How to Become a Dolphin Trainer

Interested in learning what it takes to become a marine mammal trainer or exploring other careers in marine science? It's never too early to lay the foundation for your career.

Working as a dolphin trainer is a position that often seems glamorous to outsiders, but patience, skill, and a unique understanding of animal behavior are required. SCUBA certification and public speaking skills are necessary.

To become a marine mammal trainer, we recommend you get a degree in psychology, biology, or zoology. Additionally, most of our trainers started out by gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteer programs, either at the National Aquarium or at other facilities around the country.

Above all, consider volunteering or working where you can get first-hand experience with animals, study hard in school, and keep a positive attitude!

Choose the Right College
For more information on colleges that offer marine science programs, check out BRIDGE.

Do Your Research
There is a variety of careers available in marine science. We recommend visiting the following web sites for more information:

» Sea Grant Marine Careers

» The International Marine Animal Trainers Association

» DolphinTrainer.com

Get Involved
Get involved with your local aquarium or zoo. Most aquariums and zoos offer volunteer and internship opportunities.

Volunteer at the National Aquarium
Volunteering at the Aquarium requires a one-year commitment and the equivalent of four hours of work per week. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and high school graduates. Volunteers not only learn a lot, they also have a lot of fun.

» Learn more about volunteering at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

» Learn more about volunteering at the National Aquarium in Washington, D.C.

Intern at the National Aquarium
Internships are a great way to get on-the-job training. The Aquarium offers unpaid internships to college students (both undergraduate and graduate students). Interns must receive college credit for their internship and complete a minimum of 120 hours of work.

» Learn more about interning at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

» Learn more about interning at the National Aquarium in Washington, D.C.

As with any job, a marine mammal trainer starts at the bottom and works his or her way up the ladder over time. The National Aquarium has multiple levels of experience within the Marine Mammal Department.

Aide
General purpose: Responsible for providing husbandry and show support to the marine mammal training staff. Responsible for preparing daily animal diets as instructed. Responsible for cleanliness and safety of all animal and back-up areas. Perform regularly in public presentations.

Assistant Trainer
General purpose: Responsible for assisting in the day-to-day care and training of marine mammals. Responsible for learning and applying operant conditioning techniques to train and maintain show and husbandry behaviors. Responsible for preparing daily animal diets as instructed. Responsible for the cleanliness and safety of all animal and back-up areas. Perform regularly in public presentations.

Trainer
General purpose: Responsible for day-to-day care and training of marine mammals. Responsible for preparing daily animal diets. Responsible for cleanliness and safety of all animal and back-up areas. Perform regularly in public presentations.

Senior Trainer
General purpose: Responsible for the care and training of marine mammals. Train animals for husbandry and show behaviors. Performs in public presentations. Act as a leader and role model for other staff members. Coach staff, interns, and volunteers as instructed. Responsible for marine mammals and daily programming in absence of manager and/or director.

Manager of Dolphin Training
General purpose: Oversee the daily care and training of the bottlenose dolphin collection. Schedule staffing, events, animal training, and procedures on a daily basis. Supervise staff, interns, and volunteers to maintain training goals, consistency, and health of animals in accordance with director.

Director of Animal Programs
General purpose: Manage the care and training of the marine mammals at the National Aquarium and in the field. Manage the training and enrichment of Biological Programs animals in conjunction with the curators of other exhibits. Manage the training and enrichment of the Education Department’s program animals. Develop educational programs along with the Education Department and Dolphin Show Committee. Hire and manage personnel and oversee budget.