Aquariums serve as controlled environments designed to house and display a diverse array of aquatic organisms, including fish, plants, and invertebrates. Their primary purpose is to provide a platform for educational outreach, offering a unique opportunity to observe and learn about marine life in a controlled setting.
Beyond education, aquariums also play a crucial role in conservation efforts, functioning as hubs for research, breeding programs, and the preservation of endangered species. They also serve as recreational spaces for the public to enjoy.
While every aquarium is different, they do have some things in common:
- A passion for marine life – most roles are centred around the care and management of aquatic life.
- You’ll need strong communication skills – for interacting with colleagues and engaging with the public.
- Conservation efforts – many aquariums have a strong focus on preserving and protecting marine life.
Preserve and learn about marine life
Aquariums serve as vital educational and conservation hubs, offering a unique opportunity for the public to connect with and learn about marine life, fostering a deeper appreciation for our oceans and promoting environmental stewardship in society.
Key tasks
- Monitoring water quality
- Feeding and observing animal health
- Designing and maintaining habitats
- Running educational activities
- Participating in conservation efforts
- Conducting record-keeping and data analysis
- Presenting public presentations
- Researching marine life behaviour and biology
- Rehabilitate injured or distressed animals
- Implementing safety protocols and procedures
You can find aquariums in the arts and recreation services and agriculture, forestry, and fishing industries
There are lots of different types of aquariums, including public aquariums, research-focused aquariums, and private hobbyist aquariums, each serving distinct purposes in showcasing, studying, or enjoying aquatic life.
You can expect mixed hours and on-site work
Mixed hours | Work on-site | Jobs more common in metro areas | Strong job growth
Employees in an aquarium typically work a combination of regular and flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, due to the need for continuous care of aquatic life and to accommodate visitor demand.
On-site work is more common in aquariums as it requires hands-on care, maintenance of aquatic environments, and direct interaction with marine life. There may be some limited opportunities for remote work in certain administrative or research roles that involve tasks such as data analysis, planning, or educational program development.
Aquariums are more commonly found in metropolitan areas due to the higher population density and greater accessibility to a diverse audience.
The Career Clusters you’ll find in an aquarium
People from all Clusters are needed for an aquarium to run successfully, and there are a variety of jobs for people in all Clusters. In many roles, you might find yourself performing tasks across multiple Clusters.
