Interns are exposed to animal husbandry and training activities related to California sea lions and harbor seals. Interns work directly with animal trainers to support the daily care of the ...
Interns are exposed to animal husbandry and training activities related to California sea lions and harbor seals. Interns work directly with animal trainers to support the daily care of the ...
Seals Animal information
See Decatur, GA salary details
$11.73 - $13.48
2% of jobs
$13.48 - $15.23
8% of jobs
$15.23 - $16.98
11% of jobs
$17.51 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.98 - $18.73
15% of jobs
The median wage is $20.12 / hr.
$18.73 - $20.48
18% of jobs
$20.48 - $22.23
13% of jobs
$23.36 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$22.23 - $23.98
13% of jobs
$23.98 - $25.73
9% of jobs
$25.73 - $27.48
5% of jobs
$27.48 - $29.23
4% of jobs
$29.23 - $30.98
2% of jobs
$11
$21
$30
How much do seals animal jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for seals animal in Decatur, GA is $21.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $24.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are seals (animals)?
Seals are semi-aquatic marine mammals that belong to the pinniped family, which also includes sea lions and walruses. They are known for their streamlined bodies, flippers, and ability to live in both water and on land. Seals are found in various parts of the world, from the Arctic and Antarctic regions to temperate and tropical waters. They primarily feed on fish and other marine organisms and are important indicators of ocean health. There are over 30 species of seals, each adapted to specific environments and lifestyles.
What are some common challenges faced by animal care specialists working with seals in a marine facility?
Animal care specialists working with seals often encounter challenges such as maintaining the animals' health in changing environmental conditions, ensuring proper enrichment to prevent boredom, and building trust for medical procedures. The role typically involves close collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and other animal care staff to monitor behavior, perform daily feedings, and assist with training sessions. Adapting to the physical demands and variable schedules, especially during breeding or rehabilitation periods, is also a key aspect of the job.
How much does it pay to work with seals?
Salaries for seal animal caretakers or trainers typically range from $25,000 to $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented with benefits and opportunities for training in marine animal care.
What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?
Jobs related to animal care, such as professional animal trainers or specialized wildlife handlers, can sometimes pay around $4,000 weekly, especially with experience or in high-demand environments. These roles often require skills, certifications, or apprenticeships rather than formal degrees and may involve working long hours or in outdoor settings.
What job do you work with seals?
A seal trainer or marine mammal trainer works with seals by caring for, training, and sometimes performing with them in aquariums, zoos, or marine parks. These professionals often require knowledge of animal behavior, marine biology, and may need certifications in animal handling and safety protocols.
What is the difference between Seals Animal vs Animal Care Technician?
| Aspect | Seals Animal | Animal Care Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Often requires marine animal handling and conservation certifications | Requires veterinary assistant or animal care certifications |
| Work Environment | Marine parks, aquariums, wildlife rescue centers | Veterinary clinics, animal shelters, zoos |
| Industry Usage | Primarily in marine and aquatic animal sectors | Broader animal care across various species |
| Job Focus | Marine animal health, rehabilitation, and conservation | General animal health, feeding, and habitat maintenance |
Seals Animal roles focus on marine mammals in aquatic environments, requiring specialized certifications and experience. Animal Care Technicians work with a variety of animals across different settings, emphasizing general animal health and husbandry. While both roles involve animal handling, Seals Animal positions are more specialized in marine environments, whereas Animal Care Technicians have a broader scope across species and settings.
What does a seal animal do?
A seal animal job typically involves caring for and maintaining the health of seals in aquariums, zoos, or rehabilitation centers. Responsibilities may include feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health, and assisting with medical treatments, often requiring knowledge of marine biology and animal handling skills.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Marine Mammal Trainer, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Marine Mammal Trainer, you generally need a background in biology, psychology, or animal science, along with experience working with animals. Familiarity with operant conditioning techniques, enrichment tools, and sometimes SCUBA certification is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and observational skills help trainers build trust and effectively interpret animal behavior. These skills are vital to ensure the animals' well-being, effective training, and safe interactions between animals and humans.
What are popular job titles related to Seals Animal jobs in Decatur, GA? For Seals Animal jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Seals Animal jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Seals Animal jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Seals Animal jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Seals Animal job openings:
Full-time
Posted 10 days ago
Georgia Aquarium rating
7.2
Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
16th of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos
Job description
Position Title: Animal Training (Pinnipeds) Intern - Fall 2026
Department: Sea Lions - Pinnipeds - 3290
Classification: Non-Exempt
Employee Type: INT - Intern
Direct Report: Manager, Animal Training (Pinnipeds)
Position Summary:
The program offers interns hands-on experience in Georgia Aquarium's Animal Training - Pinniped Department. Interns are exposed to animal husbandry and training activities related to California sea lions and harbor seals. Interns work directly with animal trainers to support the daily care of the collection and learn the fundamentals of animal training. This internship will give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields where they are considering pursuing careers.
Responsibilities:
Interns will:
Qualifications:
Important Dates for Fall 2026 Semester:
Application Deadline: Friday, July 17th. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may close before the official deadline.
Mandatory Fall 2026 Orientation: Thursday, October 1st, 2026.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; kneel; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and work around saltwater. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position requires direct contact with raw seafood.
Commitment:
I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:
Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.
Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.
Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Department: Sea Lions - Pinnipeds - 3290
Classification: Non-Exempt
Employee Type: INT - Intern
Direct Report: Manager, Animal Training (Pinnipeds)
Position Summary:
The program offers interns hands-on experience in Georgia Aquarium's Animal Training - Pinniped Department. Interns are exposed to animal husbandry and training activities related to California sea lions and harbor seals. Interns work directly with animal trainers to support the daily care of the collection and learn the fundamentals of animal training. This internship will give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields where they are considering pursuing careers.
Responsibilities:
Interns will:
- Be paired with Animal Training - Pinniped Department to learn about operant conditioning with California sea lions and harbor seals for public presentations, enrichment, and husbandry programs.
- Learn and participate in area responsibilities directly benefiting the animals, which include but not limited to diet preparation and feeding, water sampling, commissary clean-up, exhibit/area maintenance, behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, data recording and data entry and other duties as assigned. Interns may also play support roles in assisting with animal training and husbandry sessions.
- Be supervised by approved staff at all times during their program but will greatly benefit from demonstrating the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Partake in departmental intern development curriculum, including but not limited to natural history, theories of animal behavior, fish handling, safety, and a diverse lecture series presented by intern mentors. Each intern must demonstrate proficiency in every module by completing written exams, tests, and quizzes.
Qualifications:
- Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
- This internship requires a regular schedule of 40 hours per week and may include weekends and holidays.
- Must have an interest or major in animal science, biology, zoology, psychology, or related field.
- Must have a high school diploma or GED.
- This is a paid internship with the goal of gaining work related animal career experience.
- Application Requirement: The internship application will require a resume and cover letter. Please submit as a PDF with a file name that indicates your name and the internship you're applying for. Example: John_Smith_Internship_Resume.
Important Dates for Fall 2026 Semester:
Application Deadline: Friday, July 17th. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may close before the official deadline.
Mandatory Fall 2026 Orientation: Thursday, October 1st, 2026.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; kneel; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and work around saltwater. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position requires direct contact with raw seafood.
Commitment:
I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:
Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.
Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.
Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
About Georgia Aquarium
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Museums and historical sites
Company size
201 - 500 Employees
Headquarters location
Atlanta, GA, US
Year founded
2005