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Aquarium Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Retail Associate

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

Aquarium Restaurant is an underwater dining adventure! Our unique environment brings the sights and sounds of the ocean to life, offering a fun and engaging experience for our guests. We are looking ...

Aquarium Restaurant is an underwater dining adventure! Our unique environment brings the sights and sounds of the ocean to life, offering a fun and engaging experience for our guests. We are looking ...

Aquarium Fish LSEO

Galveston, TX · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Professional Animal Care * Report to work location by scheduled time. * Maintain clean, professional appearance. * Perform daily routines as scheduled. * Maintain ...

Aquarium Restaurant is an underwater dining adventure! Our unique environment brings the sights and sounds of the ocean to life, offering a fun and engaging experience for our guests. We are looking ...

Retail Associate

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

Aquarium Restaurant is an underwater dining adventure! Our unique environment brings the sights and sounds of the ocean to life, offering a fun and engaging experience for our guests. We are looking ...

Life Support Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$17.64 - $22.74/hr

The National Aquarium is seeking a Life Support Engineer (LSE) to perform daily operations and monitor life support equipment for the large exhibit systems throughout the aquarium facility.

Showing results 41-60

Aquarium information

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$28K

$87.1K

$96K

How much do aquarium jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for aquarium in the United States is $87,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by aquarists working in public aquariums?

Aquarists in public aquariums often encounter challenges such as maintaining stable water quality, managing the health and welfare of diverse aquatic species, and responding quickly to emergencies like equipment failures or animal illnesses. The role also involves collaborating closely with veterinarians, educators, and fellow aquarists to ensure animal care standards and deliver engaging visitor experiences. Additionally, balancing routine maintenance with public interaction and educational programming can require strong organizational and communication skills.

What is an aquarium worker?

Aquarium workers are professionals who care for aquatic animals and maintain the habitats within public or private aquariums. Their responsibilities include feeding fish and other marine life, monitoring water quality, cleaning tanks, and sometimes educating visitors about marine biology and conservation. They may also assist with breeding programs, animal health monitoring, and exhibit design to ensure the well-being of the animals and an engaging experience for visitors.

What is the difference between Aquarium vs Marine Biologist?

AspectAquariumMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in animal careBachelor's or higher in Marine Biology or related field; advanced research credentials
Work EnvironmentPublic aquariums, zoos, or marine centersResearch labs, universities, fieldwork at sea
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and entertainment institutionsResearch institutions, universities, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on animal care and exhibit maintenanceFocus on scientific research and marine ecosystems

While both roles involve working with marine life, an Aquarium typically focuses on caring for animals in a public setting, maintaining exhibits, and educating visitors. A Marine Biologist conducts scientific research on marine organisms and ecosystems, often working in labs or in the field. The roles overlap in marine animal handling but differ significantly in their primary objectives and work environments.

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

To thrive as an Aquarium Technician, you need a background in biology, marine science, or a related field, along with hands-on experience in aquatic animal care and tank maintenance. Familiarity with water quality testing kits, filtration systems, and aquarium management software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for addressing animal health and collaborating with team members. These skills ensure the safe, healthy environment necessary for aquatic life and the smooth operation of aquarium facilities.
What cities are hiring for Aquarium jobs? Cities with the most Aquarium 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 jobs? States with the most job openings for Aquarium jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aquarium jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aquarium jobs are:
Infographic showing various Aquarium job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 69% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $87,056 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Newport Aquarium Merchandise Supervisor

Newport Aquarium

Newport, KY • On-site

$47K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Newport Aquarium rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Manage staff up to 30 people depending on the season.
  • Provides coaching and discipline, evaluations, and training of Merchandise Team Members and Leads.
  • Responsible for developing and distributing personnel schedules for Gift Shop department Team Members and Leads.
  • Perform opening and closing duties as necessary.
  • Meet financial objectives by assisting in preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.
  • Actively participates in regular meetings with leadership, with the goal of constantly reviewing and improving the business.
  • Maintain store displays and ensure proper pricing.
  • Maintain inventory and ensure items are in stock.
  • Maintain accurate record keeping involving business and personnel.
  • Ensure new promotions are accurate and merchandised to the company's standards.
  • Formulate and implement processes and procedures for the Gift Shop Department while following company policy and guidelines.
  • Assist sales staff in daily activities to achieve sales targets.
  • Handle various comments, complaints, and suggestions regarding policy and procedure from guest and hosts.
  • Create and maintain an atmosphere of friendliness, courteousness, professionalism and service with guests and hosts.
  • Develop and monitor a highly motivated and productive team to ensure guest service and visual merchandising are top quality.
  • Assist Revenue Director in entire product cycle: product planning, ordering, receiving, merchandising, transaction.
  • Must lead by example exemplifying Herschend Enterprises' core values.
  • Work with and alongside team members to ensure a high level of host/guest interaction.
  • Provide daily leadership for department team members and leads.
  • Demonstrate ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
  • Maintain rewards and recognition programs within the merchandise department.
  • Monitor and control labor hours by adjusting staffing as necessary to reduce operational expenses.
  • Demonstrate ability to lead, build, and motivate a team.
  • Demonstrate ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
  • Responsible for maintaining PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliance, ensuring that staff is trained and training is current.
  • Proven ability to anticipate and solve problems with adaptability, flexibility, and teamwork.
  • Create and maintain standard operating procedure (SOP) documentation for all processes in the retail operation.
  • Maintains job descriptions, training curriculum and requirements.
  • Manage, track and order supplies and inventory as needed.
  • Establish, evaluate and adjust staffing levels to compensate for seasonal shifts in business in order to maximize financial return on labor.
  • Perform other duties or assignments as requested by the Revenue Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Minimum of two years' experience in supervisory or retail management role.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office.
  • High volume retail experience preferred.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Successful completion of pre-employment background check
  • Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop
  • Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds

WHAT YOU'LL GET:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vison insurances
  • 40 sick hours, 40 personal hours, 8 Holidays, 80 Vacation Hours annually
  • Profit Sharing and 401K Plan with company match
  • Free entrance for you and your dependents which extends to most Herschend Enterprises' properties
  • Earn 1 General Admission complimentary ticket, that you can give to anyone, per pay period
  • Discounts at Sharky's Café, Sweet Dreams Candy Company, and the gift shop
  • Discounted tickets and annual passes for friends and family
  • Training and development

You can expect to work on projects that have never been done before - ideas that are unproven, and concepts that make people smile. You can expect to have fun and be treated with respect the minute you start...and through to the end. You can expect to work in an environment that is highly innovative and low in politics - truthful and filled with smart people; all while providing the BEST GUEST EXPERIENCE IN THE NATION!
And most of all, you can expect to work hard and make a difference in our world by helping to bring families closer together.
Looking to pursue your education without debt? Grow U has hundreds of programs available from certifications to college prep to associates, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Most of these programs are fully funded. Learn more at: https://www.newportaquarium.com/Careers/Benefits/GrowU
Newport Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Enterprises, prides itself on creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values - greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and constantly improving - give us purpose and guidance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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