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Introduction
The world’s oceans are teeming with life, and some of the most captivating and intelligent creatures that inhabit these vast waters are marine mammals. If you have a passion for the ocean and its charismatic inhabitants, there are numerous rewarding careers that allow you to work closely with marine mammals. In this article, we’ll explore ten such careers, each offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the well-being and conservation of these fascinating creatures.
1. Marine Mammal Trainer
Marine mammal trainers (or generally referred to as exotic animal trainers in the OZT database) work with a variety of marine mammals, including dolphins, whales, and seals, to teach them specific behaviors, conduct educational programs, and conduct research. Trainers often work at marine parks, aquariums, and research institutions.
How to become a Marine Mammal Trainer
To become a marine mammal trainer, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, psychology, or a related field. Practical experience through internships and on-the-job training is essential.
Career Name – Exotic Animal Trainer
Category – Animal Care/ Business / Media / Zoos, Aquariums, Parks and Museums
Skills Required – Life skills 45% – Career skills 55%
Basic School Subjects – Biology, Science, Business Studies
Minimum Required Education – High School Certificate
Species Worked With – Critters, Mammals, Reptiles, Fish, Birds
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
2. Marine Veterinarian
Marine veterinarians specialize in the medical care and treatment of marine mammals. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses, conducting medical examinations, and performing surgeries when necessary. Marine veterinarians often work in marine parks, aquariums, and wildlife rehabilitation centers.
How to become a Marine Veterinarian
To become a veterinarian, you’ll need to complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, which typically takes four years after completing a bachelor’s degree. After graduation, you can choose to work in private practice, research, public health, or specialize in areas such as surgery, dermatology, or exotic animal medicine.
Career Name – Veterinarian
Categories – Health / Business / Farming & Livestock Management
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – STEM, Language, Business Studies
Minimum Required Education – Doctorate Degree (PhD)
Species Worked With – Pets, Critters, Farm Animals
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
3. Whale Watching Guide
Whale watching guides provide educational and entertaining tours to the public, offering a chance to witness marine mammals, especially whales, in their natural habitats. These guides play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of marine mammal conservation.
How to become a Whale Watching Guide
No formal education is required to become a whale watching guide, but having knowledge about marine mammals and their habitats is essential. Strong communication skills and a passion for educating the public are also important.
Career Name – Whale Watching Tour Operator
Category – Business / Marine Conservation
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – Business Studies, Biology
Minimum Required Education – High School
Species Worked With – Marine Mammals
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
4. Marine Biologist
Marine biologists study various marine organisms, including marine mammals, to understand their environments and ecosystems. They play a crucial role in marine conservation efforts, helping to protect the habitats and species that depend on them.
How to become a Marine Biologist
Becoming a marine biologist usually requires a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, biology, or a related field. Specializations can include marine ecology, marine genetics, or marine conservation.
Career Name – Marine Biologist
Category – Marine Conservation / Specialist / Zoos, Aquariums, Museums and Theme Parks
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – Biology, Science, Chemistry
Minimum Required Education – Bachelor’s Degree
Species Worked With – Wildlife (Marine Mammals, Fish, Crustaceans, Mollusks)
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
5. Marine Animal Rehabilitation Specialist
Marine animal rehabilitation specialists work with injured or stranded marine mammals, providing medical care, rehabilitation, and eventual release back into the wild. They often work in wildlife rehabilitation centers and with organizations dedicated to marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation.
How to become a Marine Animal Rehabilitation Specialist
A degree in marine biology, marine science, biology, or a related field, along with hands-on experience in animal care, is crucial for this career. Specialized training in wildlife rehabilitation may also be required.
Career Name – Wildlife Rehabilitator
Category – Animal Care / Animal Health / Marine Conservation / Wildlife Conservation
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – Language / Biology / Science
Minimum Required Education – High School
Species Worked With – Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
6. Drone Pilot
Drone Pilots use the drones to survey a specific area or animals to assist in conservation, law enforcement and anti-poaching.
How to become a Drone Pilot
To become a drone pilot will require a minimum of a High School certificate. Many do study further through a specialized training institution.
Career Name – Drone Pilot
Category – Law & enforcement / Business / Farming / Marine Conservation / Wildlife Conservation / Media & Publishing
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – Biology, Business Studies, Language
Minimum Required Education – High School Certificate
Species Worked With – Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
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