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Aquatic Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Statesboro, GA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/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 ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Wichita, KS

$13.75 - $18/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

Lees Summit, MO · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/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

Highland Village, TX

$15 - $19.75/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

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

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$15.50 - $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

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 ...

Petco

$14 - $18.25/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 ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Quail, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/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

York, PA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/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

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

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/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

Allentown, PA · On-site

$15 - $19.75/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

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$15 - $19.75/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

Fargo, ND · On-site

$15 - $19.75/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

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $19/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

Westwood, CA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/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

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$14 - $18.25/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 ...

Petco

Animal Care Specialist

Houma, LA · 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 ...

Petco

$14.25 - $18.50/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 ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 9, 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.

Animal Care Specialist

Petco

Statesboro, GA • On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Petco rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 637 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

457th of 731 rated retailers

Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?
We're proud to be where the pets go and where the pet people go. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing, Petco is the place for you.
Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.
  • Pet First - Protect & Empower. All pets should Live their Best Life. We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond. Our Passion for pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit. We are stronger as One Petco team. We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:
We're proud to be "where the pets go" to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are 29,000+ strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than 1,500 Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, 250+ Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we founded Petco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events.
As a Companion Animal Specialist, you are the primary expert and advocate for the health, welfare, and proper care of companion animals and aquatic life within the Pet Care Center (PCC).
You ensure exceptional animal care and habitat maintenance while supporting sales, merchandising, and inventory execution. In close partnership with the sales team, you help deliver outstanding customer experience by combining deep animal-care knowledge with strong operational discipline. This role is ideal for someone passionate about animal welfare who enjoys teaching others and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
What You'll Do
Pet First
  • 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, including hourly animal health checks, wellness documentation, maintenance logs, and incident reports.
  • Ensure proper handling, documentation, and care of relinquished and adoption animals.
  • Serve as the primary resource for animal care education for customers and PCC partners.
  • Adhere to and promote all safety, animal welfare, and loss prevention procedures.

Foster the Fun
  • Deliver knowledgeable, compassionate, and solution-focused service to customers.
  • Actively support customer interactions using Petco's selling model.
  • Promote a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration across the PCC.
  • Mentor and educate partners on animal care standards, maintenance routines, and best practices.
  • Maintain professional, clean, and well-presented animal habitats and aquatic areas.

Let's Go!
  • Support the achievement of department sales, margin, and shrink goals.
  • Ensure merchandise is stocked, priced, and displayed to Petco standards, with a primary focus on companion animals and aquatics.
  • Efficiently order live animals, supplies, and related merchandise in partnership with the sales team to support inventory integrity and business goals.
  • Analyze inventory data and identify opportunities to improve in-stock levels, shrink, and operational efficiency.
  • Participate in animal and aquatic-related physical inventory counts.
  • Assist with opening and closing procedures as assigned.
  • Perform additional duties and special projects as needed to support Pet Care Center operations.

Key Responsibilities
Animal Care & Maintenance
  • Verify all animal care and maintenance tasks are completed according to established schedules.
  • Perform routine housekeeping duties, including cleaning habitats and tanks, sweeping and mopping floors, dusting, and facing merchandise.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory, operational, and safety standards.

Customer Experience & Sales Support
  • Process register transactions accurately and efficiently.
  • Evaluate customer needs and escalate concerns to the Leader on Duty when appropriate.
  • Support Omni-channel and in-store initiatives through consistent execution and customer engagement.

What Success Looks Like
  • Animals are healthy, safe, and cared for to Petco's highest standards.
  • Customers trust the team's expertise and return for guidance and solutions.
  • Animal habitats and aquatic areas are clean, compliant, and visually appealing.
  • Inventory and merchandising support sales while minimizing shrink.
  • Partners feel supported and informed through shared animal-care knowledge.

What You Bring
Experience & Skills
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience working with or caring for companion animals and aquatic life.
  • Strong knowledge of animal care, husbandry, and maintenance practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to educate others and communicate effectively.
  • Strong customer service mindset with an aptitude for selling behaviors.
  • Basic business, math, and inventory management skills.
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
  • High school diploma or GED preferred.
  • Completion and ongoing maintenance of the Petco Animal Care Certification Program required.

Essential Functions & Work Environment
This role is performed in a Pet Care Center retail environment and requires active engagement on the sales floor.
  • The role requires frequent standing and walking, as well as bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting.
  • Ability to safely lift and move merchandise, supplies, or animals weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Regular engagement with customers on the sales floor, including providing customer assistance and performing cashiering and point-of-sale transactions.
  • Must be able to work in proximity to animals, including exposure to animal dander, odors, noises, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Flexible availability to support Pet Care Center operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
Why You'll Love It Here
  • Purpose-driven work that makes a difference for pets and people.
  • A welcoming, inclusive team environment.
  • Opportunities to learn, grow, and explore career paths.
  • A fun, fast-paced role where no two days are the same.

Starting Rate:
$13.00
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