Marine animal trainers are responsible for both the physical and mental well being of the animals under their care. Their tasks can include controlling the diet of their animals and taking care of the animals’ environments, for instance, pool cleaning. Animal trainers are also educators, dealing with large audiences as they educate the public. It is a highly competitive career with more people wanting to be trainers than there are positions open. Not all marine parks require a college degree to become an animal trainer. However, college classes showing that you have the skills necessary to perform the job, such as strong swimming and public speaking skills, put you ahead of the competition.
Instructions
1. Take classes in biology and psychology. It is not necessary to major in marine biology to become a marine animal trainer; however classes in biology and psychology with an emphasis on animal behavior, such as learning behavior, are recommended.
2. Take classes in public speaking or drama. Most marine animal trainers have to perform in front of the public on a regular basis. Classes in public speaking and drama make a student more comfortable dealing with large audiences.
3. Get SCUBA certified. Marine animal trainers usually spend most of the day in the water, so strong swimming skills and SCUBA certification is essential. Having at least an Open Water SCUBA certification proves you have strong swimming skills. You may even be able to get college credit for a SCUBA class. The American Council on Education recommends college credit for certain PADI SCUBA certifications.
4. Intern at a marine park. Some people have an unrealistic expectation of what being a marine animal trainer involves. Marine animal trainer jobs are not as glamorous as they seem. Trainers routinely have to deal with long hours, pool clean up and handle large amounts of raw fish. Hands on experience gives you an idea of what the work entails. Interning offers valuable work experience, and shows potential employers that you are aware of the work involved and are capable of doing the work. It is also a good way to establish contacts and network within the marine park industry.
5. Take a class in exotic animal husbandry. Some specialized colleges offer diploma courses in exotic animal management which allows their students hands on access to exotic animals to care for and train. Moorpark College in Thousand Oaks, California is one college that offers this course.
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