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Marine Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Z&A Management

Animal Keeper - Full Time

Folsom, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/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 ...

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How much do marine animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 qualifications do I need to work with marine animals?

To work with marine animals, individuals typically need a relevant degree such as marine biology, zoology, or animal science. Hands-on experience through internships, volunteering, or working in aquariums or research facilities is also important, along with certifications in CPR and first aid. Strong communication skills, physical fitness, and a passion for marine life are beneficial for this field.

What is a marine animal?

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 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 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 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,632 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Temp Animal Care Specialist - Galleries

Shedd Aquarium

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Shedd Aquarium rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

TITLE: Temporary Animal Care Specialist, Galleries Team
DEPARTMENT: Aquarium Team
REPORTS TO: Manager of Freshwater Habitats
STATUS: Full-time, Temp, Non-Exempt
DURATION: 5 Months
PAY RATE: $20.00/hour
POSITION OVERVIEW: Shedd Aquarium illustrates a commitment to optimal animal care and welfare to facilitate impactful public engagement with wildlife. Our animals first approach has a foundation that individuals and groups of animals can exhibit natural behaviors encouraged through complex environmental design, innovative behavioral training, and enrichment.
The Animal Care Specialist, Galleries team reports to the Manager of Freshwater Habitats and performs the daily husbandry of Shedd Aquariums animal collection, with a specific focus on tropical and temperate freshwater fishes, temperate marine animals, and Amazonian semi-aquatic and terrestrial species. This role also participates in the care of other animals under the department's responsible role as needed. The Animal Care Specialist, Galleries team will assume coverage responsibility for habitats and animals assigned to them, which may include tropical and temperate fish and invertebrates, both marine and freshwater. As well as reptiles, amphibians and birds.
This position works closely with their Manager and the rest of their team - along with Animal Health, Environmental Quality, and Facilities - to ensure the smooth and effective operations involving animals and habitats, especially as they relate to husbandry and welfare. This position works cooperatively with the animal care management teams to ensure compliance with all accreditation and regulatory requirements for departmental operations.
Animal Care Specialists are entry-level and just beginning to learn animal operations in the Animal Care and Science Division. They will assist Aquarists, Senior Aquarists, and Managers with inter-departmental productivity and begin participation in strategies to meet institutional objectives and initiatives requiring support of the Animal Care Department.
TIME COMMITMENT/SCHEDULE: Thursday - Monday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • Demonstrates commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values.
  • Achieves goals and objectives assigned for short- and long-term operations.
  • Learns to maintain good animal records in accordance with Aquarium Team standards and as directed by Manager, including the use of TRACKs animal record keeping software.
  • Prepares diets and feeds animals to meet their nutritional requirements as assigned.
  • Applies and records enrichment for animals to meet their psychological requirements as assigned.
  • Maintains front of house habitats at an inspection level of readiness.
  • Maintains back of house areas and habitats at an inspection level of readiness.
  • Works proactively with Animal Health to provide optimal animal care, assessment, and treatment as needed.
  • Assists in animal treatments and procedures as required.
  • Assists with animal transports between onsite and offsite buildings and helps maintain all transport equipment.
  • Identifies major maintenance/repair problems in any section and reports through their manager.
  • Provides timely communication to manager and covered staff members.
  • Maintains awareness and communication expectations by checking email daily along with any additional platforms used by the Animal Care departments.
  • Maintains daily animal observations, records, and reports any abnormal behavior or appearance.
  • Works effectively with Aquarium Leadership Team to achieve strategic goals and objectives of the Animal Care and Science Division.
  • Learns all the primary animal groups cared for by the Aquarium team.
  • Learns proper animal training, enrichment, and nutrition for animals.
  • Provides support for coworkers in their responsible roles as needed.
  • Maintains legal compliance measures such as tracking of respirator use (if applicable), adherence to OSHA standards, etc.
  • Participates in 1-on-1, team meetings, department meetings, division meetings, and One Shedd meetings.
  • Participates in Shedd's DEAI objectives.
  • Works with other divisions as assigned to meet strategic objectives.
  • Assists in the continuous development and implementation of animal care and sustainability innovations.
  • Responsible for the overall husbandry of Galleries systems, including lighting, flow, water quality, and animal condition.
  • Ensures animals throughout the facility are kept to Shedd Aquarium's standards of wellbeing and maintain good body condition
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in marine sciences, biology, zoology, or related field (or demonstrated comparable knowledge)
Experience:
  • 1+ years of experience caring for aquatic and terrestrial animals
  • Knowledge of water chemistry and quality as they pertain to living marine systems preferred.
  • Knowledge of proper animal care, training, and enrichment preferred.
  • Knowledge of collection planning processes preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to learn other business operation software as assigned, including the animal management software TRACKs.

Certifications:
  • Must possess a valid driver's license or can obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.

Physical Readiness:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job including while wearing dive gear.
  • Lift up to 40 pounds
  • Sit
  • Stand
  • Stoop
  • Kneel
  • Walk
  • Swim
  • Hear

Working Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
This person may be exposed to:
  • Water
  • Heat
  • Cold
  • Hazardous Chemicals
  • Low noise
  • Moderate Noise
  • Loud Noise
BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.
  • Accrued Paid Time Off
  • 401(k)
  • Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Wellness program
  • Employee discounts
  • Employee Tickets
Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org.
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

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