Marine Careers Brochure

CA REERS

We¡¯re Hiring

There is a wide variety of

exciting and fulfilling careers in

the marine sciences field. Jobs in

the area range from working with

dolphins and doing shark research

to teaching marine biology at a

university and mapping the bottom

of the ocean¡¯s floor.

These exciting careers include

many positions that can be found at

Atlantis Paradise Island, including

Aquarist, Marine Biologist, Marine

Mammal Specialist, Life-Support

Technician, Educator, and Water

Quality Specialist. But there are

so many other careers that focus

on the ocean, including Marine

Archaeologist, Oceanographer,

Physical Scientist, Fish Ecologist,

Geophysicist, Marine Taxonomist,

Research Professor, Submersible

Pilot, Microbiologist, and

Underwater Filmmaker.

Aquarist

Aquarists care for marine

animals, including fish, sharks,

rays, octopus, and jellyfish.

Their work includes feeding

animals; maintaining exhibits

and equipment; observing

animals for signs of illness;

cleaning exhibits; and

assisting with the acquisition,

transport, and acclimation of new marine life. Aquarists

also help with maintaining the life-support systems of

the animals under their care as well as assisting with

the design of new exhibits.

Marine Biologist

Scientists in this field study

marine life ecology, behavior,

and its interactions with the

environment. To understand

marine organisms thoroughly,

marine biologists must gain

an understanding of other

areas of ocean studies,

including physical, chemical,

and geological oceanography. This enables them

to understand the environment as a whole when

conducting research. There is so much to study in our

oceans that many researchers pick an area of interest

and specialize in it. For example, a researcher could

decide to study a particular shark species, such as the

nurse shark in The Bahamas, or research all the shark

species found in the Caribbean.

The Ocean¡¯s

Challenges

Marine Mammal Specialist

A Marine Mammal Specialist

works with marine mammals

such as dolphins and sea

lions. Their job duties revolve

around providing care for the

animals as well as training,

feeding, observations, and

educational and interactive

presentations. Training large

animals such as dolphins

is done using positive

reinforcement and building relationships with them.

This requires the Marine Mammal Specialist to be

available for the animals 24 hours a day, 7 days a

week. The specialist is responsible for all aspects of

care related to each animal. Job duties center on

the daily management of animal diets, cleaning their

habitats, and providing an enriching and stimulating

environment where they can thrive.

Water Quality Specialist

Water Quality Specialists are

involved in collecting and

analyzing both freshwater

and seawater samples for a

wide variety of parameters,

including oxygen content

and salinity. Data collected

from the analyzed samples

are interpreted and graphed,

while reports are shared daily

with animal care and lifesupport systems staff.

Life-Support Systems Technician

Individuals that work on

life-support systems are

responsible for maintaining

the machinery that keeps

the exhibit water clean and

at optimum conditions.

This equipment includes sand

filters; ozone systems; chillers;

and a large variety of pumps,

pipes, and valves.

Educator

Educators interact with and educate guests at facilities

with marine animal displays. Individuals must be

comfortable speaking in front of an audience and

communicating with people of all ages. The position

involves daily tours and presentations on ocean life

and involves the use of live animals and props for

demonstrations. Educators often staff touch tanks and

education centers, which requires them to initiate

dialogue with guests and provide assistance with the

proper interaction of marine animals.

Hands-On

Experience

How Do I Get Started?

Professional careers in

marine sciences can be very

competitive. Start early by

volunteering at a marine

mammal rescue center,

aquarium, or marine research

facility. Take science classes

in high school and marine

science courses in college as

well as pursue an internship

at an aquarium, conservation organization, or marine

research institute. Become SCUBA certified. If you live

in The Bahamas and are 17 or older, you can apply for an

internship at Atlantis, Paradise Island. Most importantly,

enter the field for the right reasons. Being passionate

about the oceans and its wildlife will help ensure that

you enjoy your work and have a rewarding career.

Water Quality, Aquarist, and Life-Support Systems

Technician Internships

? Miaya Armstrong-Smith

miaya.armstrong@

? Keisha Russell

keisha.russell@

Marine Mammal Specialist Internships

? Jonathan Wong

jonathan.wong@

Dolphin Cay

Dolphin Cay is proud to provide the first dedicated

rescue and rehabilitation facility in The Bahamas,

offering assistance and care for sick or injured marine

animals. It is one of the largest and most sophisticated

facilities in the world with over 100 professional marine

mammal specialists providing the highest level of care

for our animals. A portion of the proceeds from dolphin

interactions is donated to the Atlantis Blue Project?.

Internships

Atlantis offers Bahamian students internships in the

Marine Aquarium and Marine Mammal Departments.

These programs offer exciting, hands-on learning

experiences and give students a broad understanding

of the fields. Students will use these experiences to

help them determine their career direction, and those

who successfully complete their internships are often

considered for full-time employment. Atlantis is looking

for students that can meet the following requirements:

? 17 years or older

? Motivated

? Ability to work with little supervision

? Able to work 8 hours a week for 3 months

Part of the work entails lifting heavy objects, cleaning

work areas, and getting wet. If you are interested in the

oceans and its diverse wildlife and are considering a

career in this field, please contact:

Help Us Shape A Brighter Future

Atlantis Blue Project is dedicated to saving rare and

endangered marine species and their extraordinary

habitats in The Bahamas and surrounding Caribbean

seas. Ongoing preservation efforts include funding

scientific research and community outreach as well

as conservation and education programs. Due to the

support of Atlantis Blue Project?, more than a million

acres of marine habitat were preserved in the West

Side National Park on Andros Island in The Bahamas.

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