1

Marine Life Rescue Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Recreation Assistant (Lifeguard)

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Performs rescue work, promptly renders cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or emergency first aid ... Documents marine life, water conditions and weather conditions. General duties comprise 40% of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Marine Life Rescue information

See salary details

$10

$26

$38

How much do marine life rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine life rescue 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 are some typical challenges faced by marine life rescue professionals during field operations?

Marine life rescue professionals often encounter unpredictable and challenging field conditions, such as rough weather, remote locations, and distressed animals that may require immediate attention. These situations demand quick decision-making, strong teamwork, and adaptability. Additionally, coordinating with local authorities, veterinarians, and research organizations is common, requiring effective communication skills. Flexibility and a strong commitment to animal welfare are essential for overcoming the physical and emotional demands of the role.

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

To thrive as a Marine Life Rescue Specialist, you need a background in marine biology or environmental science, hands-on animal handling experience, and often specialized training or certifications in marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation. Familiarity with rescue equipment, data collection software, and regulatory systems such as NOAA guidelines is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial for responding to emergencies and working with diverse teams. These skills ensure the safe and efficient rescue, treatment, and release of marine animals, contributing to conservation efforts and public safety.

What is marine life rescue?

Marine life rescue involves responding to situations where marine animals, such as whales, dolphins, seals, or sea turtles, are stranded, injured, or in distress. Professionals in this field assess the condition of the animal, provide immediate care, and work to safely return them to their natural habitat when possible. They may also collaborate with veterinarians, researchers, and local authorities. This work is vital for the conservation of marine species and often includes public education about the threats facing ocean life.

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

AspectMarine Life RescueMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsCertifications in first aid, rescue techniques, and marine safetyDegree in marine biology or related field, research experience
Work EnvironmentRescue operations in coastal, marine, or rescue centersResearch labs, field studies, marine environments
Employer & IndustryRescue organizations, conservation groups, aquariumsUniversities, research institutions, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonRescue and emergency response for marine animalsMarine animal research and ecological studies

Marine Life Rescue focuses on emergency response, rescue, and rehabilitation of marine animals, requiring certifications in rescue techniques. Marine Biologists conduct research, study marine ecosystems, and often work in labs or field studies. While both roles aim to protect marine life, Marine Life Rescue is more action-oriented, whereas Marine Biologists focus on scientific research and data collection.

More about Marine Life Rescue jobs
What states have the most Marine Life Rescue jobs? States with the most job openings for Marine Life Rescue jobs include:
Infographic showing various Marine Life Rescue job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,632 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Veteran's preference applies EEO Statement The City of Delray Beach does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability, marital status, family status or sexual orientation in employment or the provision of services Non-Smoking The City of Delray Beach is a Non-Tobacco Workplace. The City will not consider applicants who have used tobacco or nicotine products for a period of at least three months prior to application for employment. The definition of "tobacco or nicotine products" includes but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipes, snuff, e-cigarettes and nicotine patches or gum. Monitor, control and prevent situations hazardous to the health and safety of beach patrons through alert, responsive observations of the beach and the ocean.

Execute rescue procedures promptly and efficiently when necessary. Provide resuscitative care when needed. Work is performed under general supervision. The following duties are normal for this position.

The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. * Observe and monitor beach patrons while viewing ocean conditions. * Enforce City ordinances. * Initiate water rescues in various situations and conditions. Provide first aid care for minor injuries or care until EMS personnel arrives, along with giving CPR, if necessary. * Regulate activities that may threaten beach patrons or property. * Assist in maintenance of lifesaving equipment and facilities. * Function as a spokesperson. * Assist in computerized recordkeeping. * High school graduate or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. * Must satisfactorily complete the Ocean Lifesaving qualification test. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: * State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician 1 (EMT 1) * American Heart Association and/or American Red Cross Professional Rescuer CPR Certificate. * Must possess a valid State of Florida Driver's License with a good driving record. Knowledge of Basic Life Support procedures; lifesaving, resuscitative techniques and actions, along with beach operations. Ability to care for patients with traumatic injuries in highly stressful situations.

Ability to run and swim with strength and endurance. Ability to perform emergency medical procedures. Ability to direct recreational activities in the ocean environment.

Ability to perform job functions in stressful situations. Skill in using Semi-Automatic Defibrillators in cardiac emergencies. Proficiency in performing CPR Professional Rescuer.

Computer knowledge and skill. The abilities expected of all employees include being able to respond to supervision, guidance and direction of superiors in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies, be appropriately groomed and attired so as to present a professional image in accordance with the organization's mission, goals, and policies; report for work promptly and properly prepared at the time and place required by the assignment or orders; notify the appropriate supervisor of intended absences in accordance with stated rules; conform with standards and rules regarding use of accrued time; demonstrate a polite, helpful and courteous manner when engaged in any activity with the public; operate and care for equipment to manufacturer's specifications and/or within the specified parameters; demonstrate an understanding, consideration, and respect of cultural, religious, and gender differences when interacting with the public and colleagues. (A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.) Physical Demands/Work Environment: 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. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk, run, swim, paddle, bend, climb and row.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 45 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus and hearing (without hearing aid). Work inside and outside daily under various weather conditions, heights up to 10 feet, hazardous marine life and can be exposed to infectious diseases and ultraviolet ration. SELECTION GUIDELINES: Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests might be required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement with the employer, and requirements of the job change.