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How much do manatee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for manatee in the United States is $47,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $53,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manatee Biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manatee Biologist, you need a strong background in marine biology, wildlife management, and ecological research, typically supported by a relevant degree such as biology, zoology, or environmental science. Familiarity with field data collection tools, GIS mapping software, and experience with wildlife tracking systems are essential technical qualifications. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for working in field conditions and collaborating with conservation teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately studying manatee populations, informing conservation efforts, and ensuring the preservation of this vulnerable species.

What are the main challenges faced by marine biologists working in manatee conservation roles?

Marine biologists focusing on manatee conservation often face challenges such as limited funding for research, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and mitigating the impact of human activities like boating and habitat destruction. They regularly collaborate with government agencies, local communities, and environmental organizations to conduct population surveys, monitor health, and implement protection measures. Adapting to fieldwork in variable weather conditions and responding rapidly to manatee emergencies are also common aspects of the role.

What are manatees?

Manatees are large, gentle marine mammals commonly known as 'sea cows.' They are herbivores found in shallow, slow-moving rivers, estuaries, and coastal marine waters, mainly in Florida, the Caribbean, and West Africa. Manatees play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems by grazing on seagrasses and aquatic plants, helping to maintain healthy habitats. They are protected species and are at risk from boat collisions, habitat loss, and environmental changes.

What is the difference between Manatee vs Marine Biologist?

AspectManateeMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsNone specific, often a high school diploma or relevant experienceBachelor's degree in Marine Biology or related field, often advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentWildlife reserves, aquatic habitats, conservation areasResearch labs, field sites, aquariums, universities
Employer & Industry UsageWildlife conservation organizations, government agenciesResearch institutions, environmental agencies, universities

Manatees are aquatic mammals primarily found in warm coastal waters, focusing on conservation and rescue. Marine biologists study marine organisms, including manatees, conducting research and analysis. While manatees are the subject of study, marine biologists have a broader scope, working with various marine species and ecosystems.

More about Manatee jobs
What cities are hiring for Manatee jobs? Cities with the most Manatee job openings:
What job categories do people searching Manatee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Manatee jobs are:
Manatee jobs near you
Manatee Care Specialist

Manatee Care Specialist

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$17 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Manatee Care Specialist
Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens | Manatee Conservation Department | On-Site
We're looking for passionate animal care professionals to join the team making it all possible. The work you will do here is visible, celebrated, and directly connected to the recovery of wild manatee populations in Florida.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DWUSxJrDly0/
What You'll Do
You'll provide expert daily care for rescued manatees in one of the most advanced rehabilitation facilities in the Southeast - and help tell their story to thousands of guests every year.
Animal Care & Husbandry
  • Perform daily feeding, medication administration, habitat cleaning, and enrichment
  • Monitor and document manatee health, behavior, buoyancy, appetite, and reproductive activity
  • Assist with veterinary procedures, rescue response, and approved research
  • Conduct underwater exhibit inspections and behavioral monitoring using SCUBA equipment

Conservation & Compliance
  • Uphold AZA, FWC, USDA, and OSHA standards at all times
  • Contribute to Species Survival Plans and habitat planning
  • Follow biosecurity and zoonotic disease prevention protocols

Guest Engagement
  • Deliver keeper chats, tours, and conservation education that connect guests to manatee conservation
  • Practice responsible messaging that promotes habitat protection and discourages wildlife trafficking

Team Engagement
  • Higher level care specialist will have team leading and additional responsibilities.

What Makes You a Fit
You are SCUBA certified. You're observant and calm under pressure. You notice when something's off with an animal before anyone else does. You communicate clearly, document accurately, and show up for your team. You care deeply about manatee conservation - and you know how to share that passion with the public.
Education
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Associate or bachelor's degree in biology, marine biology, zoology, wildlife management, environmental science, animal behavior, fisheries/marine science, or a closely related field, preferred.

Experience
We're hiring at three levels - you will be placed in the level that fits your background.
  • Specialist I - 6 months paid or unpaid wildlife care. SCUBA certification, preferred.
  • Specialist II - 2 years paid wildlife care + SCUBA certification
  • Senior Specialist - 5-6 years paid wildlife care + SCUBA certification

Some required experience may be substituted by a degree in life science related field.
  • Associate degree equivalent to six months.
  • Bachelor's degree equivalent to one year.
  • Master's degree equivalent to 1.5 years.

Preferred Qualifications
  • SCUBA certification.
  • Experience with marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, or husbandry
  • Familiarity with ZIMS, Tracks, or similar animal record systems
  • Internship or volunteer experience with FWC, NOAA partners, or AZA-accredited institutions

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Availability to accommodate a flexible schedule, including extended hours, holidays, and weekends, and willingness to work overtime as needed.
  • Ability to participate in the response team for stranding or medical emergencies involving marine mammals.

WORK CONDITIONS
  • Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind.
  • Exposure to hazards such as wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.
  • Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases, and injuries from animals.
  • Periodic work in small, enclosed, or underwater areas.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing and crouching.
  • Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs
  • Operating hand and power tools
  • Operating motorized vehicles
  • Frequent underwater work using SCUBA equipment
  • Verbal communication and visual and auditory awareness to monitor animal behavior, respond to safety alerts and communicate with colleagues and guests.

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS
  • Must maintain a valid driver's license and clear driving record and be over age 18 to operate organizational vehicles.
  • May require local or national travel.
  • Ability to travel locally to deliver educational programs at off-site community locations.

About the Manatee Habitat
In March 2026, Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens opened the J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Manatee River Habitat - a 330,000-gallon rescue and rehabilitation facility capable of caring for up to 20 manatees at once, triple our previous capacity. This is one of Florida's most significant new conservation facilities. Guests can view rehabilitating manatees directly from the new VyStar SkyScape entrance.
JZBG is an equal opportunity, drug-free employer.
Pay Range: $17 - $24 per hour

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