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The Aquarium Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dive Coordinator

Corpus Christi, TX ยท On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

Position Summary The Texas State Aquarium is seeking an experienced and collaborative Dive Coordinator to lead our Dive Department and oversee the Aquarium's dive program. This is a working dive ...

Senior Grant Manager

Norwalk, CT ยท On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

For 38 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the ...

SVP Chief Mission Officer

Baltimore, MD ยท On-site

$200 - $250/hr

The National Aquarium is seeking a Senior Vice President, Chief Mission Officer (SVP, CMO) to serve on the Leadership Team and lead the National Aquarium's animal care and welfare, conservation ...

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The Aquarium information

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$28K

$87.1K

$96K

How much do the aquarium jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for the 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 The Aquarium jobs?

Jobs at an aquarium typically involve caring for aquatic animals, educating the public, maintaining exhibits, and supporting conservation efforts. Positions can include aquarists (who care for the animals), educators, maintenance staff, and administrative roles. Working at an aquarium often requires a passion for marine life, strong communication skills, and sometimes specialized training or education in biology or environmental science.

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

To thrive as an Aquarist, you need knowledge of marine biology, animal husbandry, and water chemistry, typically supported by a degree in biology or a related field. Familiarity with life support systems (LSS), water testing kits, and aquarium maintenance equipment is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong observational skills help Aquarists excel in animal care. These skills ensure the health and wellbeing of aquatic life and the smooth operation of aquarium exhibits.

What are common challenges faced by aquarists working in public aquariums, and how can they be addressed?

Aquarists in public aquariums often face challenges such as maintaining optimal water quality, ensuring animal health, and managing complex life support systems. Additionally, they must balance daily husbandry tasks with educational outreach and public interaction. Effective collaboration with veterinarians, educators, and maintenance teams is essential to address these challenges. Staying current with best practices and ongoing training can also help aquarists adapt to new technologies and animal care standards.

What is the difference between The Aquarium vs Marine Biologist?

AspectThe AquariumMarine 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, educational centers, animal care facilitiesResearch vessels, field sites, laboratories, universities
Industry UsageEducational and public outreach roles within aquariumsResearch, conservation, and academic roles in marine science

While The Aquarium focuses on caring for aquatic animals and educating the public within aquarium settings, Marine Biologists conduct research and study marine life in natural environments or labs. Both roles involve aquatic animals but differ in scope, environment, and credentials required.

What cities are hiring for The Aquarium jobs?

Cities with the most The Aquarium job openings:

What states have the most The Aquarium jobs?

States with the most job openings for The Aquarium jobs include:

Infographic showing various The Aquarium job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 68% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $87,056 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Dive Coordinator

Texas State Aquarium

Corpus Christi, TX โ€ข On-site

$18.50 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
The Texas State Aquarium is seeking an experienced and collaborative Dive Coordinator to lead our Dive Department and oversee the Aquarium's dive program.
This is a working dive leadership position that combines active participation in aquarium diving with responsibility for dive operations, safety, training, staff and volunteer development, equipment, and emergency preparedness. The Dive Coordinator leads Dive Department staff and volunteers while working closely with Animal Care and other departments to support animal care, exhibit maintenance, underwater inspections, and other operational needs.
The Dive Coordinator also serves as the Aquarium's appointed Dive Safety Officer, with the responsibility and authority to assess diver competency, oversee dive safety, and ensure operations are conducted in accordance with applicable regulatory, accreditation, and institutional requirements.
The ideal candidate is an experienced professional diver who enjoys remaining active in the water while leading and developing others, managing a comprehensive institutional dive program, and promoting a strong and collaborative safety culture.
Dive Program amp; Operations
The Texas State Aquarium maintains an active institutional dive program supporting daily operations across its aquatic habitats. Divers work in a variety of aquarium environments using scuba and surface-supplied diving systems, full-face masks, and underwater communications.
The Dive Coordinator oversees diver training and qualification, dive equipment and breathing-air systems, emergency preparedness, and the staff and volunteer dive programs. The position also works collaboratively with Animal Care, Animal Health, Life Support, Facilities, and other departments to support safe and effective underwater operations.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and coordinate the Aquarium's dive program and Dive Department
  • Serve as the Aquarium's appointed Dive Safety Officer
  • Participate regularly as a working diver in aquarium dive operations
  • Supervise, train, develop, schedule, and evaluate Dive Department staff and volunteers
  • Evaluate diver knowledge and in-water competency and provide or coordinate training and remediation
  • Plan and supervise dive operations and exercise authority to modify or suspend operations when safety concerns arise
  • Develop and maintain dive policies, procedures, training programs, and emergency response protocols
  • Oversee dive equipment, breathing-air systems, inspections, maintenance, testing, inventory, and associated records
  • Conduct and evaluate dive emergency drills and response training
  • Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA requirements, accreditation standards, and institutional policies
  • Collaborate with Animal Care and other departments to support animal care, exhibit maintenance, underwater inspections, repairs, and projects
  • Manage departmental personnel, goals, budget, equipment needs, purchasing, and other resources
  • Support occasional open-water or field diving operations as needed
Qualifications
Required
  • Minimum five years of professional diving experience, with significant experience in aquarium, zoo, scientific, commercial, or comparable institutional diving operations
  • Minimum two years of experience supervising divers, managing dive operations, or providing leadership within a professional dive program
  • Demonstrated experience evaluating diver knowledge and in-water skills and providing training, coaching, or remediation
  • Experience with dive equipment, maintenance programs, emergency preparedness, and dive safety
  • Current scuba certification with training and professional diving experience appropriate to the scope of the Aquarium's dive program
  • Current First Aid, CPR, AED, and emergency oxygen administration certification
  • Ability to pass and maintain required professional diving medical clearance
  • Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record
Preferred
  • Scuba Instructor certification from a nationally recognized training agency
  • Experience within an accredited aquarium or zoo
  • Experience supervising staff and volunteer dive programs
  • Experience with aquarium diving, surface-supplied diving, full-face masks, and underwater communications
  • Experience with breathing-air compressors, cylinder filling systems, and dive equipment maintenance
  • Experience developing dive procedures, training programs, and emergency response protocols

SCUBA Instructor certification is preferred but is not required. Candidates who are not certified instructors must possess equivalent diving credentials, training, knowledge, and experience sufficient to fulfill the responsibilities of the Aquarium's appointed Dive Safety Officer, including the ability to evaluate and remediate diver skills in an in-water setting.
Professional Development
The Texas State Aquarium supports continued professional growth through continuing education, professional training, conferences, specialized dive and safety training, and other development opportunities relevant to the position.
Living amp; Working in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a mid-sized South Texas city located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. The Coastal Bend is particularly well suited for those who enjoy a coastal lifestyle, warm climate, and easy access to beaches, bays, fishing, boating, birding, and other outdoor activities.
Benefits
This position offers an attractive benefits/vacation package including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan with a 100% match of the first 5% contributed.