Aquarium Professional

ARTIS is a green oasis and meeting place in the middle of Amsterdam, where we inspire and encourage everyone to treat nature responsibly. Every year more than 1.4 million people visit the park, Artisplein, Planetarium and the museums: Micropia and the Groote Museum.

Can you imagine working at an aquarium that opened her doors on December 2nd 1882? The ARTIS-Aquarium has since then undergone several reconstructions and expansions, but has always maintained her special monumental state. New techniques have been developed, fish species discovered, husbandry improved, articles written and first time breeding successes with certain species occurred.

Since February 1st 2020, the doors of ARTIS-Aquarium have been closed for the biggest renovation and reconstruction in history. In the meantime the aquarium team is preparing for the grand opening scheduled for late 2025. The team is actively working, elsewhere in ARTIS, in a temporary aquarium.

ARTIS is now looking for aquarists of different expertise/experience levels to join the team and help prepare for the coming future.

Job description

The main task of all our aquarists is to provide the best possible care for the living collection. This means:

• Ensuring a high level of husbandry;

• Observing and interpreting animal behaviour and recording this correctly;

• Measuring the water quality and taking care of the optimal parameters;

• Keeping knowhow about life support systems up to date;

• Cleaning of the aquaria;

• Breeding species;

• Preparing food and providing the correct menu for all our species;

• Answering questions from visitors and actively giving presentations about aquatic life, including the relationship with other animals, plants, microbes and of course humans.

ARTIS believes in the power of diversity and inclusion, just like in nature. We aim to be a reflection of society in our organisation. Be it in terms of age, gender, sexual orientation, background or religion. Together we ensure a liveable world for everyone: now and in the future.

What will you bring

• You are passionate about aquatic life and have proven education and/or previous work experience as an aquarist/keeper;

• You work accurately and well independently as well as in a team;

• You have an assertive and proactive attitude; 

• You are flexible and understand ARTIS is an organisation that operates 365 days a year;

• You are eager to learn and work outside your comfort zone;

• You have knowledge of working safely in an aquarium environment;

• You can communicate in fluent English and know or are willing to learn (basic) Dutch.

What ARTIS offers

Imagine walking through the monumental gates of ARTIS in the morning, where the gibbons welcome you with their song. You greet the first visitors, full of enthusiasm for the day. During your onboarding process you will become acquainted with all departments of ARTIS: from working in the store to helping plant flower bulbs and grow microbes. Just like your working environment, your work is very versatile: every day at ARTIS is different!

This is a job with variation, responsibility, challenges and development opportunities in the most beautiful and greenest workplace of Amsterdam. The salary depends on experience and education and is based on a 38 hour workweek.

We will initially offer you a twelve-month contract with the intention of extending it afterwards. ARTIS has an extensive travel allowance that encourages sustainable transport. You also receive a contribution for additional health insurance and you enjoy a discount to other parks in the Netherlands.

Furthermore, ARTIS offers you:

• A unique opportunity to work in the most beautiful historic aquarium in the world;

• Be part of a team that will build up the Aquarium again after 5 years of being closed;

• A lot of variety in your week, responsibilities, challenges and opportunities to enrich and develop yourself.

Apply

If you are interested in this position please apply via the application button below. You can address your application to Alex Huiberse, animal & plant coordinator.

Apply before the 26th of November.

For questions please email p&o@artis.nl.

All ARTIS employees must hand over a VOG (certificate of conduct) upon entering employment. ARTIS reimburses the application costs for this.

Acquisition is not appreciated.