Working with animals can be a rewarding, challenging and fun career option for anyone who loves critters.

And living on an Island surrounded by a wealth of marine life, working with marine animals seems like the logical choice. You also do not have to look further than Dolphin Quest.

Careers are extremely varied and can be the most rewarding jobs of a lifetime and while a love for animals and their well-being, as well as a strong work ethic, are the first prerequisites to these demanding jobs, many also require a minimum four-year college degree and/or a specialised degree in certain areas of interest.

For example, to work as an animal trainer at Dolphin Quest, you will need a four-year degree, have the ability to lift 50 pounds (Dolphins are no lightweights), boast strong public speaking skills, have CPR and First Aid certification and be a strong swimmer with SCUBA certification specifically for marine mammal trainers.

“Trainers work directly with the animals to ensure their health and well-being by providing a stimulating environment for them.

Training involves a background in biology and psychology and requires good people and public speaking skills,” Ms Davidson explains.

Dolphin Quest Bermuda’s sales co-ordinator, Nicola Davidson explains that experience in public speaking and communication is also extremely valuable and plays an important role in many animal-related occupations.

“Serving as an intern or volunteer is a great way to gain hands-on experience and to get your foot in the door.

“There are many marine animal organisations and rehabilitation centres that offer internships or volunteer experience with animals and these include the local veterinary clinic, horse stables, zoos or aquariums.”

The internship programme at Dolphin Quest, she explains, is designed to assist college students, graduates and anyone interested in gaining valuable hands-on experience that will be beneficial for anyone pursuing a career involving marine mammals.

“Interns work directly with trainers, educators and other crew members, while assisting with a variety of day-to-day operations.”

Ms Davidson elaborates that the talented crew who make up Dolphin Quest consist of professional and energetic people who have a passion for animals and the environment. She suggests you visit their website at www.dolphinquest.org/careerquest/internships to learn more about the internship programme.

However, Dolphin Quest also offers junior apprenticeship programmes to students aged 12 to 17 - Robyn Larkin can be contacted for more details on this programme.

Another challenging, yet rewarding field is working in guest services and productions.

This select group of men and women ensure that guests to Dolphin Quest receive the highest quality experience possible and this includes taking reservations, assisting with check-in and communicating with other organisations on the Island to maintain relationships.

Guest service specialists are also responsible for taking pictures, loading and editing them on the computer, along with printing and distributing them to guests. Education is an important facet of Dolphin Quest and Ms Davidson points out that marine educators maintain valuable working relationships with a variety of peers in the field of marine and environmental education: “They are responsible for developing and conducting innovative and engaging programs used to teach people of all ages about our marine environment.”

Every year close to 2,000 students visit Dolphin Quest to learn more about the environment we call home. To find out more about Dolphin Quest and the various opportunities available to you, visit their website at www.dolphinquest.org/careerquest.