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$14

$27

$58

How much do marine mammal rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine mammal rescue 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.

Do marine mammalogists make good money?

Marine mammalogists typically earn a moderate salary, with annual pay ranging from around $30,000 to $70,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Many work for government agencies, research institutions, or conservation organizations, often requiring advanced degrees and fieldwork skills. Salaries can increase with specialization and years of experience, but overall, the role is driven more by passion for conservation than high income.

How much do marine mammal rescuers make?

Marine mammal rescuers typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires specialized training in animal handling and rescue techniques, and some positions may offer seasonal or volunteer opportunities with variable pay.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Marine Mammal Rescue position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Marine Mammal Rescue, you need a solid background in marine biology, animal handling, and first aid for wildlife, often supported by a relevant degree or specialized training. Familiarity with rescue equipment, containment systems, and knowledge of legal and safety protocols—such as Marine Mammal Stranding Network procedures and certifications—are crucial. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set exceptional rescuers apart. These skills ensure humane and effective rescues, smooth cooperation with multidisciplinary teams, and adherence to strict regulatory and safety standards.

What is a Marine Mammal Rescue job?

A Marine Mammal Rescue job involves responding to stranded, injured, or distressed marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions, and whales. Rescuers assess the animals' health, provide medical care or rehabilitation when needed, and sometimes transport them to specialized facilities. They also work on public education and conservation efforts to protect marine wildlife. Many positions require knowledge of marine biology, animal care, and rescue operations.

How to get a job working with marine mammals?

To work in marine mammal rescue, candidates typically need a background in marine biology, zoology, or related fields, along with experience in animal care and rescue operations. Volunteering or interning with marine rescue organizations can provide valuable hands-on experience, and certifications in first aid or animal handling are often required. Strong communication skills and the ability to work outdoors in challenging conditions are also important for this role.

How to become a marine animal rescuer?

To become a marine mammal rescuer, individuals typically need a background in marine biology, veterinary science, or a related field, along with experience in animal care and rescue operations. Certifications in first aid, CPR, and specialized training in marine animal handling are often required, and volunteers or internships can provide valuable hands-on experience in rescue environments.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in marine mammal rescue?

A typical day in marine mammal rescue can vary greatly, depending on current rescue activities and environmental conditions. You might spend time responding to stranding calls, conducting on-site assessments, providing emergency care to injured animals, and coordinating with veterinarians and local authorities. When not on active rescues, team members often engage in equipment maintenance, data recording, public education, and facility upkeep. The work is highly collaborative, requiring constant communication with biologists, animal care staff, and volunteers to ensure the best outcomes for rescued marine mammals.

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Marine Mammal Rescue jobs near you
Veterinary Anatomic Pathology Resident Rotation in Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology

Veterinary Anatomic Pathology Resident Rotation in Marine Mammal Medicine and Pathology

Marine Mammal Center

Sausalito, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Location of Program: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, California
Reports to: Director of Pathology
Program Classification: Seasonal externship/rotation: January 1 - December 31, 2027
Benefits: No benefits
Program Overview
The Veterinary Anatomic Pathology Resident Rotation is an opportunity for anatomic and clinical pathology residents in established programs (traditional and non-traditional tracks) or those that have recently completed a program, to gain experience in marine mammal anatomy and pathology. Rotating residents will provide postmortem data on our patients and select carcasses, which consists of phocids, otariids, and the occasional cetacean and sea otter. During their time at The Marine Mammal Center, they will become familiar with marine mammal gross necropsy and histopathology including classic diseases.
This program requires a minimum of 2 weeks to maximum of 4 weeks duration and has openings year-round. The highest case load will be between March 1 and September 30 of 2026 . (All slots for 2025 have been filled, with openings still available for 2026).
Shared housing near the Center MAY be available for a fee. Independent transportation is required; there is no public transportation to the Center's hospital and guest housing. Those who are accepted into the program will be asked to submit a separate application for housing.
Key Responsibilities
• Perform gross necropsies and write necropsy reports, trimming in cases, evaluating histology from cases and writing associated reports after review with the pathologist.
• Opportunity to aid in gross necropsy instruction with veterinary students.
Qualifications and Experience
• DVM, anatomic or clinical pathology resident in a pathology residency training program.
• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds throughout the primarily outdoor hospital for extended periods of time in variable weather conditions.
• Ability to perform physical work requiring manual dexterity, agility, strength and coordination.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position and move in an office environment for extended periods of time.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to walk/cover up to 5 miles during a shift on a frequent basis.
Work Environment
• Working in outdoor weather conditions and elements daily.
• Exposure to sharp instruments and needles.
• Risks associated with animal handling such as animal bites or scratches.
• Potential exposure to formalin.
• Potential exposure to allergens and zoonotic diseases.
• Involves strong smells associated with dead animals and the care of animals.
ABOUT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary medicine, science, and education. The Center is the largest marine mammal Teaching Hospital in the world and a critical training ground for veterinary professionals, combining high-quality animal care with hands-on learning experiences.
OUR MISSION
The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
The Marine Mammal Center actively engages individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we firmly believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are deeply dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable and supportive work environment. We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. The Center is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. The Marine Mammal Center believes in growth and supporting our employees as best we can so they can become their best selves in and outside of work. We believe that a healthy work environment means building an inclusive culture where people can thrive together and feel supported and empowered. We believe in stretch versus constraint.
To Apply: Applicants must submit all the following materials to be considered for this program: incomplete applications will not be reviewed
1. Cover letter outlining the applicant's interests and professional goals: must include your top 3 choice dates for a 2-4-week rotation.
2. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Name, email address, and phone number of at least two professionals familiar with the applicant's academic and/or clinical performance.
Application period is open throughout the year. The selection process will occur throughout the year, with notification to applicants within a month of applying.
Inquiries beyond the guidelines above can be directed to the following email address, but please review the information thoroughly prior to contacting: training@tmmc.org
Salary Description
Residency - no benefits.

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