Marine Mammal Assistant 3

SAIC; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC is seeking a Marine Mammal Assistant 3 in San Diego, CA to oversee MMA1 & MMA2 in a non‑supervisory capacity. Responsibilities include preparing rations, cleaning enclosures and equipment, and supporting marine mammal projects.

Role requires operation of small watercraft, feeding and basic husbandry, and may designate you as a primary handler for specific animals. Scuba and outdoor work on boats are involved.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to obtain Secret security clearance after start.
• Physically fit and able to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Pass Maritime Vessel Operation Color Blind Test.
• Basic SCUBA certification.
• Two years of Marine Mammal Systems experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain small watercraft used in the facility.
• Feed, provide supplements, and perform basic husbandry for marine mammals.
• Serve as primary handler under supervision and implement training plans.
• Support care and training of marine mammals for specific projects.
• Diving required; advanced scuba skills are a plus.
• Work outdoors on boats in adverse weather; weekend/holiday hours may be required.
• Swim and dive tests must be passed; travel with animals worldwide with short notice.

Skills

Two years Marine Mammal Systems

Basic SCUBA

Ability to travel

Swim & dive test willingness

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job ID: 2618065

Location: San Diego, CA, US

Date Posted: 2026-10-16

Category: Wage Determination (SCA)

Subcategory: Service Contract Act

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Secret

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE

Description

SAIC is looking for a Marine Mammal Assistant 3 for our San Diego, CA location. In this role, the successful candidate will be required to oversee Marine Mammal Assistant 1 & 2’s in a non-supervisory capacity, perform preparation of rations, cleaning of food preparation areas, animal enclosures and commons areas, as well as maintaining and cleaning specialized equipment.

JOB DUTIES:

• Personnel are also responsible for the operation and maintenance of small watercraft.
• Personnel perform feeding and administration of food supplements, perform basic husbandry, and observation of marine mammals.
• The personnel in this position may designated as primary handler, executing individual training plans for specific animals.
• As part of an integrated military function the MMA3 performs tasks related to the care and training of marine mammals for specific marine mammal projects.
• This position will require scuba diving. Advanced scuba skills are a plus.
• Job will require working outdoors, on boats in adverse weather conditions.
• All new hires will have to pass a swim & dive test in addition to possessing at minimum, a basic scuba certification.
• Personnel must be able to work flexible work hours including weekends and holidays.
• Deter the presence of nuisance animals following established NIWC processes and procedures.
• A requirement for this position includes the ability to travel with animals for extended periods of time anywhere in the world, to include potentially harsh environmental and high risk locations, within 72 hours’ notice.

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience and Clearance to obtain:

• High school diploma (or equivalent).
• Must be able to obtain Secret security clearance after start.
• Must be physically fit and able to lift at least 50 lbs.
• The ability to successfully pass a Maritime Vessel Operation Color Blind Test as directed by the contract.
• Basic SCUBA
• Two (2) years of Marine Mammal Systems experience.

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.