Navy NEC · Support
855A Marine Mammal Systems Operator
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Overview
A marine mammal systems operator cares for assigned marine mammals and conducts continuous training to maintain their physical condition and behavioral proficiency. The operator also handles navigational equipment and small craft, performs diving duties, and maintains administrative reports and animal health records.
Core Skills
- marine mammal care
- animal behavior observation
- operant conditioning
- veterinary recordkeeping
- small boat operations
- marine navigation
- scuba diving
- field safety procedures
- operational reporting
Civilian Software & Tools
- Atlassian JIRA
- Epic Systems
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
Civilian Career Paths
- Veterinary
- Training and Education
Training & Development
Getting Started
- PADI Open Water Diver
- Adult First Aid/CPR/AED
Career Growth
- AAUS Scientific Diver Certification
- PADI Rescue Diver
- USCG Merchant Mariner Credential
Also Common
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
- Certified Veterinary Assistant
What the Work Involves
- Cue or signal animals during performances.
- Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.
- Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
- Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
- Feed or exercise animals or provide other general care, such as cleaning or maintaining holding or performance areas.
Related Occupations
- Animal Caretakers
- Animal Breeders
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
- Animal Control Workers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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