NEW ROLES ANNOUNCED AT GALWAY ATLANTAQUARIA
Galway Atlantaquaria is currently seeking a full-time senior aquarist and a full-time receptionist / guide to join our team. These roles will play a vital part in helping us meet our vision of creating an enjoyable and educational environment to learn about the diverse marine and freshwater ecosystems of Ireland.
We are also delighted to announce that we will once again be taking on volunteers, to help support our mission and vision. Prior to 2019, the aquarium worked with many volunteers, to help them gain experience and training in science communication, visitor engagement and ocean literacy. It also provides an opportunity for the aquarium team to pass on valuable skills and knowledge, and gain from the volunteers knowledge and experience too.
‘As a small company we turn down a number of job enquiries each year, and while volunteering will not be suitable for everyone, we hope that this platform will help some individuals gain experience and skills that will benefit them in their future careers. It might also provide an avenue for those interested in native aquatic species and ecosystems to share this love of water with others, while not committing to it as a full time career’ said Dr. Noirin Burke, Director of Education, who will support the volunteer programme along with her colleague Petra Kerkhove at the aquarium.
We will initially invite people, over 18 years of age, to apply to volunteer at weekends and school holidays. The majority of the work will be carried out at the information desk and rock pool exhibit on the first floor of the aquarium, working directly with members of the public.
‘This is not a job for those who don’t like engaging with people’ noted Petra, but we will try to accommodate people where possible, and work to their strengths.
Full training will be provided, but experience or an interest in some of the following would be beneficial.
- A qualification or interest in public engagement
- A qualification or interest in freshwater, marine, biological or environmental sciences
- A qualification or interest in national primary and secondary curricula, pre-school curricula or adult education
- A qualification or interest in art or storytelling or design
The closing date for applications is 12pm on 21st September 2026.
Please note interviews for the senior aquarist and receptionist roles will be held in person in Galway in late September, and that training for shortlisted volunteers will take place in person in the aquarium in October.