Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of heightened environmental awareness, the role of Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialists has never been more critical.

As our understanding of marine ecosystems evolves, the demand for dedicated individuals who can rescue, rehabilitate, and reintroduce marine life into their natural habitats is growing.

But what are the true expectations of a Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of marine life rehabilitation,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive and customizable Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialists perform a range of tasks related to the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of marine wildlife.

They use their knowledge of marine biology and veterinary medicine to help injured or sick marine animals return to their natural habitats.

The duties and responsibilities of a Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist include:

• Rescue and rehabilitate injured or sick marine animals
• Assess the health of marine animals and diagnose illnesses or injuries
• Administer medical treatments to marine wildlife, such as medication, surgery, or physical therapy
• Monitor the progress of rehabilitated animals and determine when they are ready to be released back into the wild
• Collaborate with marine biologists and other wildlife specialists to conduct research and improve rehabilitation techniques
• Educate the public about marine wildlife conservation and what to do if they encounter injured or sick animals
• Keep detailed records of animals’ treatment and progress
• Ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of rehabilitation facilities to meet health and safety standards
• Participate in emergency response teams for oil spills and other environmental disasters that affect marine life

 

Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist to join our team.

The ideal candidate will provide care for marine wildlife, perform rescues, and help with their rehabilitation and eventual release back into their natural habitats.

Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist’s responsibilities include assessing the health of marine life, treating injuries and illnesses, and maintaining accurate records of treatments and progress.

You should have in-depth knowledge of marine biology, animal behavior, and be comfortable working in various weather conditions and environments.

The goal of the Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist is to rehabilitate and release marine animals back into the wild while promoting the conservation of marine ecosystems.

 

Responsibilities

• Rescue and rehabilitate injured or ill marine animals.
• Perform health assessments and determine appropriate treatments.
• Collaborate with veterinarians and other specialists for complex cases.
• Maintain detailed records of treatments and progress of each animal.
• Participate in the release of rehabilitated animals back into the wild.
• Assist in the maintenance and cleaning of facilities and equipment.
• Educate the public on marine conservation issues and responsible behavior around marine wildlife.
• Participate in research projects related to marine life rehabilitation.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience in marine life rehabilitation or a related field.
• Degree in Marine Biology, Animal Science, or similar relevant field.
• Strong knowledge of marine species and their behaviors.
• Ability to handle marine animals safely and responsibly.
• Excellent observational and record-keeping skills.
• Strong swimming skills and physical fitness to endure challenging rescues.
• Must be comfortable working in varying weather conditions and marine environments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel for rescues and releases.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist
• Work Environment: Outdoor settings, marine environments, and rehabilitation facilities. This role involves physically demanding tasks and may require work during odd hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Marine Rehabilitation.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist Do?

Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialists typically work for aquariums, zoos, marine parks, or wildlife conservation organizations.

They may also work for government agencies involved in wildlife conservation.

They are responsible for the care and recovery of injured or ill marine animals such as dolphins, seals, sea turtles, and birds.

They provide these animals with immediate medical care, including surgeries and medications, and oversee their recovery process.

Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialists also monitor and assess the health of marine animals in their care, often taking samples and carrying out tests to detect illnesses or injuries.

Another crucial part of their job is to ensure that the habitats of these animals are safe and suitable for their recovery.

This may involve adjusting water temperatures, cleaning habitats, and providing appropriate food.

In addition, they play an educational role, raising awareness about marine life conservation and threats to marine ecosystems.

They may give presentations, lead tours, or create educational materials to achieve this.

Ultimately, the goal of a Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist is to return healthy marine animals back to their natural habitats.

However, in cases where animals cannot survive in the wild, they ensure that the animals live comfortably in their care.

 

Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist should possess a set of unique skills and qualifications that are crucial for the preservation and care of marine life, including:

• Adequate knowledge in Marine Biology or related field to understand the diverse marine ecosystem and the needs of its inhabitants
• Experience in animal care, particularly marine life, to provide necessary treatment and rehabilitation techniques
• Attention to detail to observe and monitor the behavior of marine animals, ensuring their health and well-being
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with a team of marine biologists, veterinarians and other professionals, as well as to educate the public about marine conservation
• Problem-solving skills to identify and tackle issues related to animal health and habitat
• Physical fitness and swimming skills as the job often requires diving, rescuing and handling marine animals
• Certifications in SCUBA diving and Marine Animal Rescue can be advantageous
• Compassion and patience to handle injured or sick marine animals gently and carefully
• Willingness to work irregular hours and in various weather conditions as marine life emergencies can occur anytime

 

Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist Experience Requirements

Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialists usually have a background in marine biology, veterinary science, or a related field.

The required experience can vary, but typically, entry-level roles require at least 1 to 2 years of experience working with marine life.

This can be achieved through internships, volunteering, or part-time roles at aquariums, marine parks, research facilities, or rehabilitation centers.

Experience in handling, feeding, and caring for a variety of marine species, as well as skills in diagnosing and treating common marine illnesses, are key for these roles.

Some positions may also require experience with surgical procedures and administering medication.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience are often more qualified for advanced roles.

They may have more specialized experience, like working with specific marine species or dealing with more serious medical conditions.

They may also have some experience with related tasks, such as marine conservation work, public education, or data collection and analysis.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience may be qualified for leadership roles.

This could include managing a team of marine life rehabilitation specialists, overseeing the operations of a rehabilitation center, or leading research and conservation efforts.

These roles often require not just extensive practical experience, but also skills in management, organization, and communication.

 

Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist Education and Training Requirements

A Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist typically needs a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, or a related field.

They need to have a deep understanding of different marine species, their habitats, and how to handle and care for them when they are injured or ill.

This knowledge is usually gained through a combination of coursework and practical experiences in the field.

Many positions may also require a Master’s degree in Marine Biology or a related field, particularly for roles that involve research or management responsibilities.

These advanced degrees typically involve additional coursework in topics such as marine ecology and conservation, as well as independent research projects.

Specialists in this field must also be trained in first aid and emergency response for marine animals.

This training often involves hands-on experience in a marine rehabilitation facility.

Certifications, such as the Marine Mammal Medic certification, can also be beneficial in this field.

These certifications provide additional training in specific aspects of marine animal care and rehabilitation, such as marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation techniques.

In addition to formal education and training, a successful Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist must have a passion for marine life and conservation, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in physically demanding and often challenging conditions.

 

Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist Salary Expectations

A Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist earns an average salary of $49,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may fluctuate depending on factors such as level of experience, education, location, and the organization they work for.

 

Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist need?

A Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist needs a solid understanding of marine biology and aquatic animal behavior.

They should possess strong observational skills to monitor animal behavior and health, as well as problem-solving abilities to devise and implement effective treatment plans.

Interpersonal and communication skills are also essential, as they will often work as part of a team and may need to liaise with the public or other stakeholders.

 

Do Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialists need a degree?

Yes, Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialists typically need a degree in marine biology, zoology, or a related field.

In addition to academic qualifications, practical experience, such as internships or volunteer work in marine rehabilitation centers, can be highly beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist resume?

A good resume for a Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist should show a strong educational background in a relevant field.

Look for experience in marine life rehabilitation, rescue, or care.

Specialized training, such as advanced first aid or scuba diving certification, can also be a plus.

Evidence of strong teamwork, problem-solving skills, and a passion for marine conservation are also desirable.

 

What qualities make a good Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist?

A good Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist is compassionate, patient, and dedicated to the welfare of marine life.

They should be physically fit, as the role can involve heavy lifting and working in challenging conditions.

They should also be resilient and able to handle emotionally difficult situations, such as dealing with injured or distressed animals.

 

What are the daily duties of a Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist?

The daily duties of a Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist can vary greatly depending on the needs of the day.

Typical tasks might include feeding and observing animals, administering medication, cleaning and maintaining habitats, and assisting with rescues and releases.

They may also conduct health assessments, keep detailed records, and participate in educational outreach programs.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist?

Hiring a Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

There may be fewer candidates with the specific qualifications and experience required.

However, this field tends to attract individuals who are passionate about marine conservation, which can lead to a high level of dedication and commitment among those who choose this career path.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deep dive into the rewarding world of a Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about rescuing distressed marine animals.

It’s about fostering the health and well-being of our oceans, one marine creature at a time.

With our detailed Marine Life Rehabilitation Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to embark on your journey.

But why stop there?

Plunge further with our job description generator. It’s your beacon to precision-crafted listings or tailoring your resume to stand out.

Remember:

Every rescued marine life is a part of the bigger oceanic ecosystem.

Let’s preserve that ecosystem. Together.

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