Job description

Assistant Manager, The Lost World Aquarium 
(20518)

Atlantis Dubai is part of Kerzner International, and home to two extraordinary resorts: the world-renowned Atlantis, The Palm and the ultra-luxury Atlantis The Royal. Together, they represent world-class service, bold innovation, and unforgettable experiences brought to life.

With over 6,000 colleagues from 129 nationalities, Atlantis Dubai operates as one team, with many departments and back-of-house functions seamlessly supporting both resorts. Across every role and department, our shared purpose is the same: to create amazing experiences and everlasting memories - not only for our guests, but for our colleagues too.

About The Role

The Assistant Manager is responsible for overseeing the successful operations and management of the Lost Chambers Aquarium Marine Educator team to deliver conservation education programming to guests using professional and effective communication and delivery methods. The development and training of self and direct reports is frequent and consistent to maintain quality and delivery of current, accurate information in an enthusiastic, educational and fun way. Plays an active role in assisting to develop and implement educational activities and programme evaluation in line with the Education Strategy and AZA Standards.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Overseas the daily operations of the Marine Educator team to ensure the appropriate delivery of educational activities is maintained and of the highest standards
• Interacts and engages with guests and colleagues in an engaging and professional manner sharing information about marine life and conservation, and ensure Marine Educators comply to the same
• Delivers and delegates the educational programs and marine animal activities upon the needs of the operation, with flexibility to meet needs of small and large groups. Monitors school and other educational program bookings and ensures required resources and team are briefed to deliver the best guest experience.
• Ensures that coaching and development on detailed knowledge of marine life, conservation and interpretation methods is carried out by supervisors through structured listening, research, participation, and delivery to Marine Educators by using learning resources provided. Ability to provide constructive feedback on frequent trainings and assessments
• Liaises closely with Admissions and Dive teams to update Marine Educators on educational programs and tours. 
• Carries out and delegates administrative duties including scheduling, ordering of supplies, planning of events and generating reports. 
• Supports the Manager, Conservation and Education in the development and implementation of both informal and formal educational programming, in line with the Education Strategy and AZA Standards.
• Undertake and generate reports relating to education and guest evaluation to inform educational programming enhancements and ensure KPI’s are met.
• Oversee and conduct regular quality and performance assessments for Marine Educators and Team Leaders in line with the training and assessment plan
• Continuous personal and professional development must be carried out for self and for Marine Educators with emphasis on conservation education  
• Ensures that service standards are carried out by self and Marine Educators to maintain and exceed department targets for quality assurance guest surveys.
• Oversees that all information contained in SOP’s and department manuals are current and accurate
• Organizes and delivers meetings and trainings as needed
• Ensures a clean and safe environment for guests is maintained and the Marine Educator team abides by correct animal welfare practices.  
• Assists in tracking, assessing and coaching colleagues conducting cross exposure programmes
• Assists in the recruiting of high-quality colleagues and manages the development, motivation, and retention of colleagues. Conducts and oversees sufficient onboarding for new colleagues in line with the onboarding plan.
• Assists in managing colleague performance through coaching and recognition, annual performance reviews, where applicable to improve colleagues’ output. 
• Assist in performing disciplinary action and counseling when needed to ensure accountability and performance expectations are met.
• Promotes Colleague Engagement to maintain engaged colleagues throughout the course of the year.
• Assists in conflict resolution in difficult guest transactions. Must be skilled in articulate and professional communication, both verbally and written.
• Assists in conflict resolution involving colleagues and manage performance regularly. Must be skilled in articulate and professional communication, both verbally and written in accordance with HR practices and progressive correction.
• Liaise closely with Sales, DMCs, PR and Marketing departments for groups and media shoots
• Executes any additional and reasonable duties that may be asked in order to successfully, and efficiently carry out Aquarium operations.

About You

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Education, Biology, Zoology, Marine Science, Communication, or related field (desirable)
• Supervisory Experience of at least 2+ years
• Previous Experience in Education and Guest Experience in a zoo, aquarium or museum is required 
• Previous experience in the development and implementation of educational programmes and materials
• Skills in conducting education evaluation for educational activities
• Proficient Skills in Microsoft Office / Outlook / Excel / Word / PowerPoint
• Strong interpersonal skills & organizational skills
• Strong administrative abilities accompanying a strong customer focus.
• Leadership abilities including but not limited to strong communication skills, follow-up & task management.
• Ability to work outdoors, as well as fast-paced conditions.
• Must be able to stand for long time periods and be able to be fit to walk around the property.
• The ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems quickly.

We offer a competitive, tax-free salary paid in UAE Dirhams (AED), alongside a wealth of benefits. These include generous food and beverage privileges, exclusive discounted rates at all Kerzner properties worldwide, comprehensive health insurance (with dental coverage), annual flights home, life insurance, an incentive programme, and a variety of colleague wellness and social initiatives.

With a strong emphasis on learning and development, colleagues at Atlantis enjoy access to world-class training, career mobility, and internal growth opportunities across the Kerzner portfolio - making this an ideal environment for ambitious individuals seeking a long-term, fulfilling career in luxury hospitality. Join the A-Team and discover the extraordinary.