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Marine Rescue Jobs in Corpus Christi, TX (NOW HIRING)

All JobsMarine Rescue JobsMarine Rescue Jobs in Corpus Christi, TX

Marine Rescue information

See Corpus Christi, TX salary details

$10

$25

$36

How much do marine rescue jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine rescue in Corpus Christi, TX is $25.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $30.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is marine rescue?

Marine rescue refers to the specialized field of responding to emergencies in aquatic environments, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. Professionals in marine rescue are trained to save lives, assist vessels in distress, and conduct search and rescue operations during maritime accidents. Their work often involves coordinating with other emergency services and using boats, helicopters, and specialized equipment to reach people in need. Marine rescue teams play a critical role in ensuring the safety of those who work or travel on the water.

How to get a job in marine rescue?

Advanced positions in marine rescue require a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, natural science, or a related field, and becoming a vet requires four years of advanced education to earn qualifications as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. For community outreach roles, many organizations require a degree in education, and for internships, you must demonstrate a commitment to the field of conservation and enroll in a relevant four-year graduate or undergraduate program. Previous experience working with and caring for animals is important, and you also need strong communication skills, the ability to lift and carry fifty pounds or more, and a willingness to work outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather.

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

To thrive as a Marine Rescue professional, you need strong swimming ability, water safety expertise, first aid/CPR certification, and often a background in emergency response or maritime operations. Familiarity with rescue boats, communication devices, GPS navigation, and sometimes advanced life-saving certifications are typically required. Quick decision-making, teamwork, resilience, and excellent communication are crucial soft skills for this high-pressure role. These skills ensure the effective, safe, and timely rescue of individuals in marine emergencies, minimizing risks to both victims and rescuers.

What are the typical challenges faced when responding to marine emergencies as part of a marine rescue team?

Marine Rescue professionals often face rapidly changing weather conditions, unpredictable sea states, and limited visibility, which can make search and rescue operations challenging. Communication and coordination with other agencies, such as the Coast Guard or local authorities, are critical for a successful response. Team members must remain calm under pressure, adapt quickly to evolving situations, and be physically prepared for demanding tasks. Regular training and debriefings help teams learn from each mission and improve future responses.

What is the difference between Marine Rescue vs Coast Guard Auxiliary?

AspectMarine RescueCoast Guard Auxiliary
CertificationsRescue certifications, CPR, first aidAuxiliary-specific training, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentOn-water rescue, emergency responseSupport roles, patrols, public education
Employer & IndustryMaritime rescue organizations, coast guardU.S. Coast Guard, volunteer support

Marine Rescue personnel focus on emergency on-water rescue operations, requiring specialized rescue and medical certifications. Coast Guard Auxiliary members support these efforts through patrols, safety education, and auxiliary assistance, often with different certification requirements. Both roles operate within the maritime safety industry but serve distinct functions in emergency response and community support.

How to work at a marine rescue?

To work as a marine rescue professional, candidates typically need to complete specialized training in water rescue, first aid, and CPR, and obtain relevant certifications such as US Coast Guard licenses or equivalent. Physical fitness, swimming ability, and knowledge of rescue equipment are essential, and applicants often work in team environments with shift schedules. Prior experience in boating, lifeguarding, or emergency response can improve job prospects.
More about Marine Rescue jobs

What job categories do people searching Marine Rescue jobs in Corpus Christi, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Marine Rescue jobs in Corpus Christi, TX are:

What cities near Corpus Christi, TX are hiring for Marine Rescue jobs?

Cities near Corpus Christi, TX with the most Marine Rescue job openings:

Marine Rescue jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Rescue job openings in Corpus Christi, TX 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 $53,739 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Director of Animal Health

Corpus Christi, TX • On-site

Texas State Aquarium
Museums and Historical Sites • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Texas State Aquariumexternal

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The Texas State Aquarium is seeking an experienced and collaborative Director of Animal Health to lead our Animal Health team and veterinary medical program.
This position combines hands-on zoological medicine with departmental leadership, providing preventive, diagnostic, medical, surgical, and emergency care for a diverse collection of aquatic and terrestrial species. The Head Veterinarian leads a dedicated Animal Health team that includes an Associate Veterinarian, Senior Veterinary Technician and Hospital Manager, and licensed veterinary technician, while working closely with Animal Care leadership and staff across the organization. The position also provides veterinary oversight and support for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and emergency response.
The ideal candidate is a skilled zoological veterinarian who enjoys practicing medicine, leading and mentoring a veterinary team, collaborating across disciplines, and continuing to develop a comprehensive veterinary program.
Veterinary Program & Facilities
The Aquarium offers a diverse clinical caseload with particular depth in aquatic animal medicine. Diagnostic and treatment capabilities include digital radiography, ultrasound, flexible and rigid endoscopy, anesthesia and surgical equipment, and computed tomography (CT).
The veterinary team also collaborates with universities, veterinary specialists, diagnostic laboratories, wildlife agencies, and other zoological institutions, providing opportunities to participate in research, conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, and collaborative clinical work.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the Aquarium's comprehensive veterinary medical program and Animal Health team
  • Provide medical and surgical care across aquatic and terrestrial taxa
  • Direct preventive medicine, diagnostics, anesthesia, surgery, pathology, quarantine, disease surveillance, and emergency care
  • Develop and maintain veterinary protocols, preventive health programs, and hospital procedures
  • Provide medical oversight for complex cases, animal transfers, quarantine, nutrition, and other aspects of animal health
  • Provide veterinary oversight and clinical support for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, release, and emergency response
  • Manage departmental personnel, goals, budget, pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, equipment, and hospital resources
  • Ensure compliance with applicable AZA standards and federal, state, and local requirements
  • Collaborate with Animal Care staff, veterinary specialists, universities, wildlife agencies, and other professional partners
  • Support mentorship, research, conservation, and professional development opportunities
  • Participate in after-hours emergency response and veterinary on-call coverage
Qualifications
Required
  • DVM, VMD, or equivalent veterinary degree from an AVMA-accredited university
  • Licensed or eligible for veterinary licensure in Texas
  • Minimum six years of professional veterinary experience with zoological, aquatic, wildlife, exotic, or other non-domestic species
  • Experience providing veterinary care across multiple taxa
  • Demonstrated veterinary leadership or program management experience
  • USDA Category II Accreditation and DEA registration, or ability to obtain
  • Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record
Preferred
  • Eight or more years of zoological veterinary experience
  • Experience within an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium
  • Significant aquatic animal medicine experience
  • Clinical experience with marine mammals and sea turtles
  • Wildlife rehabilitation and emergency response experience
Professional Development
The Texas State Aquarium supports continued professional growth through continuing education, conferences, collaborative work, research, specialized training, and other professional opportunities.
For veterinarians interested in pursuing American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) board certification, the Aquarium may provide additional support. Board certification is not required, and pursuing certification is not an expectation of the position.
Living & Working in Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a mid-sized South Texas city located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. The Coastal Bend is particularly well suited for those who enjoy a coastal lifestyle, warm climate, and easy access to beaches, bays, fishing, boating, birding, and other outdoor activities.

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