What kind of education is recommended?
In reviewing an application for a potential trainer, many marine facilities will prefer candidates with a college degree or formal education. Some of the majors that would apply include zoology, marine biology, psychology, or animal behavior.
Other fields are acceptable of course, but any background or courses in the above mentioned fields will be very helpful. There are several schools in the U.S. that offer degrees in marine sciences.
For kids or young adults interested in the field, there are many opportunities of which to take advantage, beginning with your local library and the Internet. Explore your interests through books and computer resources available to you. Find out what aspects interest you most Ð research, education, training, veterinary care or even environmental politics.
Look into internships , field trips or assistant trainer programs with your local aquarium, zoo or marine facility. What does it mean to be a marine mammal trainer? The duties and responsibilities of a marine mammal trainer are varied. The trainers are responsible for the complete daily care, feeding, and maintenance of the animals.
Training sessions and presentations are performed throughout the day. Thus, there is a great deal of repetition in presenting the animals to the public but also a similar degree of challenge in creating and training new behaviors with the animals. Behind all the glamour of working with the animals in the public is the majority of an animal trainer's duties called "animal care." Each trainer is responsible for keeping animal areas and pools clean and sanitary. Trainers learn water quality testing, food preparation and daily administration of food. Large amounts of fish are thawed and stored, then weighted and distributed to various animals every day. Daily records are kept on each animal, recording food intake, performance and observed state of health. Trainers must also become familiar with the correct procedures for handling marine mammals, whether it be for physical examinations by the veterinarian or for moving animals around within a facility.
What about experience?
Prior animal experience is another attribute that is definitely a plus when applying for a training position with marine mammals. This doesn't necessarily mean previous marine mammal work, but may include such things as dog or horse training, volunteer work at a zoo or aquarium, or veterinary assistant experience.
If you live near an ocean coast, call your local marine mammal stranding network and volunteer to assist with marine mammal strandings. All these activities can familiarize a person with aspects of caring for animals.
What other considerations are important in pursuing a marine mammal career?
Marine mammal training is a physically active job and the moving and handling of marine mammals and their food is strenuous work. A good physical health and athletic ability are essential. Additional certifications in scuba diving, lifesaving, or other physical activities are assets to include on your resume.
Depending upon the facility to which you apply, the flexibility to relocate may be preferred. Some facilities have several parks and may transfer trainers periodically.
Also, because of the limited number of marine facilities, position openings at any given facility will be rare and infrequent. Thus, it may be to your advantage to consider applying to facilities beyond your local area, even internationally.
Is an apprenticeship required?
Due to the specialized nature of the work, on-the-job apprenticeship training and supervision by a veteran trainer is necessary.
To become familiar with the feeding, behavior and care of the specific animals with which he will be working. The length of the apprenticeship depends upon the individual's ability to master the training concepts, apply those methods, and the standards of that particular facility.
What organizations are recommended to join for more information?
Depending on your interests, there are a number of organizations that offer information helpful for a marine career.
Membership to the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) includes four periodicals called "Soundings" with articles on animal training, education, conservation issues and listing of available internships and job openings.
IMATA also hosts an annual conference in which trainers and educators from all over the world gather to present papers on topics relevant to the training and care of their marine mammals. Proceedings listing the topics covered at the conference are available to all members. Other organizations that may prove helpful for career opportunities would include the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA), the Alliance of Marine Mammmal Parks & Aquariums (AMMPA), the American Zoological Association (AZA), and the Internation Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM).
The Internet: Your Marine Connection
In recent years, the Internet has developed into a valuable resource for education and career information. Many facilities list pertinent information regarding their programs such as into internships, volunteer and assistant trainer programs Ð as well as answer questions regarding employment or marine careers.
Take the plunge and surf the Web for the topics and websites listed below!
Are you ready for the challenge?
A career in marine mammal training offers an exciting and unique opportunity to work with some of the world's most fascinating and intelligent creatures. Good luck in all your efforts!!! Click here to download the Application Form
