What started out as an incredibly fun job in a really cool workplace turned into something very unpleasant. Management was paranoid for some reason and started accusing employees of being "out to get them." Even following you to see where you were going and what you were doing (I witnessed this happening to other employees). The office atmosphere was suddenly toxic with people looking over your shoulder constantly. They prefer you working many more hours than the typical Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm, but will tell you that you are not eligible for overtime. The workload suddenly developed into much more than was described in the job description (with no additional compensation). I was absolutely exhausted, very emotional (stressed), and wanted nothing more than to not have to go back to work. My first several weeks working there were great. The day I got the call with the job offer was exciting. Upon visiting a few times, I liked the work they do and the care they provide for their resident animals.
I had always wanted to try working for Clearwater Marine Aquarium. There is an extremely high turnover rate in the amount of time employees stay at the aquarium because it is so stressful having to put in the hard and often mind numbing work required. Compensation is laughable, hours are low, and the work is painful. Nepotism, favoritism, and disrespect run rampant throughout management, and I would NOT recommend working here for any significant length of time (if at all). The animal hospital workers and animal care specialists are fantastic at what they do, but employees across the board are not appreciated for the hard work that goes into keeping the aquarium running. This has done nothing but stress out all employees, give them a larger work load, and drop team morale. Many changes have been made recently in terms of how everything runs within and between departments. Many of those that fill their new positions have no idea what they're doing, expecting - more.Ĭlearwater Marine Aquarium SHOULD be a fun place to work, unfortunately with the poor management and disregard for its employees, the aquarium simply pushes out all who have been working there more than one season. These new openings were not posted, but were quietly filled based on nepotism and favoritism. Recently there have been major changes in management. Nor are you allowed to be seen talking with another staff member on the floor, lest you be accused of 'clumping,' or 'having a meeting.' "Team members" never have an opportunity to get to know one another! To add insult to injury, unless you are an Executive, staff members are not allowed to use the private company bathrooms, but are expected to stand in line with the guests, thus "on stage" even when needing a bathroom break. You are allowed to place your bag/purse/ backpack on the manager's office floor, then are expected to vacate immediately. If you are a member of the 'Guest Experience' team, you have no locker, office, or personal space to call your own. Staff parking is literally a half mile from the facility, so arriving to work 'fresh' in the heat of summer is an impossibility.
When peak season rolls around, said staff is worked full-time, but still with no benefits. Most are hired as "part-time, seasonal" in order to avoid paying any benefits.
Wages are so low that most staff members require a second job, although the Executives certainly don't feel this pinch. However, this generosity does not carry over to the front-line staff. Likewise, the aquarium is philanthropic toward many of its guests. Clearwater Marine Aquarium has a wonderful mission of 'Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Release" regarding marine life.
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