suit diving, and operations of wired and wireless underwater coms.
  • Experience with Rapid Extrication Backboard preferred.
  • Preferred experience using volunteer coordination software such as Volgistics.


Critical Competencies:

  • Strong leadership and administrative skills, including volunteer and staff management.
  • Extensive knowledge of diving standards, physiology, and emergency procedures.
  • In-depth experience with OSHA commercial diving, ADPA, AAUS, and aquarium Scientific Exemption standards.
  • Experience with compressor systems, surface-supplied air, and dive gear maintenance oversight.
  • Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and dive record-keeping software.
  • Ability to mentor, train, and develop dive team members in a collaborative and safety-oriented environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills including technical writing and SOP development.
  • Experience with assessing diver skills.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

  • Instructor-level certification from a nationally recognized agency required.
  • AAUS Scientific Diver certification preferred.
  • Valid Utah Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within three months of hire.
  • Current First Aid/CPR/Oxygen Administration Instructor certification – DAN or Rescue X preferred.


Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Work includes both administrative and in-water duties in varying conditions. Requires lifting of up to 70 lbs, standing for extended periods, and working in cold or confined spaces. Must be available for weekends, holidays, and emergency response support.



The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status. The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.