Senior Research & Rescue Specialist
$46.89 per hour | Casual
Sea World, Main Beach, Gold Coast
The Opportunity
Turn your passion for the ocean into purpose!
Join the Sea World team as a Senior Research & Rescue Specialist, where every day brings the chance to make meaningful impact in marine conservation. You’ll lead and participate in marine animal rescues and research projects, playing a crucial role in ensuring the welfare, rehabilitation, and protection of some of our ocean’s most incredible creatures.
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead and support marine animal rescues, rehabilitations, and research projects as part of the Sea World Foundation team.
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of wild marine animal behavior and apply it in real-world rescue scenarios.
• Coordinate and prepare rescue equipment and maintain cleanliness of all assigned work areas and gear.
• Mentor and guide junior team members during rescue and rehabilitation operations.
• Assist the Marine Science Team with animal monitoring, observations, and care, day or night, as rostered.
• Record detailed observations accurately and consistently.
• Provide in-water support for animals during rescue or rehabilitation as needed.
• Follow all safety protocols, guidelines, and instructions to ensure team and animal wellbeing.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, communication, and compassion for the marine world.
What We’re Looking For:
• A relevant tertiary qualification or Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care, or at least 7 years’ hands-on experience working with non-domestic animals.
• Coxswain Cert II Grade 1 certification (required).
• Queensland Open C Class Driver’s License (required).
• Proven experience in capture and restraint of wild marine animals in a senior role.
• Sea World Rescue Training completed (required).
• Strong knowledge of wild marine animal behavior.
• Knowledge of operant conditioning (desirable).
• Forklift license (desirable).
• Excellent teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to respond to rescues at short notice and work outside standard hours, including weekends.
• A high level of physical fitness and a passion for hands-on, purpose-driven work.
Your backstage pass to fun, friends and unforgettable memories!
• Unlimited free entry to our amazing theme parks!
• Earn complimentary passes to share with family and friends!
• Enjoy discounts on food & beverage, retail and animal experiences across our parks!
• Exclusive employee deals through our Village Employee Benefits App, partnered with 65+ major retailers!
• Unique team events and awards, celebrating our people is part of the fun!
• Reward and recognition programs with prizes for outstanding contributions
• Wellbeing support with our on-site team and 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities with internal training, we love to grow our talent!
At Village Roadshow Theme Parks, our purpose is simple: create joy and memories that last a lifetime. Every day, our team brings this to life across our iconic properties , from Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World, to Wet’n’Wild, Paradise Country, Topgolf, Sea World Resort, Australian Outback Spectacular, and Village Roadshow Studios.
Working here isn’t just a job, it’s being part of a team that loves what they do, in a vibrant, fun, and supportive environment. You’ll meet amazing people, develop new skills, and help create unforgettable experiences for our guests.
We value everyone’s unique contributions and encourage candidates of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences to apply. Apply today to join one of the most exciting tourist attractions on the Gold Coast and start creating memories, for our guests, your team, and your career!
