Low pay, toxic work environment, poor animal welfare - Aquarist Technician SEA LIFE Employee Review

1.0
Jun 20, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

-Working with animals -Learning multiple aspects of animal husbandry -Doing your own LSS and veterinary work -Make your own schedule -Decent benefits

Cons

-Inept contracted domestic dog/cat veterinarian caring for entire collection -Media and TV hits requiring Aquarist oversight/participation with less than 24hrs notice -Facility and equipment in disrepair, ongoing refusal to fix (Load-bearing exhibit supports rusting out, life support exploding at high pressure, unaddressed leaks, broken HVAC with indoor temps exceeding 85 degrees, chiller vandalism, break-ins) -Prolonged suffering of sick/injured animals, shortened lifespans as a result of inadequate veterinary care -Perpetual short staff, resulting in each aquarist working equivalent to 4-6 people -Pay only $14/hr -Abusive upper company management -Money is given priority over animal welfare and staff wellbeing at all times

Explore other reviews about SEA LIFE

5.0
Mar 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Understanding and helpful leadership team.

Cons

Not enough staff allowed in the aquarium at a time to deal with all of the guests.

5.0
Feb 28, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good company culture! Everyone was fun to work with

Cons

Marketing was always a bit misleading on websites so guest satisfaction sometimes wasn’t up to par with their expectations

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