Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Working Life

An Aquarium Animal Care Manager is responsible for looking after the animals in a public aquarium and leading the team that cares for them.

They make sure fish, sharks, rays, reptiles and other aquatic species are healthy, safe and living in the right conditions. They also help manage staff, plan daily tasks, and support conservation and education programmes.

This job combines animal care with team leadership. The role is busy and hands-on.

A typical day may include:

• Checking tanks and life support systems.
• Monitoring animal health and behaviour.
• Planning feeding schedules.
• Supervising aquarists and animal care staff.
• Meeting vets or conservation partners.
• Supporting talks or educational events for visitors.

Managers often work weekends and public holidays since aquariums are open all year-round. It is ideal for anyone who is passionate about animals, teamwork, and making sure life at the aquarium runs smoothly. 

Top 3 Tasks

1. Make sure all animals are healthy and well cared for.
2. Lead and support the animal care team.
3. Maintain safe habitats and water quality systems.

 Career Facts and Stats

• Experience working directly with animals is essential before moving into a management role.
• Many aquarium managers have qualifications in Marine Biology, Zoology, or Animal Science.

• Some aquarium staff need SCUBA diving qualifications to clean tanks and check habitats safely.

• Many aquarium managers begin their careers as volunteers in animal welfare organisations, wildlife parks, animal rescue centres, or aquaculture facilities.
• Animal care managers often work with marine biologists, vets, and education teams.

• Aquariums help protect endangered species by supporting breeding programmes and marine research in partnership with conservation organisations.

• Good water quality is essential for the survival of fish and other aquatic animals. Even small changes can affect animal health. The water is their entire life-support system. As an aquarium animal care manager, you are responsible for running a mini ocean, river, or lake 24 hours a day.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Feed and water animals according to schedules and feeding instructions.
• Provide treatment to sick or injured animals, or contact veterinarians to secure treatment.
• Examine and observe animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury.
• Mix food, liquid formulas, medications, or food supplements according to instructions, prescriptions, and knowledge of animal species.
• Do facility laundry and clean, organise, maintain, and disinfect animal quarters, such as pens and stables, and equipment, such as saddles and bridles.
• Exercise animals to maintain their physical and mental health.
• Collect and record animal information, such as weight, sise, physical condition, treatments received, medications given, and food intake.
• Respond to questions from patrons, and provide information about animals, such as behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
• Answer telephones and schedule appointments.
• Advise pet owners on how to care for their pets' health.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

An Aquarium Animal Care Manager requires significant physical strength, strong attention to detail, and the ability to accurately record and maintain up-to-date information. It demands a high level of commitment, as the care of captive animals involves continuous monitoring and support.

Managers have both the responsibility and opportunity to educate the public on aquatic and semi-aquatic species, promoting conservation, raising awareness, and ensuring high standards of animal welfare. This career allows you to combine science, leadership and a passion for protecting marine life.

A career in aquarium animal care can begin with a QQI Level 5 qualification in Animal Care or a related field, followed by a Level 6 qualification in Animal Science, Aquaculture, or Animal Care. These programmes provide practical skills in animal husbandry, welfare, biology, and aquatic environments.

Leaving Certificate Subjects that benefit the role of Aquarium Animal Care Manager

•Biology  •Geography •Chemistry •Agricultural Science  •Mathematics

Entry and Training

• Study Biology or other science subjects for the Leaving Certificate.
• Complete a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Animal care (5M2768)
• Continue to QQI Level 6 Certificate in Animal Science (6M5153)
• Gain practical experience in aquariums, aquaculture facilities, or wildlife centres.
• Develop skills in aquatic animal care, welfare, and water quality management.
• Progress to advanced studies in Level 7 or 8 with qualifications in Marine Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Aquaculture, or a related field.
• Progress to senior or supervisory aquarist roles before moving into management.

Progression routes include:

Level 7-8 degrees in Marine Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Aquaculture, or Environmental Science.

Level 9 postgraduate study in specialist areas such as marine conservation, aquatic animal health, or management.

You may begin as an Animal Care Assistant or Aquarist. With experience, you can progress to Senior Aquarist, then Animal Care Manager.

Other future options include:

• Animal Care Supervisor
• Aquarium Animal Care Manager
• Aquarist
• Aquarium Technician
• Aquaculture Technician
• Aquarium Curator
• Marine Conservation Officer
• Aquaculture Specialist
• Marine Researcher
• Education and Outreach Manager•

Entry and Training Timeline

Start Your Journey

Time: 0-2 years

• Complete a QQI Level 5 qualification in Animal Care, Animal Science, Aquaculture, or a related field.
• Gain experience through volunteering, internships, or seasonal work in aquariums, aquaculture facilities, wildlife centres, or marine organisations.
• Develop basic skills in aquatic animal husbandry, animal welfare, and water quality monitoring.

Build Your Expertise

Time: 2-5 years

• Progress into roles such as Aquarist, Aquarium Technician, or Aquaculture Technician.
• Gain hands-on experience caring for aquatic species and maintaining aquatic systems.
• Develop specialist knowledge in animal health, enrichment, nutrition, and life-support systems.

Progress to Senior Roles

Time: 5-8 years

• Advance to Senior Aquarist or Animal Care Supervisor positions.
• Take responsibility for staff supervision, animal collections, exhibit management, and training.
• Complete additional professional development or specialist qualifications as required.

Advance to Management Roles

Time: 8+ years

• Progress to Aquarium Animal Care Manager, Aquarium Curator, or related leadership roles.
• Oversee animal welfare, staff teams, operational planning, budgets, and regulatory compliance.
• A Level 7-8 degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Aquaculture, or a related discipline is often advantageous, with Level 9 study supporting further career progression.

This timeline is for illustrative purposes only and may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and employer requirements. 

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €70k

Salaries vary depending on qualifications, experience, and the type of organisation. Entry-level animal care roles typically start from 35,000 per year. Experienced aquarists and supervisors may earn €40,000-€55,000, while Aquarium Animal Care Managers can earn €45,000-€70,000+ annually.

Data Source(s):
Indeed, Dublin Zoo, BIAZA

Last Updated: June, 2026

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Veterinary nurses, Pest control officers, Veterinarians, Animal care services occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Annual employment growth over the five-year period was above average, with steady growth since 2022. This is the only agriculture-related occupation where females accounted for the higher share in employment. A higher than average share were employed part-time and approximately half held third level qualifications.

DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy posts related to equine workers (e.g. work riders), zookeepers and dog groomers and employment permits were issued for work and exercise riders.

• QQI

  • Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), 26/27 Denzille Lane, Dublin 2
  • (01) 905 8100
  • Click Here

• The National Fisheries College

  • Click Here

• British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)

  • Regents Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
  • + 44 20 7449 6599
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Dublin Zoo

  • Dublin Zoo, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
  • (01) 474 8900
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

  • National Animal Centre, Derrylogher Lodge, Keenagh, Co. Longford
  • (043) 3325035
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here