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Marine Mammal Observer information

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How much do marine mammal observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine mammal observer in the United States is $27.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a marine mammal observer?

Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) are trained professionals who monitor marine environments for the presence of marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, and seals, particularly during offshore industrial activities like seismic surveys, construction, or drilling. Their primary role is to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and minimize harm to marine life by observing, recording, and reporting sightings. MMOs may also advise on mitigation measures, such as delaying operations if marine mammals are detected nearby, to reduce potential impacts from noise or other disturbances.

What does a marine mammal observer do?

As a marine mammal observer, you are a specialist whose duties involve monitoring whales, dolphins, and other ocean-dwelling mammals. In this field, you track marine mammals visually and use tools like hydrophones to detect the sound of a nearby whale or dolphin. You may also attach a physical tag with a transmitter to track an animal. Your responsibilities involve tracking these animals for scientific research purposes, studying the effect of commercial or industrial operations, such as oil drilling or construction, and ensuring that businesses and individuals abide by regulations meant to protect marine mammal habitats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a marine mammal observer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Marine Mammal Observer, you generally need a degree in marine biology or a related field, along with experience in wildlife observation and identification. Familiarity with data collection tools, GPS systems, and relevant certifications like BOEM/BSEE or JNCC approval are typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work long hours in challenging offshore environments are vital soft skills. These skills ensure accurate monitoring and reporting, help protect marine life, and maintain compliance with environmental regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by marine mammal observers in the field, and how are they typically managed?

Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs) often encounter challenging environmental conditions such as extreme weather, long hours of observation, and the need to maintain focus for extended periods. Visibility can be limited due to fog, rain, or rough seas, making it difficult to spot marine mammals. To manage these challenges, MMOs use specialized equipment like binoculars and thermal imaging, adhere to strict safety protocols, and work in shifts to minimize fatigue. Team collaboration is essential, as MMOs frequently coordinate with vessel crews and scientists to ensure accurate data collection and compliance with environmental regulations.

What is the difference between Marine Mammal Observer vs Marine Wildlife Observer?

AspectMarine Mammal ObserverMarine Wildlife Observer
CertificationsMarine Mammal Observation Certification, safety trainingWildlife Observation Certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentOffshore, marine settings, close to vesselsOffshore or coastal, marine and sometimes terrestrial settings
Industry UsageOil & gas, renewable energy, marine researchEnvironmental surveys, conservation projects, research

The Marine Mammal Observer primarily focuses on monitoring marine mammals during offshore activities, ensuring their protection. Marine Wildlife Observers have a broader scope, including various marine species, often in environmental and research contexts. While both roles require similar certifications and work environments, their specific focus and industry applications differ.

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Marine Mammal Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Mammal Observer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,953 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Marine Mammal Trainer II

Gulfport, MS • On-site

MISSISSIPPI AQUARIUM
See more jobs at MISSISSIPPI AQUARIUMexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Marine Mammal Trainer 2
Department: Animal Care
Classification: Permanent, Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Direct Report: Curator of Marine Mammals
POSITIONSUMMARY
The position requires ahighly motivated individual who will take direction from the Curators, AreaSupervisors and/or Sr. Vice President of Property Operations in carrying outthe animal care routine and maintenance for an assigned set of habitats. Theposition will also be responsible for maintaining organized written recordspertaining to health, feeding, water quality, animal welfare and behavioralobservations. This position is responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety,protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Alliance of Marine MammalParks and Aquariums (AMMPA) accreditation standards.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assists in the daily care and behavioral conditioning of bottlenose dolphins, North American river otters, and other taxa as needed
  • Maintains a superior level of professionalism while performing primary/key roles in daily guest presentation and interaction programs
  • Interacts with guests and crew members in a positive and professional manner

• Assists Senior Animal Care Specialists withthe development and implementation of dynamic animal training projects andprograms that serve to enhance animal care, animal management, guestexperience, and Aquarium public relations
• Actively participates in the progression ofanimal training goals and standards for MSAQ under the direction/supervision ofSenior Marine Mammal Trainers and management, including training new behaviors
  • Possess great knowledge of cetacean and mustelid natural history, individual animal histories and husbandry
  • Able to identify all animals in assigned animal areas and observe any possible abnormalities

• Assist with the developmental goals of MarineMammal Trainers 1, Assistant Marine Mammal Trainers, and Seasonal Marine MammalTrainers
  • Understand all area safety guidelines
  • Attend all seminars and all tests required
  • Play a key role in maintaining the highest standards in the areas of husbandry/cleanliness, diet preparation, record keeping, 24-hour animal observations, and facility maintenance

• To perform other duties as workloadnecessitates, regardless of time, day, or location
• Lead training sessions and may be asked totake on the responsibilities of a Senior Marine Mammal Trainer in their absence
• Perform theexecution of all poolside interactive programs and presentations
• QUALIFICATIONs:
  • A four-year degree in aquatic sciences, zoology, biology, psychology preferred

• Twoor more years of full-time animal care experience from an accredited AMMPA orAZA institution, or equivalent, required
  • Certified SCUBA diver
  • Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, SCUBA dive physical, and area swim test
  • Record-keeping experience, preferably with the TRACKS system
  • Detailed understanding of the biology, behavior, and natural history of marine mammals, with an emphasis on cetaceans, mustelids and other taxa as needed
  • Detailed knowledge of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement animal behavioral conditioning techniques
  • Excellent observation and communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that generate and sustain a positive team atmosphere and professional environment
  • A valid driver's license and the ability to travel if necessary
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, days closed due to inclement weather
  • Experience in preparing and conducting public educational programs
  • Able to lift a minimum of sixty (60) pounds
  • Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal

TEAMREQUIREMENTS
  • Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
  • Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest's experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift.
  • Sales & Guest Services - Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and external. To that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.
  • Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experience. Therefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our organization.

PHYSICALDEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demandsand work environment described here are representative of those that must bemet by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilitiesto perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job,the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger,handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climbstairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specificvision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision,color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weatherconditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment isusually moderate.
Note: Position will involve exposure to inclementweather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, andpotentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/ordrugs. Occasional use of protectiveclothing or equipment is required e.g., goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.

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