Join the MLP Park Services Team!
Catherine (extreme left) with the Park Services crew from USS on a team outing.
1) How did you first learn of MLP?
I actually joined Resorts World Sentosa in 2009 and was attached to different business units when I heard about the Marine Life Park, which I was keen to join. I became part of the MLP team in July this year.
2) What attracted you to work at MLP?
I’m an outdoor person. I love the sun, the sea – and marine creatures! I like aquatic animals and marine life, and the best part about working here at MLP is that I get to view different species from different oceans. It’s not often that you get to work in an environment that presents such an opportunity. Regardless of your job scope here you get to work in an environment that gives you exposure to these marine creatures, and that was a draw for me.
3) What sort of expertise do you bring to this job?
I am exposed to a wide group of guests with different interests. I have worked with Park Services and was also a membership ambassador, so I have experience serving guests who visit the theme park, and have come for concerts and MICE events. I’d say that I have a broader understanding of different guest expectations, which helps to enhance the journey towards preparing the park for opening.
4) How has your experience with MLP been thus far?
It has been really interesting! I get to work with many different people who have many years of experience in related fields such as research and aquarium management. I learn a lot from my fellow team mates. I’ve also had the privilege of travelling to another Marine Park facility on a goodwill programme to see firsthand how they operate the back-of-house, which has helped me to better understand how a public aquarium is run.
5) What are the basic requirements of a person interested in working as a crew member?
You must be someone who likes the outdoors, the sun and the water, and is not afraid to talk to people. But it is also important to note that regardless of the job scope, we’re all here to take care of the marine animals and we’re all part of a big family. To me, the MLP is more than just a water theme park or an aquarium, it’s also about conservation and education.
Everyone is part of the family. Catherine (third from left, standing row) with her team at an RWS inter-department tournament, showing off the spoils of the match.
6) What sort of challenges can crew members expect to face?
I think different crew members would encounter different set of challenges. It depends on whether you are willing to adapt and learn as well. For Park Services, you’ll need to learn about cleaning specifications and understand how to schedule the crew member roster, among other things.
7) Describe an MLP team member in 3 words.
Big, strong, and friendly! Just kidding, I would say “outdoorsy”, outgoing, and possessing a “good attitude”. Outdoorsy because of course, you’d be working outdoors. Outgoing because you’ll need to speak up and open up in order to provide good service to guests.
A good attitude is important because it enables you to pick up things you’re unsure of and helps in your learning process.
8) What words of advice would you give someone interested in becoming a crew member?
If you like the job, you must be prepared to accept everything about it, good and bad.
9) Are you a fan of marine life?
Absolutely! In my younger days I would save up money and head to Tioman 3 to 4 times a year to snorkel. Back then I didn’t have the money to get a diving certification, so the closest that I could get to interacting with marine life was through snorkeling; it was the best luxury.
10) Any last words?
If you have a liking for fish and marine life and want to find out more about them, there’s no harm in choosing to work at MLP. If you don’t try you’ll never know where your real passion lies.
If you are interested in joining MLP as a crew member, check out the website here.