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Manatee Rehabilitation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Manatee Rehabilitation information

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$11.5K

$85K

$157K

How much do manatee rehabilitation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for manatee rehabilitation in the United States is $84,980.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in manatee rehabilitation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Manatee Rehabilitation, you need a background in animal science, marine biology, or veterinary technology, often supported by relevant degrees and hands-on animal care experience. Familiarity with animal handling equipment, water quality testing systems, and specialized software for animal health records is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and compassionate communication are essential soft skills for working with both animals and interdisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the well-being of manatees, support effective rehabilitation efforts, and foster collaboration in often challenging environments.

What is manatee rehabilitation?

Manatee rehabilitation is the process of rescuing, caring for, and treating injured, sick, or orphaned manatees with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Rehabilitation involves medical treatment, nutrition, physical therapy, and monitoring to ensure the manatees are healthy and able to survive independently. Specialists, such as veterinarians and wildlife caretakers, work in facilities equipped to handle the unique needs of manatees during their recovery. This work plays a crucial role in conserving manatee populations, especially those threatened by boat strikes, cold stress, or environmental hazards.

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

AspectManatee RehabilitationMarine Mammal Trainer
Required CredentialsWildlife rehabilitation certification, veterinary assistant skillsAnimal care certification, marine mammal training experience
Work EnvironmentWildlife rescue centers, rehabilitation facilitiesAquariums, marine parks, research centers
Employer & IndustryWildlife conservation organizations, rehabilitation centersMarine parks, aquariums, research institutions

Manatee Rehabilitation focuses on rescuing, treating, and releasing injured or sick manatees, often requiring veterinary and wildlife care skills. Marine Mammal Trainers work with trained marine animals, including manatees, in controlled environments like aquariums, emphasizing animal training and public education. While both roles involve marine mammals, rehabilitation is more clinical and rescue-oriented, whereas training centers on daily animal care and interaction.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in manatee rehabilitation roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Manatee Rehabilitation often encounter challenges such as handling injured or stressed animals, managing unpredictable work hours during rescue events, and maintaining strict health and safety protocols to prevent disease transmission. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as staff must coordinate closely with veterinarians, volunteers, and other wildlife agencies. Developing strong observation and animal care skills, along with resilience and adaptability, can help address these challenges and contribute to successful rehabilitation outcomes.
More about Manatee Rehabilitation jobs
What states have the most Manatee Rehabilitation jobs? States with the most job openings for Manatee Rehabilitation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Manatee Rehabilitation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 3% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,980 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

FLOATING Occupational Therapist - Full time (Manatee County)

Tender Touch Rehab Services

Bradenton, FL โ€ข On-site

$36.50 - $48/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Floating Occupational Therapist - Full Time (Manatee County)

Exciting opportunity with Tender Touch Rehab Services! Join a leading therapy organization with 30+ years of excellence in care and team development.

Tender Touch Rehab Services, part of the Enhance Therapies family of companies, is hiring a FLOATING Occupational Therapist - Full time (Manatee County) to join our growing and passionate team. We support our clinicians with competitive pay, a collaborative work environment, and industry-leading clinical education so you can focus on what matters most: making a difference in people's lives. Just as you're committed to delivering high-quality care, we're committed to supporting your professional growth and long-term success.

What We Offer:

  • Supportive company culture rooted in mentorship and collaboration
  • Unparalleled schedule flexibility to fit your lifestyle
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • 401(k) with company match to invest in your future
  • Online CEU credits to support your clinical growth
  • Opportunities for promotion, advancement, and internal transfers
  • Dynamic partnerships with leading facilities for career stability
  • Student mentor program and ongoing professional development
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for life's unexpected moments
  • Referral bonus program
  • Immigration support for H1B candidates, including transfers and new filings
  • Additional benefits and perks are available - reach out today to learn more!

What You'll Do:

  • Evaluate and treat patients with functional, cognitive, and ADL impairments
  • Create and implement personalized care plans
  • Collaborate with team members to ensure quality outcomes
  • Maintain documentation to meet all regulatory requirements
  • Ensure all required physician orders are obtained and up to date

Qualifications:

  • Degree in Occupational Therapy (BS, MS, MA, or OTD) from an AOTA-accredited program
  • Certified by the NBCOT as an OTR, if required by the state
  • Current license as an Occupational Therapist in the state of practice
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • New grads welcome! Mentorship available