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Marine Animal Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Spring 2027 Intern

Clearwater, FL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Do you remember "Winter The Dolphin" - or the "The Dolphin Tale" movies - that's us! Our Mission: We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Vet extern

Clearwater, FL · On-site

POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION TITLE: Veterinary Extern REPORTS TO: Senior Veterinarian SUPERVISES: N/A LOCATION: Onsite EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: N/A PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY: The veterinary extern will

University of Florida

Veterinary Care Technician I Apply now Job no: 540779 Work type: Staff Full-Time Location: St. Johns Categories: Veteran's Preference Eligible, Veterinary Medicine/Animal Care Department: 57130100 -

The Walt Disney Company

Aquarist

Lake Buena Vista, FL · On-site

$51K - $68K/yr

Job Posting Title: Aquarist Req ID: 10157677 Job Description: Aquarists are professional aquatic animal keepers who provide for all aspects of husbandry for the aquatic animal collections at the Seas

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How much do marine animal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a marine animal rescue specialist?

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 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 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 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.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Spring 2027 Intern

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater, FL • On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Do you remember "Winter The Dolphin" - or the "The Dolphin Tale" movies - that's us!
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.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working marine animal hospital. We offer internships in businesss, marketing, HR, marine biology, animal care, aquatic biology, rescue, rehab, education and guest engagement. At CMA our internships prepare you for your future career. You gain real world, hands on experience. Please reference our website for frequently asked questions about our internships. https://mission.cmaquarium.org/get-involved/careers/internships/
CMA's Vision is to become the global leader in connecting people to marine life and the environment. CMA's Values include Integrity, Inspiration, Passion, Excellence, Collaboration, Leadership and Compassion.
Start by applying online on our website www.cmaquarium.org scroll to the bottom, choose "careers and internships", scroll down and "find opportunities"
Next complete the form referenced below so we can gather your information to start the process of connecting you to the internship of your dreams!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd4-FUHj6gcsEPUM6-tH2h4cyiLyj3XPfontnwc-st8xSUUKw/viewform?usp=header
The application deadlne is October 15, 2026 for the Spring 2027 internship. You will not hear from the HR team concerning interviews or next steps until after that date.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium's ultimate goal is simple: to treat our team with the same excellent, unwavering and compassionate care that we provide to the rescue animals who come through our doors. Before we can serve as a global leader in marine life education, we must first channel our energies to becoming a global leader in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace which respects the differences of its team members. As we move forward, we will continue to learn, grow, inspire, and improve to remove barriers, foster inclusive and diverse teams where associates are respected and free to be their authentic selves, and empower all associates to channel their passion in order to contribute to the ultimate success of the mission.
We hope to see you soon as an intern at CMA!

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