Job Title: Assistant Marine Mammal Trainer
Posting Date: February 2026
Job Department: Dolphin Discovery
Schedule: Full Time
Job Type: On-site
Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202
JOB SUMMARY:
The National Aquarium is seeking an Assistant Marine Mammal Trainer to join our team. This person will be responsible for assisting in the daily care and training of marine mammals, for learning and applying operant conditioning techniques to maintain train behaviors, as assigned. This individual will also be responsible for preparing animal diets, and the cleanliness and safety of all animal and back-up areas. Regularly participates in SCUBA diving to maintain dolphin habitat.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
Essential responsibilities include:
- Participates in the daily husbandry care of animal collections.
- Prepares and dispenses daily animal diets food and dispenses prescribed medication to animals.
- Assists in daily animal observations and participates in enrichment sessions.
- Maintains all animal and related daily records.
- Interprets behavior during animal interactions and reacts in accordance with consistent training techniques.
- Develops skills in animal handling and application of operant conditioning to learn to train behaviors under supervision.
- Assists in training behaviors with experienced trainers and maintains behaviors within a team environment.
- Assists in the safe restraint of animals for husbandry procedures.
Supports daily departmental operations
- Assists in area maintenance, including facility maintenance, cleaning and other projects as assigned.
- Responsible for the safety and cleanliness of exhibit area, food preparation area, storage area, lounge and locker rooms.
- Participates in the scheduled SCUBA dives into the dolphin pools to clean/scrub and maintain the overall cleanliness of the exhibit.
- Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
- Assists in maintaining all safety gear in good functioning condition.
- Follows all safety procedures and protocols to ensure the safety of staff, visitors and animals.
- Acts as mentor for volunteers or interns.
Professional Conduct
- Seeks guidance and feedback from coworkers and managers.
- Completes assigned projects in a timely manner.
- Represents the Aquarium and the department in a professional manner.
- Participates in formal and informal public presentations and interacts with visitors professionally.
- Represents section on committees as assigned by management.
- Supports departmental goals as assigned.
- Support company mission.
- Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned or required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of 3 months’ experience in animal care or training; preference for marine mammal experience.
- High school diploma or GED (General Educational Development).
- Open water SCUBA certification.
- Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
- Should be a proficient public speaker and be able to communicate effectively with the visitors and staff in both formal and informal presentations.
- Employees assigned to this position may be required to possess and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license, have an acceptable driving record, and can drive a variety of vehicles (cars, vans/trucks).
- Knowledge of marine mammal biology and natural history.
- Knowledge of operant conditioning and training principles.
- Capacity to learn about animal husbandry and training techniques.
- Ability to observe signs of illness or injury, monitor eating patterns or any changes in behavior.
- Must work well with direction and have capacity to absorb and apply feedback from senior staff.
- Ability to interact with other staff members in a professional manner with an emphasis on teamwork.
- Familiarity with computers; especially Microsoft Excel and Word programs.
- Detail oriented with good problem-solving skills.
- Stays abreast of current trends in the related field to ensure that National Aquarium programs, policies, and protocols continue to evolve and improve.
TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION
Hourly range ($17.31-20.45 per hour) with hours worked over 40 in a week eligible for overtime, premium pay for National Aquarium recognized holidays, and shift differential for overnight shifts. National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.
About the National Aquarium
Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.
More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.
Our Mission and Goals
The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
Our Values
At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.
In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.
