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Marine Animal Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Georgia Aquarium

Trainer - Mammals & Birds

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Minimum two years of aquatic animal husbandry and training working with marine mammals / birds, experience in an AZA/AMMPA accredited institution, or equivalent, with a proven track record of team ...

Minnstate

Oceanarium Director

Moorhead, MN · On-site

$47K - $93K/yr

... training, education and/or professional experience running a marine educational facility. * General understanding of marine animal husbandry, water chemistry, filtration systems * Ability to maintain ...

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How much do marine animal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine animal trainer in the United States is $16.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a marine animal trainer?

Marine animal trainers are professionals who work with aquatic animals such as dolphins, sea lions, whales, and seals to train them for behaviors, enrichment, medical procedures, public presentations, or research purposes. They use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage animals to perform specific tasks or respond to cues. Marine animal trainers often work at aquariums, marine parks, research facilities, or rehabilitation centers, and also play a role in educating the public about marine wildlife and conservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a marine animal trainer?

To thrive as a Marine Animal Trainer, you need a background in animal science, biology, psychology, or a related field, often with hands-on experience through internships or volunteering. Familiarity with operant conditioning techniques, training equipment, and animal care management systems is typically required. Exceptional patience, observation skills, and strong communication abilities help trainers build trust with animals and effectively engage with the public. These competencies are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, successful training outcomes, and positive visitor experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by marine animal trainers in their daily work?

Marine animal trainers often encounter challenges such as building trust and establishing clear communication with animals, which requires patience and consistency. Adapting training techniques to suit individual animals' personalities and learning speeds is also essential. Additionally, trainers must be vigilant about animal health and welfare, working closely with veterinarians and other staff to monitor behavior and well-being. Team collaboration is vital, as trainers regularly coordinate schedules, enrichment activities, and educational presentations with other departments.

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

AspectMarine Animal TrainerMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in animal training or marine lifeBachelor’s or higher in marine biology or related field; advanced research degrees
Work EnvironmentAquariums, marine parks, or marine research facilities; hands-on animal interactionResearch labs, fieldwork, academic institutions; focus on study and conservation
Employer & Industry UsageMarine parks, aquariums, zoos, marine entertainmentUniversities, research institutions, conservation organizations

Marine Animal Trainers focus on hands-on training and care of marine animals in entertainment and educational settings, requiring certifications and animal handling skills. Marine Biologists conduct research, study marine ecosystems, and often hold advanced degrees. While both work with marine life, their roles differ in purpose, environment, and qualifications.

How do you become a marine animal trainer?

To become a marine animal trainer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology, or a related field, along with experience working with animals through internships or volunteer work. Certification in CPR and first aid is often required, and strong skills in animal handling, patience, and communication are essential for success in this role.

How much do marine animal trainers make?

Marine animal trainers typically earn a median annual salary of around $30,000 to $50,000, with experienced trainers or those working in specialized facilities earning higher. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the size of the organization, and trainers often need certifications and hands-on experience working with marine life.
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What states have the most Marine Animal Trainer jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Marine Animal Trainer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Marine Animal Trainer jobs are:

Marine Animal Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Animal Trainer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,875 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Ambassador Animal Trainer - Harborview Aquarium

Zooceanarium Group LLC

Syracuse, NY • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Position Type & Salary
  • Full Time
  • $18/hour

Position Summary
This position is responsible for the day-to-day husbandry, behavioral conditioning, and giving daily public presentations within the Ambassador Animal department of the Aquarium. Primary responsibilities include the training, care and wellbeing of all ambassador animals under the facility's care; maintenance of all habitats; and positive team approach within the Life Sciences Department. Additionally, this position is responsible for leading public presentations with the facility's wide variety of ambassador animals, which include small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.
Duties & Responsibility
  • Develop and train animal behavior and enrichment activities as directed by the Senior Trainer and department Curator.
  • Hold public animal chats, training, and enrichment demonstrations consistent with the facility's philosophy and procedures on an assigned schedule
  • Assist with animal/guest interactions and encounters on a regular basis
  • Assist in area training for new employees
  • Assist in the preparation and operation of special events after normal business hours as needed
  • Maintain up-to-date electronic records on animal health, water quality, system maintenance, system checks and stock reports.
  • Monitor and identify animal health concerns, disease diagnosis and water quality concerns.
  • Communicate animal health concerns to Senior Trainer and department Curator; work with veterinary and water quality staff to implement care plans as directed.
  • Undertake daily operations within the Life Sciences Department to ensure highest level of safety, courtesy, education, efficiency and operational readiness at all times.
  • Maintain positive representation to professional agencies, institutions and various committees.
  • Comply with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality, state and federal rules and regulations.
  • Provide animal care and ensure habitats meet compliance of facility specific policies and procedures.
  • Perform duties in order to reduce loss/waste, control costs and accurately communicate expenses.
  • Assist in the implementation of new habitats and educational opportunities in order to maximize guest experience.
  • Assist in emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals or company property.
  • In collaboration with all departments, ensure habitats and programs engage, educate and entertain diverse audiences.
  • Work closely with all departments to ensure volunteers and educators provide exemplary guest service and engagement.
  • Perform dive requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
  • One year + experience with animal husbandry required; training animals in a show or presentation capacity highly preferred.
  • PADI Open Water or equivalent (or able to obtain within 90 days of employment) required.
  • First Aid, Emergency O2, and AED certification are preferred but will be provided if needed.
  • Degree in wildlife/marine biology or relevant work experience required.
  • Proven aptitude for developing compelling habitats preferred.
  • Experienced animal care staff with a strong background in reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals required.
  • Strong working knowledge of animal husbandry, disease prevention and treatment, and breeding/rearing techniques.
  • Working knowledge of operant conditioning and environmental enrichment.
  • Extensive knowledge of the disposition, habits, food requirements, and environmental needs of a diverse animal collection.
  • Experience in the care of flora and fauna in a public aquarium setting.
  • Experience working with relevant authorities and accrediting associations.
  • Competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Must have strong teamwork, interpersonal, and organizational skills conducive to a positive work environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong listening, presentation and decision-making skills.
  • Creative problem solver who thrives when presented with a challenge.
Abilities
The individual must possess the following abilities to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some or a combination of the abilities.
  • Requires walking/ standing for long periods of time, bending and crouching, climbing, working in small/tight spaces, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • May require driving aquarium vehicles, operating heavy machinery, using power tools, and working around chemicals.
  • Ability to read, listen and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system.
  • Hearing and visual ability to observe and detect signs of emergency situations.
  • Requires the ability to perform the physical, visual and hearing requirements in the working conditions above.
  • May require immunizations including TB testing and rabies.
Other
  • Upon employment all team members are required to comply with the standards, rules and regulations, which may be established by the Company and updated from time-to-time. Team members who violate property rules or have irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
  • The leisure business functions seven days a week. Due to the seasonal nature of the industry, team members may be required to work varying schedules, weekends, holidays and overtime to reflect the business needs of the property. Team members may also be required to attend group and/or department meetings in addition to the work shift as necessary.
  • This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that a team member in this position may be asked to perform.

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