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Dolphin Trainer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Dolphin Trainer information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$25

$38

How much do dolphin trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for dolphin trainer in Virginia is $25.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dolphin trainer?

A dolphin trainer is responsible for the care, training, and enrichment of dolphins in marine parks, aquariums, or research facilities. They use positive reinforcement techniques to teach behaviors for shows, research, and medical care. Trainers also monitor the dolphins' health, prepare their diets, and educate the public about marine conservation. The job requires patience, physical endurance, and strong swimming skills. Many trainers have degrees in marine biology, psychology, or animal behavior.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a dolphin trainer?

Dolphin Trainers typically spend their days preparing enrichment activities, conducting training sessions using positive reinforcement, and performing health checks on the dolphins. They also clean and maintain habitat enclosures, record behavioral observations, and collaborate closely with veterinarians and fellow trainers to ensure each animal’s well-being. Additionally, trainers often interact with guests, providing educational presentations or leading interactive experiences. This variety of tasks ensures both animal care and public engagement are prioritized throughout the workday.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the dolphin trainer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dolphin Trainer, you need a background in marine biology, animal behavior, or a related field, along with practical experience working with marine mammals. Familiarity with operant conditioning techniques, safety protocols, and certifications such as SCUBA or animal care credentials are often required. Patience, strong observational skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building trust with dolphins and collaborating with colleagues. These competencies ensure the well-being of the animals, support safe and successful training sessions, and foster positive guest interactions.

How do you get a job as a dolphin trainer?

To become a dolphin trainer, candidates typically need a background in marine biology, animal science, or a related field, along with experience working with marine mammals or in animal care. Certification in CPR and first aid is often required, and strong communication and physical stamina are important for handling and training dolphins in aquatic environments.

How many years does it take to become a dolphin trainer?

Becoming a dolphin trainer typically requires a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by 2 to 4 years of specialized training or a degree in marine biology, animal science, or a related field. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work is also important for developing the necessary skills and knowledge for the role.

How much do dolphin trainers get paid?

Dolphin trainers typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, with experienced trainers or those working at larger facilities earning higher salaries. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the facility's size, and the job often requires certification in animal training and good physical stamina.

What qualifications do I need to be a dolphin trainer?

To become a dolphin trainer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers preferring a degree in marine biology, animal science, or a related field. Experience working with marine animals, strong communication skills, and certifications in CPR and first aid are also important qualifications for this role.

What job categories do people searching Dolphin Trainer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Dolphin Trainer jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Dolphin Trainer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,996 per year, or $26 per hour.

Highway Maintenance Specialist

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Warrenton, VA • On-site

$4.3K - $5.9K/wk

Full-time

PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Oregon Youth Authority rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Initial Posting Date:

08/14/2026

Application Deadline:

08/31/2026

Agency:

Department of Transportation

Salary Range:

$4,312 - $5,988

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Highway Maintenance Specialist

Job Description:

Transportation Maintenance Specialist 2 - Highway Maintenance Specialist
Oregon Department of Transportation
Delivery & Operations Division - Region 2
Highway Maintenance

Warrenton

The role:

Do you want to use your skills to make a difference? Join ourhardworking Warrentonmaintenance crew and help keep Oregon's roads and travelers safe! As part of our team, you willoperateequipmentnecessary tomaintainand repair roadways, highways,bridgesand structures. You will also help with emergency cleanup and traffic control after storms, spills, incidentsand more!Apply today!

We provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon's communities and economy thrive. We encourage people from all backgrounds and abilities to apply for our positions.

Before applying, visit our applicant information website to learn more about our process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, you must apply through your employee Workday profile.

A day in the life:

  • Operate a variety of heavy and light equipment and tools to maintain and repair various surfaces.

  • Assist with weather related emergencies and operate snowplows, deicer trucks and other equipment to clear snow from roadways.

  • Perform minor surface repairs including pothole and concrete patching and small inlay work.

  • Clear debris, clear brush, mow grass and spray roadside vegetation.

  • Maintain and repair fences, guardrails, concrete barriers and milepost markers.

  • Maintain drainage systems, dig and clean ditches and repair culverts, inlets and erosion.

  • Maintain wooded areas which includes replanting, pruning, thinning or trimming trees, shrubs and groundcover.

  • Service and repair tools and motorized equipment.

  • Perform minor maintenance including janitorial work, landscaping, painting and light carpentry.

  • Exposure to noise, extreme heights, all weather conditions, heavy equipment, pesticides and hazardous waste materials is expected.

  • Must be able to move around rough terrain, bend and stoop for extended periods and may need to lift up to 60 pounds.

  • May need to be available after hours, on weekends and holidays for emergency, on call and weather related purposes.

  • To request a copy of the position description, which includes all duties and working conditions, please email ODOTRecruitment@odot.oregon.gov.

What's in it for you:

  • Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, flexible work schedules, paid leave and so much more. Learn more about working at the Oregon Department of Transportation and the benefits we offer.

  • Comprehensive and equitable base salary offer within the listed range. Through an equal pay assessment, we will determine the salary offer using the information you provide in your submitted application materials. Please ensure your application materials are detailed, accurate and reflect your skills, experience (paid and unpaid) and education as they relate to the position when applying.

  • The salary range listed is the non-PERS monthly salary range. If you are already a participating PERS member or once you become PERS eligible, the salary range will increase by 6.95%.

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness opportunity!

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Minimum qualifications:

One year of experience performing basic highway maintenancework;

OR

Two years of general landscaping, maintenance, mechanical, farming, logging, and/or construction experience or training.

Special qualifications:

  • This position requires a maximum45-minuteresponse time to1960 SE Dolphin Ave, Warrenton, Oregon 97146 for emergencycall-outs.

  • You must possess a current, valid commercial driver's license A (CDL-A) with a tanker endorsement, no air brake restrictions, no 5th wheel restrictions and no manual transmission restrictions, OR have the ability to acquire a class A commercial learner permit within 60 days of hire and a CDL-A with a tanker endorsement and restrictions removed within six months of hire (ODOT will cover training costs) to be considered eligible for this position.

    • A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record are required for this position. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse registration and full query check for our final candidate(s) and annual query for current employees.

    • As of Sept. 29, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has rescinded prior guidance that allowed state DMVs to issue limited term commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). As a result, individuals who hold a lawful employment authorization document (EAD) are no longer eligible to obtain a commercial learner's permit (CLP) or commercial driver's license (CDL). This federal policy change may impact candidates applying for positions that require a CDL. For more information, please refer to the FMCSA announcement and the accompanying FAQ.

What we'd like to see:

If you have these attributes, let us know in your application materials! It's how we will choose whom to move forward! You do not need to have all these qualities to be eligible for this position. We may also use transferable skills, experience and education to help us decide who will move forward.

  • Experience in road maintenance, construction or in a maintenance training program such as ODOT High School to Highway program, ODOT/ODF Fire and Ice program, Job Corps, etc.

  • A current, valid commercial driver's license A (CDL-A) is preferred.

  • Experience using hand tools and operating light and heavy equipment such as tractors, excavators, loaders or dump trucks.

  • Experience working in conditions that may be hazardous.

How to apply:

  • Complete the following required steps:

    • Fill out the application or attach a resume. Please contact the recruiter under the 'Need help?' section if you have any questions about how to fill out the experience fields or to attach a document. Your submitted experience fields or attached resume must include dates (MM/YYYY) for each employer.

    • Complete questionnaire. Answer the checkbox-style questions before submitting your application.

  • After you submit your application, please respond to the public records request authorization and gender identity questionnaire. This screen will come after you submit and will complete the process. If you are a current State of Oregon employee, the tasks will come to your Workday inbox.

  • If you are a veteran or Oregon National Guard servicemember, you may receive preference. The task to upload your documents will be available after you submit your application. For privacy reasons, please do not attach your military service document(s) to your application or combine it with any other required document attachments.

Need help?

  • For questions, call 503-779-9733 or email ODOTRecruitmentJB@odot.oregon.gov.

Additional information:

  • We do not offer visa sponsorship. If you are hired, you will be required to fill out the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming you are able to work in the US. We are not an E-Verify participating employer, and we are unable to proceed if E-Verify participation is required [e.g., STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension].

  • The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an education institution during the application process.

  • We may use this recruitment to fill multiple or future vacancies.

  • We will conduct name-based criminal background checks on final candidates, not including current ODOT employees. All applicants may be subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as driver license, LEDS (Law Enforcement Data System), and/or education verification as required for the position.

  • You will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices. Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding EEO/AA/ADA, contact 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT). This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.

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