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Mammal Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Georgia Aquarium

Trainer - Mammals & Birds

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Under direction of Senior Trainers and management team, Trains Mammal & Bird collection in accordance with Georgia Aquarium's animal training protocols. Actively participates in the progression of ...

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Mammal Trainer information

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How much do mammal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for mammal trainer in the United States is $27.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mammal Trainer vs Marine Mammal Trainer?

AspectMammal TrainerMarine Mammal Trainer
CertificationsAnimal handling, safety, and species-specific trainingAnimal handling, safety, and species-specific training
Work EnvironmentZoological parks, aquariums, wildlife centersMarine parks, aquariums, marine research facilities
Employer & IndustryZoos, aquariums, wildlife organizationsMarine parks, aquariums, marine conservation organizations

The main difference between a Mammal Trainer and a Marine Mammal Trainer lies in their specific focus. Marine Mammal Trainers specialize in training marine species like dolphins, whales, and seals, often working in marine parks and aquariums. Mammal Trainers may work with a broader range of land and aquatic mammals in zoos and wildlife centers. Both roles require similar certifications and safety training, but their work environments and species focus differ.

How do I become a marine mammal trainer?

To become a marine mammal trainer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in marine biology, animal science, or a related field, along with experience working with animals through internships or volunteer work. Certification in CPR and first aid is often required, and strong communication, patience, and physical stamina are important for training and caring for marine mammals.

How much money does a mammal trainer make?

The average salary for a mammal trainer ranges from $25,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Trainers working in large aquariums or zoos with specialized skills may earn higher wages, and certifications in animal behavior can improve earning potential.

What cities are hiring for Mammal Trainer jobs?

Cities with the most Mammal Trainer job openings:

What states have the most Mammal Trainer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mammal Trainer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Mammal Trainer jobs?

For Mammal Trainer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Mammal Trainer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,233 per year, or $27 per hour.

Marine Mammal Trainer II

Gulfport, MS • On-site

Mississippi Aquarium
See more jobs at Mississippi Aquariumexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

DESCRIPTION
POSITION SUMMARY
The position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Curators, Area Supervisors and/or Sr. Vice President of Property Operations in carrying out the animal care routine and maintenance for an assigned set of habitats. The position will also be responsible for maintaining organized written records pertaining to health, feeding, water quality, animal welfare and behavioral observations. This position is responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety, protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) accreditation standards
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assists in the daily care and behavioral conditioning of bottlenose dolphins, North American river otters, and other taxa as needed
  • Maintains a superior level of professionalism while performing primary/key roles in daily guest presentation and interaction programs
  • Interacts with guests and crew members in a positive and professional manner
  • Assists Senior Animal Care Specialists with the development and implementation of dynamic animal training projects and programs that serve to enhance animal care, animal management, guest experience, and Aquarium public relations
  • Actively participates in the progression of animal training goals and standards for MSAQ under the direction/supervision of Senior Marine Mammal Trainers and management, including training new behaviors
  • Possess great knowledge of cetacean and mustelid natural history, individual animal histories and husbandry
  • Able to identify all animals in assigned animal areas and observe any possible abnormalities
  • Assist with the developmental goals of Marine Mammal Trainers 1, Assistant Marine Mammal Trainers, and Seasonal Marine Mammal Trainers
  • Understand all area safety guidelines
  • Attend all seminars and all tests required
  • Play a key role in maintaining the highest standards in the areas of husbandry/cleanliness, diet preparation, record keeping, 24-hour animal observations, and facility maintenance
  • To perform other duties as workload necessitates, regardless of time, day, or location
  • Lead training sessions and may be asked to take on the responsibilities of a Senior Marine Mammal Trainer in their absence
  • Perform the execution of all poolside interactive programs and presentations

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • A four-year degree in aquatic sciences, zoology, biology, psychology preferred
  • Two or more years of full-time animal care experience from an accredited AMMPA or AZA institution, or equivalent, required
  • Certified SCUBA diver
  • Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, SCUBA dive physical, and area swim test
  • Record-keeping experience, preferably with the TRACKS system
  • Detailed understanding of the biology, behavior, and natural history of marine mammals, with an emphasis on cetaceans, mustelids and other taxa as needed
  • Detailed knowledge of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement animal behavioral conditioning techniques
  • Excellent observation and communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that generate and sustain a positive team atmosphere and professional environment
  • A valid driver's license and the ability to travel if necessary
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, days closed due to inclement weather
  • Experience in preparing and conducting public educational programs
  • Able to lift a minimum of sixty (60) pounds
  • Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal

TEAM REQUIREMENTS
  • Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
  • Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest's experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift.
  • Sales & Guest Services - Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and externalTo that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.
  • Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experienceTherefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugsOccasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g., goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.
REQUIREMENTS
Company: Mississippi Aquarium
Address: 2100 East Beach Boulevard Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: 228.241.1300

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