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Navy Marine Mammal Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is looking for a Marine Mammal Assistant for our San Diego, CA ... S. Navy Coxswain's certification, and Operational experience using maritime navigational devices ...

Marine Mammal Assistant 1

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

Description SAIC is looking for a Marine Mammal Assistant for our San Diego, CA location . In this ... S. Navy Coxswain's certification, and Operational experience using maritime navigational devices ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is looking for a Marine Mammal Assistant 1 for our San Diego, CA ... S. Navy Coxswain's certification, and Operational experience using maritime navigational devices ...

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Executive Director

Crescent City, CA ยท On-site

$60K - $79K/yr

Ensure compliance with NOAA Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program standards. 2. Fundraising & Financial Management: * Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, including ...

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Navy Marine Mammal Program information

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$25K

$52.4K

$90.5K

How much do navy marine mammal program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for navy marine mammal program in the United States is $52,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does the U.S. Navy still have a Navy Marine Mammal Program?

Yes, the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program continues to operate, training and deploying marine mammals such as dolphins and sea lions for tasks like mine detection and swimmer security. The program involves specialized training, veterinary care, and adherence to strict ethical standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Navy Marine Mammal Program?

To thrive in the Navy Marine Mammal Program, candidates typically need a background in marine biology, animal behavior, or a related field, combined with experience in animal care and training. Familiarity with specialized equipment for marine mammal training and husbandry, along with certifications such as SCUBA and relevant animal handling training, is important. Strong observational skills, patience, and effective communication are essential soft skills for building trust with animals and coordinating within the team. These skills ensure the safe, ethical, and effective care and training of marine mammals supporting military and scientific missions.

What does a typical workday look like in the Navy Marine Mammal Program?

A typical workday in the Navy Marine Mammal Program involves hands-on care and training of dolphins or sea lions, including routine feeding, exercise, behavior conditioning, and enrichment activities. Team members also assist with health monitoring, medical procedures, and maintain detailed records on animal behavior and performance. Collaboration is a key aspect, as staff work closely with veterinarians, biologists, trainers, and military personnel to ensure program goals are met. You may also participate in open-water exercises, equipment maintenance, and occasional deployments, offering diverse experiences and opportunities to expand your skills.

What is a Navy Marine Mammal Program?

A Navy Marine Mammal Program job involves training and caring for marine mammals like dolphins and sea lions to assist the U.S. Navy in various missions. These animals help with underwater surveillance, mine detection, and object recovery. Handlers and trainers work closely with the mammals to ensure their health and effectiveness. The program is based in San Diego and combines marine biology, animal training, and military operations.

How to join the Navy Marine Mammal Program?

To join the Navy Marine Mammal Program, candidates must first enlist in the U.S. Navy and meet specific requirements such as age, physical fitness, and security clearance. After basic training, individuals can apply for specialized roles working with marine mammals, which may require additional training and certifications in animal handling and marine biology.
More about Navy Marine Mammal Program jobs
What cities are hiring for Navy Marine Mammal Program jobs? Cities with the most Navy Marine Mammal Program job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Navy Marine Mammal Program jobs? The most popular types of Navy Marine Mammal Program jobs are:
What states have the most Navy Marine Mammal Program jobs? States with the most job openings for Navy Marine Mammal Program jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Navy Marine Mammal Program jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Navy Marine Mammal Program jobs are:
Infographic showing various Navy Marine Mammal Program job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,360 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Relief Veterinarian

National Marine Mammal Foundation

Silverdale, WA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Relief Veterinarian Position

The National Marine Mammal Foundation is seeking applicants for a relief veterinarian to provide clinical, on-call, and emergency veterinary services for a U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program operational site in Silverdale, WA. The relief veterinarian will provide marine mammal veterinary support on a scheduled and as-needed basis at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. Relief coverage throughout the year will vary with respect to duration and frequency.

Primary Responsibilities

Veterinarians in this position provide 24/7 clinical care in cases of illness, injury, or disease, as well as preventative medicine for the MMP's bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. During scheduled relief coverage, veterinarians will carry out primary on-call responsibility under the direction and/or supervision of a full-time MMP veterinarian. Veterinarians in this role must work a minimum of one on-call weekend a month, and cover one major holiday (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve) per year.

Applicant Qualifications
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, have a valid driver's license, and have the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.
  • Must be able to carry 40 lbs, remain standing for extended periods of time, and be comfortable working year-round in pier-side, boat-based marine environments.
  • Must be able to respond in person for urgent and emergent cases within 2 hours.
  • Must maintain an active Washington state veterinary license.

Preference will be given to applicants with previous marine mammal, zoo, and/or wildlife experience.

Educational Requirements
  • Doctoral Degree in Veterinary Medicine
Applicants Should Submit The Following Materials:
  1. Cover letter
  2. Current resume
  3. Contact information for three professional references (at least 2 veterinarians) with current phone number and email address

Applications should be submitted directly to the NMMF website's Career Opportunities page. All application materials must be received no later than July 1, 2026.

The NMMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to improve and protect life for marine mammals, humans, and our shared oceans through science, service, and education. NMMF supports the U.S. Navy's ability to provide exceptional medical care and training of their marine mammals. Additional information about the National Marine Mammal Foundation can be found at www.nmmf.org. Additional information about the position may be obtained by contacting hr@nmmf.org.