Senior Aquatic Animal Caretaker Senior Aquatic Animal Caretaker
Boudewijn Seapark Bruges, the well-known theme park with a unique dolphinarium, has been welcoming families with young children for 60 years for a fun day out. The park offers more than 30 indoor and outdoor attractions, an open-air water park, and 3 presentations featuring sea lions, seals, and dolphins. We also provide educational presentations about marine mammals. Boudewijn Seapark is part of Aspro Parks, which operates more than 45 theme parks and aquariums across Europe.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, and experienced marine mammal keeper.
Role
You will work in the dolphinarium as part of a young, enthusiastic team of keepers. Together with your colleagues, you are responsible for the daily care and training of the different animal species in the park. Animal welfare is always the top priority when working with the animals. You will also prepare fish and handle the daily maintenance of enclosures and filtration systems. Thanks to your experience, you can work independently, though you value teamwork just as much. You are customer-oriented and able to convey our conservation message—“Meet, Love, Protect”—to visitors through educational presentations.
What you bring
- (Of course) A True love animal lover
- Enthusiastic and strong communicator
- Physically fit and a confident swimmer
- Creative, able to translate biology, ecology and conservation messages into understandable language for different visitors
- Comfortable speaking in public (schools, groups)
- Willing to work on weekends, public holidays, and during school holidays
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years’ experience as an animal keeper; experience with marine mammals is an asset
- Knowledge of using positive reinforcement training methods
- Experience mentoring newcomers is a strong plus
- Bilingual Dutch–French is an advantage
- Passion for and knowledge of marine mammals and nature education
- Able to provide an extract of a clean criminal record
What we offer
- A full-time fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension
- In addition to a salary in line with the PC 333 pay scale for this role, we offer a challenging and unique job within a young energetic team
- Internal training related to caring for and working with marine mammals (via operant conditioning)
- A unique working environment with a friendly atmosphere
- Free access for you and your family to all 42 zoos and theme parks within the Aspro Parks group
- As a Boudewijn Seapark staff member, you also enjoy:
- Free entry (+1 guest) to all Plopsa parks, Bellewaerde, Walibi Belgium, Pairi Daiza, and Bobbejaanland
- Free entry to more than 300 Belgian day attractions and museums
- Discounts at various webshops and travel sites (Brico, Hema, Zalando, Bol, …)
Application Procedure:
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. During the interview we will assess your competencies and skills, including a short educational presentation. Depending on the outcome, a swimming test may follow to evaluate your swimming and diving abilities.
Are you an animal lover and is it your dream to work with marine mammals? Then you might be the candidate we’re looking for.
If you have questions or interests? Send your question, CV, and motivation letter to: gunther.vannieuwenhuyze@boudewijnseapark.be