Curator

**Curator**

Sealife Trust - Beluga Building Company ehf, Ægisgata 2, 900
Vestmannaeyjar, 900
Iceland

Join the SEA LIFE Trust team and Beluga Whale residents, Little White and Little Grey as a Curator at the World’s first Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Iceland

We’re seeking an inspiring and expert leader who can demonstrate knowledge of managing the welfare and training of captive cetaceans. A role which goes far beyond the sanctuary

If you haven’t heard the story, Little White and Little Grey, two beluga whales previously living in an aquarium in China, arrived in Iceland as the first residents of the SEA LIFE Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary - the world’s first such open water sanctuary. We may be the world’s first, but our goal is to encourage captive facilities to consider a different future for the cetaceans in their care.

**What you need**
- Previous experience in managing animal collections is essential
- You’ll be a strong communicator who can lead, develop, and support our displays team
- At least 5 years of work experience with Cetaceans including advanced studies/education
- A well-developed understanding of cetacean training with operant conditioning, animal health, husbandry, and behaviour to ensure each animal has the best individual care
- Knowledge of complex life support systems and aquatic animal husbandry is critical
- Good boat craft ability relating to inshore waters
- To be a strong swimmer and able to pass a department swim test
- A good understanding of communication skills in terms of local community engagement
- Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
- Open water dive certification or higher
- All applicants must ensure they fulfil the requirements to be able to live and work in Iceland

In this unique and multifaceted role, you will deliver consistently high standards of beluga training and welfare, including operant conditioning, animal husbandry and life support system operations. You will also be responsible for the welfare and development of our animal care areas within the sanctuary, including resident puffins, rescued pufflings and the aquarium collection.

A key focus will be training and developing the animal care team to have consistently high standards of animal care. Plus, ensuring high standards of cleanliness and professionalism throughout all areas of the site.

As part of the role the curator will support and advise the sanctuary partners including Conservation, Welfare and Engagement (CWE), Merlin and other partners on specialist areas of cetacean care. As well as encouraging a creative mentality amongst the animal care team to generate innovative ideas to improve the sanctuary experience. This includes educating the public on key areas relating to the Belugas, their habitat and other sanctuary residents in our care.

This role is full-time and includes working a regular, fair share of weekends and bank holidays as required as well as providing emergency call out cover on a roster basis.

**What’s in it for you?**

Alongside becoming part of the SEA LIFE Trust, you’ll also receive a competitive salary, plus benefits

Merlin Entertainments provides HR services for the SEA LIFE Trust and as part of this, all employees adhere to all Merlin Entertainments policies. Please be aware that you may receive correspondence from Merlin Entertainments regarding SEA LIFE Trust vacancies.

At the SEA LIFE Trust, we welcome the world to our attraction every day, and we want to reflect that same multicultural mix inside our business too. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse workplace where people can be themselves, have the same opportunities and thrive together.

Together, we work to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, no matter their age, race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. Although we understand that we'll always be learning and growing, we aim to be the most inclusive and flexible employer in our industry.