Transcription
CA REERS
We’re HiringThere is a wide variety ofexciting and fulfilling careers inthe marine sciences field. Jobs inthe area range from working withdolphins and doing shark researchto teaching marine biology at auniversity and mapping the bottomof the ocean’s floor.These exciting careers includemany positions that can be found atAtlantis Paradise Island, includingAquarist, Marine Biologist, MarineMammal Specialist, Life-SupportTechnician, Educator, and WaterQuality Specialist. But there areso many other careers that focuson the ocean, including MarineArchaeologist, Oceanographer,Physical Scientist, Fish Ecologist,Geophysicist, Marine Taxonomist,Research Professor, SubmersiblePilot, Microbiologist, andUnderwater Filmmaker.AquaristAquarists care for marineanimals, including fish, sharks,rays, octopus, and jellyfish.Their work includes feedinganimals; maintaining exhibitsand equipment; observinganimals for signs of illness;cleaning exhibits; andassisting with the acquisition,transport, and acclimation of new marine life. Aquaristsalso help with maintaining the life-support systems ofthe animals under their care as well as assisting withthe design of new exhibits.Marine BiologistScientists in this field studymarine life ecology, behavior,and its interactions with theenvironment. To understandmarine organisms thoroughly,marine biologists must gainan understanding of otherareas of ocean studies,including physical, chemical,and geological oceanography. This enables themto understand the environment as a whole whenconducting research. There is so much to study in ouroceans that many researchers pick an area of interestand specialize in it. For example, a researcher coulddecide to study a particular shark species, such as thenurse shark in The Bahamas, or research all the sharkspecies found in the Caribbean.
The Ocean’sChallengesMarine Mammal SpecialistA Marine Mammal Specialistworks with marine mammalssuch as dolphins and sealions. Their job duties revolvearound providing care for theanimals as well as training,feeding, observations, andeducational and interactivepresentations. Training largeanimals such as dolphinsis done using positivereinforcement and building relationships with them.This requires the Marine Mammal Specialist to beavailable for the animals 24 hours a day, 7 days aweek. The specialist is responsible for all aspects ofcare related to each animal. Job duties center onthe daily management of animal diets, cleaning theirhabitats, and providing an enriching and stimulatingenvironment where they can thrive.Water Quality SpecialistWater Quality Specialists areinvolved in collecting andanalyzing both freshwaterand seawater samples for awide variety of parameters,including oxygen contentand salinity. Data collectedfrom the analyzed samplesare interpreted and graphed,while reports are shared dailywith animal care and lifesupport systems staff.Life-Support Systems TechnicianIndividuals that work onlife-support systems areresponsible for maintainingthe machinery that keepsthe exhibit water clean andat optimum conditions.This equipment includes sandfilters; ozone systems; chillers;and a large variety of pumps,pipes, and valves.EducatorEducators interact with and educate guests at facilitieswith marine animal displays. Individuals must becomfortable speaking in front of an audience andcommunicating with people of all ages. The positioninvolves daily tours and presentations on ocean lifeand involves the use of live animals and props fordemonstrations. Educators often staff touch tanks andeducation centers, which requires them to initiatedialogue with guests and provide assistance with theproper interaction of marine animals.
Hands-OnExperienceHow Do I Get Started?Professional careers inmarine sciences can be verycompetitive. Start early byvolunteering at a marinemammal rescue center,aquarium, or marine researchfacility. Take science classesin high school and marinescience courses in college aswell as pursue an internshipat an aquarium, conservation organization, or marineresearch institute. Become SCUBA certified. If you livein The Bahamas and are 17 or older, you can apply for aninternship at Atlantis, Paradise Island. Most importantly,enter the field for the right reasons. Being passionateabout the oceans and its wildlife will help ensure thatyou enjoy your work and have a rewarding career.Water Quality, Aquarist, and Life-Support SystemsTechnician Internships Miaya m Keisha Russellkeisha.russell@atlantisparadise.comMarine Mammal Specialist Internships Jonathan Wongjonathan.wong@atlantisparadise.comDolphin CayDolphin Cay is proud to provide the first dedicatedrescue and rehabilitation facility in The Bahamas,offering assistance and care for sick or injured marineanimals. It is one of the largest and most sophisticatedfacilities in the world with over 100 professional marinemammal specialists providing the highest level of carefor our animals. A portion of the proceeds from dolphininteractions is donated to the Atlantis Blue Project .InternshipsAtlantis offers Bahamian students internships in theMarine Aquarium and Marine Mammal Departments.These programs offer exciting, hands-on learningexperiences and give students a broad understandingof the fields. Students will use these experiences tohelp them determine their career direction, and thosewho successfully complete their internships are oftenconsidered for full-time employment. Atlantis is lookingfor 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 monthsPart of the work entails lifting heavy objects, cleaningwork areas, and getting wet. If you are interested in theoceans and its diverse wildlife and are considering acareer in this field, please contact:Help Us Shape A Brighter FutureAtlantis Blue Project is dedicated to saving rare andendangered marine species and their extraordinaryhabitats in The Bahamas and surrounding Caribbeanseas. Ongoing preservation efforts include fundingscientific research and community outreach as wellas conservation and education programs. Due to thesupport of Atlantis Blue Project , more than a millionacres of marine habitat were preserved in the WestSide National Park on Andros Island in The Bahamas.
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-Su
