Aquarist

Where passion meets opportunity

The best of your adventures is the one you have yet to sail!

Your Purpose

With our global shipping heritage, the MSC Foundation is keenly aware of the increasing fragility of our planet’s interlinked ecosystems and committed to the restoration of vulnerable marine ecosystems, through our Super Coral Program. Our vision is to restore the critical balance between people and nature within a generation, and as part of this commitment, we are offering an exciting opportunity for an Aquarist to join our team. The Aquarist will support the Marine Program Manager and contributes to the restoration and resilience of vulnerable marine ecosystems through the daily care, propagation, monitoring, and maintenance of coral species. The Aquarist will help translate scientific and conservation objectives into effective, hands-on operations, supporting research, restoration initiatives, and long-term sustainability goals. Through meticulous husbandry practices, data collection, and system optimization, the Aquarist will directly contribute to restoring the balance between people and nature and advancing the Foundation’s mission to protect marine ecosystems for future generations.

Your Impact

Under the supervision of the Marine Program Manager, the Aquarist will:

• Support the daily operations of the Super Coral Reefs Programme (SCRP) and the Marine Conservation Centre.
• Perform routine coral husbandry tasks, including tank cleaning, algae control, and general system upkeep.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain aquarium life-support systems, including pumps, filtration units, sand, and water flow to ensure optimal system performance.
• Conduct regular water quality testing for coral tanks, including pH, temperature, nutrients, and flow parameters, and report findings accordingly.
• Assist with coral research and conservation activities, including supporting student training and providing technical assistance and resources.
• Coordinate and liaise with MSC Cruises and Ocean Cay staff and departments to facilitate the timely and effective implementation of program activities.
• Collect, manage, analyze, and report ecological, oceanographic, and environmental data related to coral health and reef conditions.
• Carry out coral husbandry duties in both in situ ocean nurseries and ex situ aquarium-based systems.
• Contributes to the preparation of detailed technical, conservation, and research reports.
• Provide administrative and logistical support for Foundation activities in Ocean Cay and The Bahamas, including registrations, official documentation, and coordination of missions and visits by Foundation staff and external stakeholders.

Your Journey so far

Diving Qualifications:
• PADI certified Advanced Open Water certification.

Marine Biology Knowledge:
• Possess advance knowledge of tropical marine biology.
• Familiarity with coral reef ecology.
• Advance identification skills for coral and fish species in The Bahamas.
• Understanding or recognised willingness on bio-lab operations regarding coral research in the context of a touristic operating environment.

Additional Requirements:
• Bahamian work authorization preferred.
• 3 years of experience in similar position.
• Undergraduate degree in environmental science or marine biology preferred; however, exceptions will be made for the right candidate.

Your Essentials

MSC Cruises USA is an equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations. It is our policy to employ and promote qualified candidates without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications and business needs.

Our commitment

We are committed to building a future that values diverse perspectives, embraces the world beyond borders, and fosters an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to be their authentic selves. Our commitment extends to taking meaningful, measurable actions that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.

Ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary? Join us at MSC Cruises, where new opportunities await. Apply today to be part of a global team that is pushing boundaries and achieving something remarkable. Your journey starts here!