Also called: Navy Dolphin Trainer, Marine Mammal Handler (Navy Program)
Trains dolphins and sea lions for the U.S. Navy, which uses them to find underwater mines and protect harbors.
Trainers for the Navy Marine Mammal Program in San Diego, mostly civilian contractors, work with dolphins in open-water pens, train them to find objects, and travel with them for exercises.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in biology or psychology plus marine mammal training experience.
Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Marine Biology, Psychology, Animal Behavior.
Growing about average. A very small program.
Low risk for 10 years. Training dolphins and sea lions for mine-hunting is relationship-based work; drones compete but don't replace it yet.
Classes: AP Psychology, AP Biology, Physical education and swimming.
Official data: O*NET occupation 39-2011.
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