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Aquatic Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Georgia Aquarium

Associate Veterinarian

Atlanta, GA · On-site

In partnership with the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Aquatic Animal Pathology, contributes to post-mortem examinations and assessments to identify areas for improvement of animal ...

Z&A Management

Senior Animal Keeper

Folsom, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

The Senior Animal Keeper is responsible for the overall health, wellness, and environmental management of the facility's terrestrial and aquatic animal collections. This role combines expertise in ...

New York Aquarium

Sharks Intern - Fall 2026

New York, NY · Hybrid

$1.3K - $2.0K/wk

Candidates will learn directly from animal care staff, developing skills in aquatic animal husbandry. This includes learning dietary preparation, quarantine procedures, exhibit and life support ...

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Aquatic Animal information

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$28K

$87.1K

$96K

How much do aquatic animal jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for aquatic animal in the United States is $87,056.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Aquatic Animal Veterinarians and how can they be addressed?

Aquatic Animal Veterinarians often encounter unique challenges, such as diagnosing illnesses in species that may not display obvious symptoms and working in environments like aquariums or open water where examinations can be difficult. Effective communication and collaboration with aquarists, marine biologists, and caretakers are essential for monitoring animal health. Staying current on emerging diseases and treatment protocols, as well as developing specialized handling skills, helps address these challenges and ensures the well-being of aquatic animals.

What is the highest paying marine animal job?

The highest paying marine animal jobs are often in marine research, aquaculture management, or specialized veterinary roles, with salaries reaching over $100,000 annually for experienced professionals. Positions requiring advanced degrees, certifications, and technical skills tend to offer higher compensation in this field.

What is the highest paying job working with animals?

The highest paying jobs working with aquatic animals include marine biologists, aquarists in managerial or research roles, and marine mammal trainers with advanced experience. These positions often require specialized education, certifications, and experience, and salaries can exceed $70,000 annually depending on the level and location.

What are aquatic animals?

Aquatic animals are organisms that live in water for most or all of their lives. They include a wide variety of species such as fish, amphibians, marine mammals, crustaceans, and mollusks, among others. Aquatic animals can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and ponds. They play crucial roles in their ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity and the health of aquatic habitats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aquatic Animal Veterinarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aquatic Animal Veterinarian, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, specialized knowledge in aquatic animal health, and often board certification or internship/residency in aquatic medicine. Familiarity with diagnostic tools like ultrasound, water quality analysis systems, and laboratory testing procedures is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with clients and colleagues help set you apart. These competencies are crucial for properly diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in aquatic species to support animal welfare and ecosystem health.

What is the difference between Aquatic Animal vs Marine Biologist?

AspectAquatic AnimalMarine Biologist
CredentialsVaries; often includes biology or marine science degreesTypically requires a degree in marine biology, oceanography, or related fields
Work EnvironmentZoos, aquariums, research labs, conservation sitesOpen ocean, coastal areas, research vessels, laboratories
Employer & IndustryZoos, aquariums, conservation organizations, research institutionsUniversities, government agencies, research institutes
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to aquatic animalsStudying marine life and ecosystems

While both roles focus on aquatic life, an Aquatic Animal typically refers to the animals themselves, often in contexts like zoos or aquariums, whereas a Marine Biologist studies marine ecosystems and the biology of marine organisms, including aquatic animals. The roles overlap in working with aquatic species but differ in scope and focus.

What jobs work with aquatic animals?

Jobs that work with aquatic animals include marine biologists, aquarists, fisheries scientists, marine mammal trainers, and aquatic veterinarian technicians. These roles often require knowledge of marine biology, animal care skills, and sometimes specialized certifications or degrees. They typically involve working in aquariums, research facilities, or in the field conducting studies or conservation efforts.

What degree do you need to work with aquatic animals?

A career working with aquatic animals typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology, fisheries science, or a related field. Advanced positions may require a master's or doctoral degree, along with hands-on experience and certifications in animal care or research methods.
More about Aquatic Animal jobs
What cities are hiring for Aquatic Animal jobs? Cities with the most Aquatic Animal job openings:
What states have the most Aquatic Animal jobs? States with the most job openings for Aquatic Animal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aquatic Animal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aquatic Animal jobs are:
Aquatic Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aquatic Animal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,056 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
SFDK Aquatic Life Support Systems Technician $22.00/HR

SFDK Aquatic Life Support Systems Technician $22.00/HR

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Vallejo, CA

$22/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Six Flags rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 526 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 56 rated theme parks

Job description

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is seeking an experienced and hardworking individual to join our Life Support Team. This person will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of aquatic animal exhibits and assisting with the operation and maintenance of the aquatic animal life support systems (LSS).


  • Operation of life support systems with minimal supervision.
  • Conduct rounds of all filtration areas to inspect pumps, motors, generators, chillers, boilers, and other LSS equipment.
  • Collect and test water samples using appropriate lab practices and procedures.
  • Assist with dive team during aquatic animal medical procedures, moves, transports operations, research projects, and care.
  • Maintain and audit records of dives, equipment, and training of divers.
  • Operate all equipment associated with pool maintenance including but not limited to hydraulic pool scrubbers and pool vacuum systems.
  • Supervised addition of chemicals to life support systems as required.
  • Perform basic mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs and preventative maintenance with supervision.
  • Participate in the inter- and intra-departmental cross training program.
  • Maintain communication with Supervisors and other disciplines within the Aquatic Sciences and Animal Care Departments.
  • Follow all policies and procedures of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Animal Care, and the Aquatic Sciences Department.
  • Adhere to all federal and state guidelines, regulations, and laws.
  • Perform all other duties as required.

  • Availability to work varied shifts including weekends, evenings, and holidays required.
  • Ability to perform mathematic equations using geometry and algebra.
  • Duties and tasks may involve standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 75lbs. Position is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions.
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, duck, crawl, climb stairs and ladders, and work at heights with fall protection.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications specifically Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Will be required to work indoors and outdoors in extreme weather conditions including cold and heat.
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to operate vehicles (including but not limited to forklifts, golf carts, cars, trucks).
  • Must be able to work with chemicals and follow MSDS.

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