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Marine Animal Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

SeaTREK Guide

Scottsdale, AZ

Fostering a positive work team atmosphere, attention to animal health, exhibit excellence, and ... Rescue Diver certification, as a minimum, from a recognized SCUBA training organization with a ...

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

SeaTREK Guide

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

Fostering a positive work team atmosphere, attention to animal health, exhibit excellence, and ... Rescue Diver certification, as a minimum, from a recognized SCUBA training organization with a ...

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Curator, Mammals

Monterey, CA · On-site

Oversee animal care to ensure the highest level of animal welfare and exhibit standards. Serve as a ... Bachelor's Degree in biology, marine science, aquarium studies, or related field * SCUBA ...

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Curator, Mammals

Monterey, CA

Oversee animal care to ensure the highest level of animal welfare and exhibit standards. Serve as a ... Bachelor's Degree in biology, marine science, aquarium studies, or related field * SCUBA ...

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Marine Animal Rescue information

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How much do marine animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine animal rescue in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a marine animal rescuer?

To become a marine animal rescuer, individuals typically need a background in marine biology, veterinary science, or related fields, along with experience in animal care and rescue operations. Certifications in first aid, CPR, and specialized rescue training are often required, and volunteers or internships can provide valuable hands-on experience in marine environments.

What is the difference between Marine Animal Rescue vs Marine Biologist?

AspectMarine Animal RescueMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsCPR/First Aid, rescue certifications, sometimes specialized trainingDegree in Marine Biology or related field, research experience
Work EnvironmentRescue sites, rehabilitation centers, fieldworkResearch labs, field studies, academic settings
Employer & IndustryWildlife organizations, aquariums, conservation groupsUniversities, research institutions, government agencies

Marine Animal Rescue focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating injured or stranded marine animals, often requiring emergency response skills. Marine Biologists study marine life through research and data collection, often working in labs or on research vessels. While both roles involve marine animals, Rescue is more hands-on and emergency-oriented, whereas Marine Biology emphasizes scientific study and analysis.

How much do marine mammal rescuers make?

Marine animal rescuers, including those who work with marine mammals, typically earn between $25,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Many roles require specialized training and certifications, and the work often involves irregular hours and outdoor environments.

What does a Marine Animal Rescue worker do?

A Marine Animal Rescue worker is responsible for responding to reports of stranded, injured, or ill marine animals such as dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and seals. They assess the animal's condition, provide emergency care, and transport the animal to a rehabilitation center if needed. These professionals also participate in releasing rehabilitated animals back into the wild and help educate the public about marine conservation. Their work often involves collaboration with veterinarians, scientists, and government agencies to support the health and survival of marine species.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the field of marine animal rescue, jobs that can pay around $2,000 a day are typically high-level positions such as senior marine biologists, specialized rescue coordinators, or consultants with extensive experience and certifications. These roles often require advanced education, specialized skills, and may involve working in remote or challenging environments, with compensation reflecting expertise and responsibility.

What are some common challenges faced by marine animal rescue professionals during field operations?

Marine animal rescue professionals often encounter unpredictable and challenging environments, such as rough seas, rapidly changing weather, and remote rescue locations. Working with injured or distressed animals can also be physically demanding and emotionally taxing, as not all rescues have positive outcomes. Additionally, effective communication and coordination with other team members, veterinarians, and authorities are essential for ensuring the safety of both the animals and the rescuers. Adapting quickly and problem-solving on the spot are key skills for overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Marine Animal Rescue Specialist, you need expertise in marine biology, animal handling, and rescue procedures, often supported by a relevant degree and field experience. Familiarity with rescue equipment, first aid certification for animals, and data management systems are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, physical stamina, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the safe, efficient rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals, contributing to conservation efforts and public safety.

What job rescues marine animals?

Marine animal rescue jobs are typically held by professionals such as marine mammal rehabilitators, marine biologists, and rescue technicians. These roles involve responding to stranded or injured marine animals, providing medical care, and releasing them back into the wild, often requiring specialized training and certifications in animal care and rescue procedures.
More about Marine Animal Rescue jobs
What states have the most Marine Animal Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Marine Animal Rescue jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Marine Animal Rescue jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Marine Animal Rescue jobs are:
Marine Animal Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Animal Rescue job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Pending Volunteer

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater, FL • On-site

Other

Posted 28 days ago

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.