Career Resources for Students
Marine animal rescue, rehabilitation, release, and research is an exciting field. There are many ways to get involved, most commonly as a volunteer. Following are some resources that may be of use as you explore this field.
Job & Volunteer Opportunities in Marine Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation:
Biologist/Scientist
Board Member
Bookkeeper/Accountant
Communications Officer
Education Director
Executive Director
Facilities Manager
Fundraiser/Development Officer
Gift Shop Manager
Human Resources Director
Instructor/Educator
Laboratory Technician
Life Support Systems Engineer
Membership Manager
Necropsy Coordinator
Office Manager
Resource Manager
Stranding Coordinator
Veterinarian
Veterinary Technician
Volunteer Coordinator
Webmaster
How To Get There From Here:
- Volunteer, volunteer, VOLUNTEER – any experience with animals and science helps.
- GO to COLLEGE. Consider higher education (Master’s or Doctoral degree).
- READ professional journals, NOTICE where the authors are from.
- ATTEND scientific conferences. INTRODUCE yourself to presenters.
- VISIT marine science facilities, TALK to workers in the field.
- Be REALISTIC, but….
- FOLLOW your DREAM!
Resources:
- Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums
- American Association of Zoo Keepers
- American Cetacean Society
- American Zoological Society – “Careers in ACA-Accredited Zoos and Aquariums”
- Animal Behavior Society – “Guide to Careers in Animal Behavior”
- International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine – “How Do I Get Into Aquatic Animal Medicine?”
- International Marine Animal Trainer’s Association – “Become a Trainer: Careers with Marine Mammals”
- National Marine Educators’ Association – “Ocean Science Careers”
- NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources Marine Mammal Health & Stranding Response Program
- SeaTurtle.org
- Society for Marine Mammalogy – “Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science”
- Society for Marine Mammalogy
For a printable sheet listing these resources, click here.
As some closing food for thought, here’s an article by John E. Reynolds, III of Eckerd College and the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. “Surviving Professional Puberty in Marine Mammalogy: Things Mom and Dad Didn’t Tell You.”
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The National Marine Life Center is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) marine animal hospital and science and education center. We rehabilitate and release stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in order to advance science and education in marine wildlife health and conservation.
