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Beluga Whale Sanctuary

Iceland Closing date for applications is: 18th Aug 2025

Contact: Michael Best (michael.best@merlinentertainments.biz) Sector: Management Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: Competitive

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 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.

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.

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.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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
  
  

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other, Information Technology, and Management

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