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Marine Mammals 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 ...

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How much do marine mammals jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine mammals 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 is a marine mammal?

A Marine Mammals job involves studying, caring for, and protecting marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, seals, and sea otters. Professionals in this field may work in research, conservation, rehabilitation, or education to ensure the health and survival of these animals. Responsibilities can include monitoring populations, conducting field studies, assisting in rescues, and educating the public about marine conservation. Careers are found in aquariums, wildlife organizations, government agencies, and research institutions.

What does a typical day look like for someone working with marine mammals?

A typical day for someone working with marine mammals can include preparing and administering food, observing animal behavior for research or welfare purposes, keeping detailed records, and maintaining enclosures or habitats. You may also participate in field studies, data collection, or educational outreach depending on the employer. Collaboration with veterinarians, researchers, trainers, and support staff is common to ensure the health and well-being of the animals. The work environment can vary, ranging from aquariums or marine parks to field research stations, so adaptability and readiness for both indoor and outdoor tasks are important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the marine mammals position, and why are they important?

To succeed in a marine mammal specialist role, you typically need a degree in marine biology, zoology, or a related field, along with hands-on experience working with aquatic animals. Familiarity with research techniques, animal care protocols, and commonly used equipment such as hydrophones and tagging devices is important, and certifications such as SCUBA or small boat operation are often required. Strong observation skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities distinguish outstanding professionals in this field. These skills ensure accurate animal monitoring, contribute to successful conservation or rehabilitation efforts, and support safe, ethical research and animal care.

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Marine Mammals jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Mammals job openings in the United States as of August 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.

Marine Mammal Trainer II

Gulfport, MS • On-site

MISSISSIPPI AQUARIUM
See more jobs at MISSISSIPPI AQUARIUMexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 13 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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