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Marine Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Z&A Management

Animal Keeper

Layton, UT · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Degree in Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Science, or a related field. * Passion for animal care, education, and conservation. * Comfort working in a guest-facing, interactive environment. * Strong ...

Z&A Management

Animal Keeper

Woodbridge, NJ · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Degree in Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Science, or a related field. * Passion for animal care, education, and conservation. * Comfort working in a guest-facing, interactive environment. * Strong ...

Virginia Living Museum

Animal Keeper

Newport News, VA

Native Virginia mammals, marine life, reptiles, amphibians, birds, plants and planets are presented ... The Animal Keeper I works in cooperation with Living Exhibits staff as well as other departments to ...

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Marine Animal information

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$10

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$38

How much do marine animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine animal in the United States is $26.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs work with marine animals?

Jobs that work with marine animals include marine biologists, aquarists, marine mammal trainers, and conservationists. These roles often require knowledge of marine biology, animal care skills, and certifications such as first aid or specialized training in animal handling. They typically involve working in aquariums, research facilities, or in the field conducting studies and conservation efforts.

What job should I get if I love the ocean?

A marine animal professional, such as a marine biologist or marine mammal trainer, works closely with ocean life and often conducts research, conservation, or animal care. These roles typically require a degree in marine science or a related field, along with hands-on experience and sometimes certifications in animal handling or safety procedures.

What are marine animals?

Marine animals are organisms that live in saltwater environments such as oceans, seas, and sometimes brackish water. They include a wide variety of species, from tiny plankton and invertebrates like jellyfish, to large vertebrates such as whales, dolphins, and sharks. Marine animals play essential roles in their ecosystems, contributing to the balance of marine food webs and the health of the planet. Many marine animals are specially adapted to survive in diverse and sometimes extreme oceanic conditions.

What is the difference between Marine Animal vs Marine Biologist?

AspectMarine AnimalMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsNone specific; knowledge of marine species helpfulDegree in Marine Biology or related field, certifications may be required
Work EnvironmentIn the wild, aquariums, research facilitiesResearch labs, fieldwork, aquariums, conservation sites
Employer & Industry UsageWildlife organizations, aquariums, research institutionsResearch institutions, conservation agencies, universities

Marine Animals refer to the actual creatures living in marine environments, while Marine Biologists are professionals who study these animals. Marine Biologists often work with Marine Animals, conducting research, conservation, and educational activities. Understanding the distinction helps clarify career paths and job expectations in marine sciences.

What degree do I need to work with marine animals?

Marine animal professionals typically need at least a bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology, marine science, or a related field. Advanced roles or research positions may require a master's degree or higher, along with hands-on experience and certifications such as first aid or scuba diving licenses.

What is a Marine Animal job?

A Marine Animal job typically involves working with marine wildlife in various capacities, such as research, conservation, rehabilitation, or education. Professionals in this field may be marine biologists, veterinarians, trainers, or conservationists who study, care for, and protect aquatic species. These jobs can be found in aquariums, marine research institutions, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations. Responsibilities can range from conducting scientific studies to rescuing and rehabilitating injured marine animals.

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

To thrive as a Marine Biologist, you need a strong background in biology, ecology, and oceanography, typically supported by a relevant degree such as marine biology or environmental science. Experience with laboratory techniques, field research equipment, data analysis software, and sometimes certifications in diving or boating are often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in research, collaboration, and public outreach. These skills ensure accurate scientific research, effective teamwork, and successful conservation efforts in marine environments.

What is the highest paying marine animal job?

Marine biologists specializing in marine animals, particularly those working in research, conservation, or aquaculture, can earn higher salaries, especially with advanced degrees and experience. Jobs such as marine mammal trainers or researchers at private organizations or government agencies tend to offer the highest pay in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by marine animal trainers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Marine animal trainers often encounter challenges such as building trust with animals, ensuring their safety during training sessions, and maintaining the animals' physical and mental well-being. Overcoming these challenges requires patience, consistent positive reinforcement techniques, and close collaboration with veterinarians and other animal care staff. Trainers also need to be adaptable and observant, as each animal responds differently to stimuli and routines. Ongoing professional development and teamwork are essential for addressing these challenges and ensuring the best care for the animals.
More about Marine Animal jobs
What cities are hiring for Marine Animal jobs? Cities with the most Marine Animal job openings:
What states have the most Marine Animal jobs? States with the most job openings for Marine Animal jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Marine Animal jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Marine Animal jobs are:
Marine Animal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Animal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,632 per year, or $26.7 per hour.
Pending Volunteer

Pending Volunteer

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater, FL • On-site

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working marine animal hospital on Clearwater Beach. The location is a tourist destination. However it is not your typical aquarium. We are looking for volunteers that understand our mission. And want to further advance the mission through their activities. Our Mission:

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Our goal is to inspire the next generation of conservationists. To promote an appreciation and understanding of the importance of conservation efforts to preserve marine ecosystems in the local area.

There are opportunities to volunteer in Education, Water Quality/Life Support, Custodial Guest Services, HR, Marine Mammals, Aquatic Biology, Sea Turtle Rehab, Rescue (NOTE: Rescue volunteers must volunteer in an onsite department for 6 months BEFORE transferring to or adding rescue), Dive, Guest Engagement/Guest Services.

Within an animal care department there should be no expectation of direct animal contact. As a volunteer you will help clean the habitats and prepare diets. While you may have an opportunity to feed the animals you will not be in the habitat with the animals or swimming in the water with the animals. Your role is a support role for the animal care specialists. We can't do the work we do without our volunteers but we want to ensure that you have realistic expectations of this opportunity.

Because we work under a government permit everything we do requires strict training and passing a knowledge quiz to move to the next level. Therefore adult volunteer opportunities require a minimum commitment of 6 months 1x a week shift at the same day and time each week. These shifts may be from 4 to 6 hours long dependent upon the department. We do have limited shifts available based on job responsibilities each day. applying.

To start your journey - Click on the apply button in the upper right corner. Do not register for a welcome visit without applying. After you apply return to this page to complete the welcome visit registration date and pre-training required.

Next on your journey we require a welcome visit onsite to learn more about our opportunities. Please chose your visit day and time by completing the sheet questions located at this link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2J4aPRM5TCAh91tG2FD4tVgCuJ1Tn8ICxXZGFtpgGAJ1UmA/viewform?usp=publish-editor

After choosing your visit day and time please complete the volunteer training - Everyone - staff, interns and volunteers completes this training.

For onboarding, please follow these steps:

  1. Go to: CMA Volunteer Welcome Training
  2. Work your way through each item in order, including reading documents/watching videos and taking the corresponding quizzes. Please note that each quiz must be completed with a minimum of 80% in order to pass. You may retake quizzes if you need to in order to achieve the required score.

If you do not

1. apply

2. register for a visit

3. complete the training - and forward the Kulture City certificate to the HR team as instructed in the training

You will not be invited to the volunteer welcome visit. Please do not attend if you have not received a notice and an invite from the HR team.

Finally - this oppportunity requires a 6 month committment - same time, same day for 4 to 6 hours depending on the department. Do not apply if you can't committ.