What is required to be a marine mammal trainer?

Most zoos and aquariums prefer trainers to have a degree in the life sciences or animal related subjects. After gaining this education, most prospective trainers obtain a marine mammal internship relating to husbandry or as a research assistant and then move up to a trainer position.

What is the job description of an animal trainer?

Animal trainers train animals for obedience, performance, riding, security, or assisting people with disabilities. They familiarize animals with human voices and contact, and they teach animals to respond to commands. Most animal trainers work with dogs and horses, but some work with marine mammals, such as dolphins.

What kind of skills do you need to be an animal trainer?

Successful animal trainers will be patient, knowledgeable, and able to meet the physical demands of the job, which may include lifting heavy items, working outside, or running. You should be a skilled teacher with excellent communication, problem-solving, listening, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

What does an animal trainer do on a daily basis?

Animal trainers work with animals to prepare them for events such as riding, shows, competition, security assistance, and obedience or disability aides. Trainers care for animals on a daily basis through standard feeding and grooming procedures, and record all changes in behavior and eating patterns.

Where do marine mammal trainers work?

Marine mammal trainers may work in aquaria, zoos, university research laboratories, industrial research centers, private companies, government research laboratories or marine stations.

What to do to become a marine mammal trainer?

– Willingness to relocate. Whether you decide to stay with your current employer or not, a willingness to change cities or even states can help you climb. – Build experience with a single employer. – Get a scuba diving certification if you do not have one yet. – If your employer offers workshops, attend as many as possible.

How to become a marine mammal trainer?

– Patience: Training involving any type of animal requires a lot of patience. – Commitment: You need to stay committed to the task from beginning to end. – Strength: Because of the demanding surroundings — of being in open water or in a pool — you’ll need to be physically fit.

What is the salary of a marine mammal trainer?

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) does not separate marine mammal trainers out from the general category of animal trainers, a 2017 study found the mean annual animal trainer salary to be $28,880. The lowest 10% of animal trainers earned less than $19,610 while the highest 10% earned a salary of more than $56,000.

What is the job outlook for a marine mammal trainer?

These favorable job prospects may be due in part to a high turnover rate for many trainer positions. However, some positions, such as marine mammal trainers, involve high competition for limited job openings. In 2018, the BLS reported that animal trainers that worked in local government made the highest annual earnings.