Trainee Animal Care Assistant

Location: The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Cornwall, TR12 6UG

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, across a 7-day rota (any 5 days out of 7)

Closing date: 12th December.

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract for 12 months until Dec 2026/Jan 2027.

We are on the lookout for a Trainee Animal Care Specialist to support with the daily management of our resident and rescue animals here at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary! In this role you will:

• Deliver high standards of animal husbandry, facility upkeep and cleanliness.
• Assist with the rescue, care, rehabilitation and release of seal pups.
• Support daily animal health, enrichment, feeding and training routines.
• Maintain accurate records in line with legal and operational standards.
• Help ensure smooth running of animal facilities, pools and life support systems.
• Engage and educate the public about our animals and their habitats.
• Participate in callout duties alongside senior team members.
• Contribute ideas to improve husbandry, facilities and guest experience.

Please note, this is a Fixed Term Contract for 12 months and will finish in Dec 2026/Jan 2027. 

• A qualification in animal care, marine biology, or equivalent working experience
• A good understanding of animal health and husbandry, particularly with Pinnipeds
• Proven experience in positive reinforcement, husbandry training and animal behaviour
• Experience in assisting in veterinary procedures, wound management, and general animal first-aid
• A working knowledge of filtration and Life Support Systems
• An understanding of the fundamentals of water chemistry as applied to an aquarium environment

• 40% online LEGO discount
• 25% discount on food and retail in our attractions
• 28 days holiday including bank holidays
• Merlin Magic Pass - giving you free tickets to all Merlin Entertainment attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends every year

If you have any questions or if you require any reasonable adjustments, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at recruitment@merlinentertainments.biz and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.