Careers

The Deep is seeking a Head of Human Resources to join our team to manage and deliver all aspects of HR across the organisation.

Please click to view the full Head of HR Recruitment Pack to find out more information and how to apply.

Applications must be received by 9am on Friday 24th July 2026.

The Aquarist is an integral part of the Husbandry team, reporting to the senior team in this department.

TERMS & BENEFITS:

The starting salary is £29,118 per annum rising to £31,566 per annum on completion of dive training to PADI Divemaster level.  The length of this training and assessment period will depend on the existing experience and competences of the successful candidate.  A structured Senior Aquarist training and assessment period to cover all aspects of the job role, with an associated salary enhancement is available after three years in post.

The hours of work are 39 per week, working one in three weekends on a rota basis.  Some out of hours and bank holiday work can also be expected due to the nature of the job.  Other benefits include 25 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays.

Pension: The Deep is an admitted body of the East Riding Pension Fund (www.erpf.org.uk) which administers the Local Government Pension Scheme to our region. This is a ‘defined benefits’ scheme.

Plus: Deep Crew enjoy an annual allocation of complimentary tickets, discount in the DeepArtment Store and The Plaice Café, free parking, an Employee Assistance Programme and access to an annual bonus scheme.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position involves working closely with other Husbandry team members to care for the exhibits, maintain exemplary species welfare standards, manage life support systems and actively participate in The Deep’s daily diving programme.  Opportunity to participate in conservation, research, education and creative improvement programmes also exists.

Responsibilities:

• Maintenance of a wide range of species and exhibits to an exemplary standard that fulfils zoo licensing and curatorial standards; with particular emphasis on species welfare and enrichment.
• Adherence to company policies with regards to record keeping, water testing, aquatic animal health monitoring and safe working practices.
• Actively contribute to conservation & research programmes undertaken by the Husbandry Department where appropriate.
• Act as a positive ambassador for The Deep when engaging with visitors and external partners at all times.
• Participate as a representative of The Deep in relevant conferences and symposia.
• Ensure that the company’s policy on Health and Safety is adhered to during your work activities.
• Comply with the department rota as set out by senior Husbandry team.
• Aid the Husbandry department to achieve the target of maintaining the fabric of The Deep to a standard acceptable to the Chief Executive.
• Co-operate fully with the entire Crew of The Deep with the aim of making The Deep a truly world class Visitor Attraction.
• Aid the senior Husbandry team in developing any new exhibition areas/revised habitat.
• Participate in Crew training and assessment.
• Dive training (to PADI Divemaster level) to be completed to ensure full participation as an active member of the dive team.

Other:

• The successful applicant shall also be required to undertake any general duties as determined by their line manager.
• A reasonable amount of physical work will be involved in carrying out your duties.
• You are expected to participate in all training provided by The Deep.
• Due to the nature of the business the successful applicant will be required to work some weekends and evenings. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential:

Can demonstrate:

• Dive training completed to a minimum of PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent)
• A good understanding of the underlying principles of aquatic animal care.
• A commitment to The Deep, and its environmental and ethical policies.  
• Enthusiasm and commitment to working in animal care.
• Self-motivation with a proactive approach to continuing professional development.
• Excellent team-working and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Reliability (good timekeeping and attendance)
• Physically fit (a HSE medical is required in order to dive and in preparation for further dive training).
• Qualification in biology, marine biology, zoology and/or general science at college or university level, or equivalent relevant experience working within an aquarium setting.
• Good practical ability with closed recirculating aquaculture systems.
• A keen interest in marine matters.
• A willingness to learn and a commitment to self-improvement.

It is noted that the successful candidate will be required to provide all documentation to prove their right to work in the UK. A satisfactory basic DBS check will also be required.

Desirable:

• Demonstrable commitment to animal conservation either through voluntary work placements, projects or fundraising events.
• Good knowledge of the principles of zoology, aquatic biology and a keen interest in environmental matters.
• Creative skills, able to help create world class exhibition content.
• PVC pipework plumbing experience 

TO APPLY:

Applications are invited as CVs with covering letter which should draw our attention to how you believe you match what The Deep is looking for; what sets you apart?  Please don’t rely on AI in your application; The Deep would rather your application authentically reflected what you would like to share with us!  Other application formats are welcome if this is preferable instead of, or in addition to, written submissions.

These should be sent to jobs@thedeep.co.uk and submitted by 9am on 31st July 2026.

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing 17th August 2026.

JOB SUMMARY:

The role of the guiding department is to creatively interpret the aquarium exhibits, deliver a programme of events and offer fantastic customer service to The Deep’s visitors.  The guides inspire an understanding of the sea that promotes conservation action and an understanding of the beauty and wonder of the marine world as well as helping to create a great day out for all.

REPORTS TO:

Head of Operations & Guides.

RATE OF PAY:

£12.81/hr rising to £12.99/hr on successful completion of training period.

BENEFITS:

Pension: The Deep is an admitted body of the East Riding Pension Fund (www.erpf.org.uk) which administers the Local Government Pension Scheme to our region. This is a ‘defined benefits’ scheme.

Plus: Deep Crew enjoy an annual allocation of complimentary tickets, discount in the DeepArtment Store and The Plaice Café, free parking, an Employee Assistance Programme and access to an annual bonus scheme.

CONTRACT 1: 14.5 hours per week, Permanent

CONTRACT 2: 32 hours per week, Permanent

JOB SUMMARY:

• Crew key points within the visitor attraction to monitor and control visitor flow and provide excellent customer service (for example at ‘pinch points’ like the entrance turnstile, scenic lift and popular exhibit vantage areas).
• Pro-active engagement, discussion and interaction with The Deep’s visitors, ensuring their enjoyment of their visit (and scientific understanding) through excellent customer service and interpretation of the exhibits.
• Ensure Guide ethos is carried out daily to visitors and colleagues by maintaining professional standards at all times.  Carry out the role of ‘Science Communicator’ and engage in positive dialogue with visitors. In addition to communicating knowledge on the exhibition floors, Guides will also engage in in-depth conversations with visitors while, together, thinking about various topics and current facts.
• Carry out microphone presentations and talks throughout The Deep (scheduled and ad-hoc), interacting safely, entertainingly and informatively with the visitors.
• Lead occasional guided tours of the attraction and/or behind-the-scenes for groups/special bookings, to bring added value to visits.
• Participate in special events, demonstrations and activities for example sleepovers, classroom or activity days for groups, virtual educational outreach talks/presentations, in-person off-site outreach talks/presentations, face-painting, art/crafts/scrap store activities, pantomimes, science experiment demos and wildlife walks.
• Collaborate with colleagues to help create new informal learning content and activities for visitors, to deliver during special events and peak periods. Content will reflect conservation education plans which seek to inspire positive environmental behaviours through hands on activities, presentations and communication.
• Additional work opportunities to take part and assist with sleepover and corporate events, including evening and overnight hours.
• In conjunction with the Head of Operations & Guides and/or Duty Manager deal with day-to-day Health & Safety checks, issues, security and housekeeping in the attraction.
• ‘Queuebust’ – interact with waiting visitors, inform them of queue times, local attractions, Deep information, ticketing and customer service issues, ensuring safe and effective use of crowd control mechanisms both inside and outside the attraction, maintaining visitor flow.
• ‘Perform’ as one of The Deep’s mascots, in costume, to distribute information, pose for photographs and entertain the crowds.
• Accompany The Deep mascot to help them with the above and to ensure their safety and welfare.
• Car Park control, to ensure effective flow of traffic, security and operation of ‘Pay & Display’ system, to assist with traffic direction, customer service and litter picking.
• Provide cover for other Crew areas within The Deep, for example retail, ticketing and café. These duties may include (but are not limited to) customer service, housekeeping, the operation of tills and ticketing machines, cleaning, cash handling and catering support.
• Fire marshall and key handling duties. Be aware of and report any safeguarding and/or Health & Safety incidents to the Duty Manager or Head of Operations & Guides.

PERSON SPECIFICATION- ESSENTIAL:

• Ability to interact effectively and pro-actively with visitors, suppliers and colleagues throughout the organisation.
• Ability to carry out entertaining and informative talks and presentations to visitors, including children-only groups.
• Reliable, with a responsible and professional attitude towards work.
• Interest in meeting and working with a high volume of visitors, whilst maintaining enthusiasm.
• Ability to handle (sometimes challenging) customer queries or complaints effectively.
• Enthusiasm for The Deep as a major visitor attraction and for providing a first-class service within the leisure and tourism industry.
• Demonstrate an open for all approach, with experience in supporting visitors with access needs and additional requirements.
• Proven team-working abilities and communication skills.
• Motivated and able to work on own initiative with minimum supervision.
• Demonstrate excellence in customer care and an understanding of the needs of visitors.
• Excellent personal presentation and ability to build a rapport both one-to-one and with an audience.
• Willingness to learn about aquarium exhibits and interpretation techniques and ability to retain and recall a high volume of facts.
• Flexibility with regards to hours of work in response to customer demand.
• The ability to manual handle safely (with correct guidance and equipment).
• Awareness of Health & Safety and safe working standards.
• It is noted that the successful candidate will be required to provide all documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.
• Please note that an Enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION- DESIRABLE:

•  Knowledge of marine life, science, geology, and environmental issues.
• Confidence in delivering remote/virtual presentations and engagement.
• Microphone and public performance experience.
• Performing arts experience and/or delivery of talks to a high standard.
• Experience of guide work within a tourist attraction.
• Experience of dealing effectively with Health & Safety issues, including risk assessments.
• Appreciation of the tourism industry and the needs of visitors/tourists.
• Other communication skills, such as sign language or a foreign language.
• Experience of cash handling and till operation.

TO APPLY:

Please complete both the online Guide Application Form and the Equality & Diversity Form.

Applications must be received by 9am, 10th August 2026. 

Please don’t rely on AI in your application; The Deep would rather your application authentically reflects what you would like to share with us!  Other application formats are welcome if this is preferable instead of, or in addition to, written submissions.

Interviews, which will include an applicant presentation, are likely to be held on 18th August 2026.  More information will be sent to successful applicants post-closing date. 

Please note which email address you have stated on your application and check this email inbox regularly for news of your application’s progress. 

If you would like to discuss alternative methods of application due to access needs, please email info@thedeep.co.uk.