Curator Vacancy - Bristol Aquarium

Bristol Aquarium seeks Curator

Bristol Aquarium and the IMAX Cinema is due to open its doors in October 2009 on the former Wildwalk Site.

Both attractions are part of Blue Reef Leisure Ltd and are part of the ASPRO Ocio Group.Aspro Ocio is a Spanish multinational company with its headquarters based in Madrid. Aspro operates water parks, theme parks and aquaria in Spain, France, Finland, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium Holland and here in the UK.

The Aspro Group came into existence in 1991 and has experienced a fast and healthy development over the years, both organically and through acquisitions.

2008 has seen considerable growth in the UK with the recent Acquisitions of Oakwood Theme Park and Blue Reef Aquariums. Aspro also owns and operates Deep Sea Leisure Plc consisting of two aquaria Blue Planet Aquarium and Deep Sea World.

Our business depends on our visitors enjoying their experience and hopefully leaving the aquarium inspired to care more about the environment. To achieve this we rely on recruiting high quality staff who share our vision of exceptional service standards and who are committed to delivering this every day.

The responsibility of the Curator will be varied, challenging, but extremely rewarding. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Aquarist and Dive Team. A hands-on approach is required to ensure the team achieve the highest standard of animal care and husbandry.

You will be responsible for maintaining and developing displays and exhibits - promoting public education and awareness in relation to conservation of biodiversity and a memorable and entertaining experience to visitors.

You will promote a high standard of health and safety for all Aquarium visitors and staff.This exciting role is ideal for someone with proven experience in marine animal care and husbandry. You will have both the drive to succeed and the skills to motivate a team of dedicated Aquarist professionals.

This post is full time, with weekend shifts on a rota'd basis.

A Marine Biology degree qualification is essential.

A dive qualification is desirable at the level of :

PADI Dive master
CMAS 3*
HSE Part 1V

For this demanding and rewarding position previous experience in the visitor attractions sector would be advantageous.Key Responsibilities will include:
• Day to day management of animal husbandry through a hands on involved approached (including maintaining own exhibits)
• Manage the dive operation, through a hands on involved approach ensuring no contraventions of Health & Safety
• To manage, train and develop both Zoological team and self
• To control costs and expenses through effective and planned management of Zoological budget
• To provide leadership by communicating well, maintaining good business relationships and representing Bristol Aquarium in a positive light

Candidates should apply to Janeen Pickup, Human Resources Manager, Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire, CH65 9LF. E-mail: recruitment@blueplanetaquarium.co.uk

Your application letter should highlight why you would be able to fulfil this key role within the organisation; include your salary expectations; and clearly demonstrate how you meet our requirements.

Applications must be received by Thursday, 25th June 2009

Aspro Ocio is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Please Visit ZooNews Digest at: http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/