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Aquatic Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wildlife Conservation Society

Veterinarian

New York, NY

$110K - $130K/yr

Collaborate with the Aquatic Health Department (AHD), Animal Department staff, Life Support Staff, and the Bronx Zoo Zoological Health Program to provide excellent medical, surgical, and preventative ...

New York Aquarium

Veterinarian

New York, NY

$110K - $130K/yr

Collaborate with the Aquatic Health Department (AHD), Animal Department staff, Life Support Staff, and the Bronx Zoo Zoological Health Program to provide excellent medical, surgical, and preventative ...

SOLitude Lake Management

Aquatic Technician

Niles, MI · On-site

$34K - $34K/yr

Commitment to animal welfare and conservation principles, with a passion for educating others about the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. * Certification in CPR, first aid ...

Rentokil

Aquatic Technician

Niles, IL · On-site

$37K - $37K/yr

Commitment to animal welfare and conservation principles, with a passion for educating others about the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. * Certification in CPR, first aid ...

SOLitude Lake Management

Tech Aquatic

Wildwood, FL · On-site

$32K - $32K/yr

Commitment to animal welfare and conservation principles, with a passion for educating others about the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. * Certification in CPR, first aid ...

SOLitude Lake Management

Aquatic Technician

Niles, MI · On-site

$34K - $34K/yr

Commitment to animal welfare and conservation principles, with a passion for educating others about the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. * Certification in CPR, first aid ...

SEA LIFE

Animal Welfare Host

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$16.27/hr

What you'll bring to the team Join Our Team and Help Care for an Incredible Aquatic World Are you passionate about animal welfare, marine life, and creating unforgettable experiences for guests? We ...

SEA LIFE

Animal Welfare Host

Kansas City, MO

$15/hr

What you'll bring to the teamJoin Our Team and Help Care for an Incredible Aquatic World Are you passionate about animal welfare, marine life, and creating unforgettable experiences for guests? We ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Selden, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Ensure the health, safety, and proper care of all companion animals and aquatic life in accordance with Petco standards, policies, and procedures. * Complete and verify required animal care tasks ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Henderson, NC · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Ensure the health, safety, and proper care of all companion animals and aquatic life in accordance with Petco standards, policies, and procedures. * Complete and verify required animal care tasks ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Smithfield, RI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Ensure the health, safety, and proper care of all companion animals and aquatic life in accordance with Petco standards, policies, and procedures. * Complete and verify required animal care tasks ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAquatic Animal Jobs

Aquatic Animal information

See salary details

$28K

$87.1K

$96K

How much do aquatic animal jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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 an aquatic animal?

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?

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 qualifications do you need to work with aquatic animals?

To work with aquatic animals, such as an aquatic animal caretaker or biologist, relevant qualifications typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a degree in marine biology, zoology, or a related field. Certifications in animal handling, first aid, and knowledge of aquatic environments are also beneficial, along with hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work.

Can I work at an aquarium with no experience?

Aquatic animal jobs at aquariums often require no prior experience, as entry-level positions such as aquarist assistants or visitor services staff provide on-the-job training. Relevant skills include a passion for marine life, good communication, and sometimes basic certifications like CPR or first aid. Prior experience in animal care or volunteering can be helpful but is not always necessary for entry-level roles.

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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,056 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Veterinarian

Wildlife Conservation Society

New York, NY

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Wildlife Conservation Society rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Position: Veterinarian
Reports to: Director of Aquatic Health
Positions Managed: Veterinary Students, Other Aquatic Health Personnel as assigned
Location: New York Aquarium; In-Person
Scope: Based at New York Aquarium; Occasional multi-site at other WCS Parks or field projects
Position Type: Full-time
Pay Range: $110,000 - $130,000
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean.  We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence.  Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission. 
Position Summary:
The Veterinarian is integral in providing quality medical and surgical care to the New York Aquarium animal collection and serves as a mentor within the Aquatic Health Department, a complex multi-veterinarian, multi-technician health care setting. This position also participates in local field conservation projects with the New York Bight Program.
Principal Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with the Aquatic Health Department (AHD), Animal Department staff, Life Support Staff, and the Bronx Zoo Zoological Health Program to provide excellent medical, surgical, and preventative medical care to the New York Aquarium (NYA) animal collection, serving a primarily clinical role, and, when assigned, providing medical care to the animals in the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) zoos.

  • Coordinate the veterinary student externship program and supervise externs, including providing input for final reviews (students).

  • Contribute to mentoring WCS veterinary clinical residents on rotation at NYA and AHD personnel, including veterinary technicians, water quality lab personnel, hospital manager, program assistant, volunteers, and interns.

  • Assist with administrative functions of the Aquatic Animal Health Center (AAHC), including purchasing, budget, inventory management, and developing and maintaining standard operating procedures.

  • Assist in implementing and maintaining the preventative medicine program consistent with current best practices in aquatic veterinary medicine.

  • Assist in coordinating communication, scheduling, and veterinary procedures associated with animal shipments, acquisitions, dispositions, and the quarantine process.

  • As time and other responsibilities permit, represent WCS via participation in conferences, workshops, professional organizations, local and/or international projects and activities, research, and publications/presentations.

  • Participate in the New York Bight Program, including field involvement, lab sample processing, research, presentations and/or publications of data.

  • Perform gross post-mortem examinations on deceased collection fish and invertebrates and coordinate with Zoological Health Program (ZHP) pathologists and outside histopathology laboratory.

  • Perform related tasks and duties as required.

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