Profile of Dolphin Research Center
Dolphin Research Center is a not-for-profit education
and research facility, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose
dolphins and California sea lions. Over half of our family
was born at DRC, while the other members have come to
us from other facilities. In addition to maintaining
the best possible environment for the dolphins and sea
lions at DRC, we also dedicate ourselves to assisting
injured manatees in the wild. We are the only facility
in the Florida Keys licensed to respond to and assess
injured manatees.
Furthermore, Dolphin Research Center carries on innovative
programs in which dolphins assist humans with various
mental and physical challenges. The dolphins continually
show a unique ability to adapt their behavior to the
needs of the participant. With humor, grace, and infinite
patience, the dolphins challenge and motivate the participants
to expand their skills. In a 1988 study, Dr. David Nathanson
found that children with various disabilities learned
up to ten times more effectively with the dolphins than
in a typical classroom setting. Such positive results
have led to worldwide interest in the program.
Worldwide interest about dolphins in general opens
the door for DRC to provide environmental education,
fostering not only awareness, but also a desire to protect
and preserve marine mammals and the environment we share.
To reach as many people as possible, the Center provides
a variety of educational programs that allow the public
a chance to learn firsthand about the world of the dolphin.
NARRATED DOLPHIN SESSIONS are a wonderful introduction
to DRC and our marine mammal friends. Throughout each
day DRC offers narrated sessions that introduce you to
the individual personalities of the dolphins through
sessions involving research, new training, medical and
husbandry behaviors, baby dolphins, playtime, and dolphin
facts. Of course, visitors are also encouraged to observe
the dolphins on their own during their stay.
PUBLIC WORKSHOPS continue the learning process. DRC
offers the public complimentary educational workshops
inside our Dolphin Theater that cover such topics as
dolphin maternity, dolphin societal structure, marine
mammal conservation, etc. Outside, we also give the public
insight into the lives of dolphins using a hydrophone
to listen in on our dolphins’ underwater vocalizations
and via our bio-fact cart, which includes such items
as skulls, bones baleen, etc.
INTERACTIVE PROGRAMS are offered to the public each
day. From our Meet the Dolphin program in which
participants give a dolphin a backrub and handshake,
to our popular Dolphin Encounter, we have numerous
programs that meet an ever-growing variety of interests
and time schedules. We believe providing these types
of opportunities allow people to build a personal connection
to marine mammals that will hopefully inspire them to
contribute to helping the ocean environment we share.
DOLPHINLAB is the umbrella name of our college-accredited
programs that immerse you in the world of dolphins. In
these weeklong courses, participants learn about dolphins,
the marine environment and related issues. In addition
to seminars, they participate in a variety of observational
and hands-on activities, such as playfully structured
encounters, dock sessions, and training and research
activities. We not only offer adult courses, but also
specially-designed classes for younger students, as well
as tailored programs for groups.
The VOLUNTEER/INTERN PROGRAM provides opportunities
to experience DRC’s unique working environment.
Although our volunteers do not work directly with the
dolphins, they do encounter many opportunities for learning
and experience various aspects of the daily operations
of a marine mammal facility. Duties range from the strenuous
to the mundane, but the satisfaction that comes from
sharing in the care of our dolphins and other animals
can offer rewards beyond measure.
Staff Profile
Dolphin Research Center maintains a staff averaging
65-70 people and is organized into a number of separate
departments that work together to form a cohesive whole.
The majority of our positions are full-time. A department
head that reports directly to the executive staff manages
each department. The executive staff is composed of the
president, the executive vice president, the vice president
of animal care and training, the vice president of animal
care and operations, the vice president of marketing
and development, and the vice president of finance. They
are responsible for all decisions made on behalf of the
organization.
ADMINISTRATION - The Administration Department lends
corporate support to the executive staff in the form
of clerical support, accounting, and human resources.
In addition to assisting the executive staff, the accounting
sector of Administration is responsible for all the financial
areas of a not-for-profit corporation, including bookkeeping,
budgets, balance sheets, and payroll. The department
also includes Human Resources to recruit staff, administer
employee benefits, act as a resource to employees for
policy and procedures, and oversee employment regulatory
compliance.
ANIMAL CARE & TRAINING - The Animal Care & Training
Department is responsible for the health and well being
of DRC's dolphin and sea lion family. This department
trains specific behaviors to the dolphins and sea lions
that encourage mental stimulation, promote physical fitness,
and help accommodate specific voluntary medical and husbandry
procedures and research applications. Through their strong
bond of trust with the animals, trainers are able to
conduct the medical procedures used to monitor the dolphins'
and sea lions' health. They also interact extensively
with DolphinLab students, Special Needs
Dolphin Pathways Program participants, and interns,
providing unique insights into their dolphin friends.
DEVELOPMENT AND SPECIAL PROJECTS - Funding is a challenge
for all not-for-profit organizations. The Development
team works with individuals, foundations and corporations
who wish to support DRC's mission with significant monetary
donations. This group of dedicated supporters contributes
approximately $500,000 annually towards general support
and specific capital projects. Providing information
and, most importantly, saying thank you to this important
group of DRC friends is a full-time job. Additionally,
this department hosts special events like our semi-annual
Founder's Weekend and other community-based activities
that spread the DRC message.
DOLPHIN CHILD – The Dolphin Child Department
is responsible for assisting children and adults with
disabilities to experience the world of dolphins in our
unique interactive setting. The primary responsibilities
of the department include coordination and implementation
of the private Special Needs Dolphin Pathways program,
providing assistance for special needs guests in our
public programs, and developing research projects with
other special needs professionals. This department works
closely with the Animal Care and Training department
in developing guidelines and techniques that promote
positive experiences for all involved during the sessions.
EDUCATION - The Education Department develops, conducts,
and monitors educational programs for the public and
special interest groups. The primary responsibilities
of this department include narrating dolphin and sea
lion sessions for the public, conducting public workshops
and educational activities, acting as liaisons for school
and group field trips, as well as assisting the Animal
Care and Training department with public interactive
programs. In addition, the department coordinates and
implements the DolphinLab program, conducts
public outreach (off-site presentations), and provides
information services and educational media for the general
public.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES – The Environmental Services
Department is primarily responsible for the maintenance
of the Dolphin Research Center grounds and equipment.
Members of this department undertake both small and large
construction projects, as well as attend to electrical,
plumbing, boat, and automotive needs. The Animal Care
and Habitat division is responsible for maintaining the
animals' natural lagoons and creating the surrounding
boardwalks, docks, and protective structures. This department
provides a safe and efficient environment for both the
humans and the animals at DRC. The Environmental Services
Department also makes up the heart of DRC’s manatee
rescue team.
GUEST SERVICES - The Guest Services Department, also
known as the Environmental Gift Shop, is our first link
in the public relations chain. They are responsible for
greeting visitors as they enter DRC, explaining the many
programs that are offered, and answering questions of
all kinds pertaining to DRC or marine mammals, in general.
This busy staff handles all reservations and registration
for our interactive programs and special tour groups,
and assists the many thousands of visitors that come
to DRC yearly. This department also oversees gift shop
sales and inventory, manages the Internet web store,
and coordinates telephone and mail communications.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES - The Information Technologies
Department provides development and technical support
services for DRC’s internal computer network, telephone
and voice mail systems, Internet and e-mail, computer
systems and software, and custom programs.
MEDIA & MARKETING - The Media Relations Department
is responsible for spreading the message of DRC through
media contacts, marketing, advertising and public relations,
and other forms of communication. The department works
with television and movie producers, commercial ad agencies,
and broadcast and print journalists to provide information,
interviews and opportunities to visit our center. Working
with the other departments, we coordinate the information
on the DRC website and contribute to the bi-monthly newsletter
and other publications.
MEDICAL - The Medical Department works in conjunction
with the Animal Care & Training Department to maintain
the health and well being of our marine mammal family,
as well as to assess and rescue manatees. Our staff medical
director consults with marine mammal veterinarians and
specialists who visit routinely. Thorough, detailed records
are kept on each of the animals in our care that document
valuable husbandry and research data, of critical importance
both for monitoring the health of individual animals
and for building up baseline data to help in studies
of wild populations. This department is responsible for
processing laboratory samples, and ordering all medications,
vitamins, and supplies used for daily care, necropsies,
and critical care. Innovative methods to provide optimum
treatment and care for marine mammals are continually
explored.
MEMBERSHIP – The Membership department builds
and maintains relationships with the many people who
want to help support DRC financially. A membership at
DRC offers a unique connection between the dolphins and
sea lions and the individuals that support them. Our
membership program is vital to the survival of the organization.
This department maintains contact with new and returning
members daily about membership programs, updates on the
dolphins and general information about DRC. The Membership
Department raises approximately $300,000 annually and
works closely with the Development Department on special
projects and incorporating new fundraising ideas.
RESEARCH - The Research Department is responsible for
all scientific studies conducted at DRC. This close knit
department works as a team to provide DRC with the scientific
and logistical expertise necessary to take a research
project from design to publication, in areas such as
marine mammal cognition, behavior, calf development,
and husbandry. Members of this department represent DRC
at international science conferences on animal behavior,
comparative cognition, and marine mammal science. They
also play a large role in the research focused DolphinLab:
Cognitive and Behavioral Marine Mammal Research.
VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS – The Visual Communications
department develops and produces DRC’s videos,
photographs, signage and other visual media. DRC offers
professionally-produced photographs for all of our public
interactive programs, as well as providing images for
use in all our workshops, presentations, and communications
and for sale to the public.
VOLUNTEER RESOURCES – The Volunteer Resources
Department is responsible for assisting DRC employees
by providing a supplemental work force capable of accomplishing
daily tasks as well as special projects. Most of our
non-local volunteers work 40 hours per week, during a
four to eight week commitment. Local volunteers generally
contribute at least one day per week. Our Volunteer Resources
department also manages DRC’s Internship Program.
Internships involve concentration in a specific department,
normally last 3 to 4 months, and are held during the
summer, fall and winter terms. Applicants do not need
to be enrolled in college to be considered for an internship.
This program utilizes staff members from the various
departments to serve as coaches for interns.
Working within a particular department is only one
aspect of being employed with Dolphin Research Center.
Crossover between departments is common. For example,
a person who works in the Animal Care & Training
Department may teach DolphinLab seminars to
assist the Education Department; a member of the Education
Department may occasionally assist Trainers down on the
dock. Members of various departments may assist the Research
department in taking behavioral observations. Crossover
work not only adds variety to the workplace, but also
provides employees with opportunities to expand their
skills and utilize their talents in different areas.
Employees from every department are involved in areas
of their special interest through a variety of committees
such as our media, research oversight, avian care, signage
and conservation committees. Individuals cooperatively
utilize their skills and talents to accomplish many vital
tasks.
DRC Environment
True to the style of the Keys, Dolphin Research Center
maintains a casual atmosphere. Dress is informal, workspace
is limited, and the small size of the staff lends a personal
nature to the facility. Because each employee works to
provide a better understanding of marine mammals and
the environment, the staff shares important goals. These
common goals bond employees together. Staff is frequently
referred to as the "DRC family."
Salary and Benefits
The cost of living in the Keys tends to be high and
salaries, for the most part, are not competitive with
the national average. This is particularly true at DRC,
which is still maturing as a not-for-profit corporation.
Starting salaries vary according to an applicant's educational
background, experience, and particular job responsibilities.
The starting annual salary for an entry-level employee
at DRC averages $19,000. Many staff members find it necessary
to supplement their income through other means.
DRC offers an excellent benefits package including
health insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, paid
vacation, paid sick leave, gift shop discounts, work
clothing, and complimentary Dolphin Encounters. However,
the most important benefits are the extraordinary rewards
employees encounter on a daily basis: feeling the elation
when a dolphin demonstrates a new behavior for the first
time, watching a child grin in excitement when she sees
a dolphin burst out of the water into a flip, sitting
quietly on a dock observing the fluid grace of dolphins,
experiencing the sense of satisfaction when a student
grasps a new concept, witnessing the magical moment when
a learning-disabled child utters his first word. Moments
such as these are the true rewards, the unique benefits
of working at Dolphin Research Center.
Educational Requirements
The educational background necessary to pursue a career
with marine mammals varies. In some instances a high
school diploma may suffice, while a Ph.D. may be required
in others. Deciding in what capacity you wish to work
with dolphins will help you choose the most appropriate
academic path.
While the first thing many people think of is marine
biology, degrees other than in the natural and biological
sciences may better suit the needs of a particular department
or position at DRC. For example, the degrees held by
employees in various departments at DRC include communication,
education, environmental science, psychology, and business
management.
There are no schools specifically for dolphin trainers.
Although having a college degree is desirable, some of
our trainers got started by working/volunteering for
zoos or aquariums in different capacities. If you go
to college, a degree in biological sciences, husbandry
or psychology may provide the best background.
We do not advise undergraduate students to major in
a specialized marine biology curriculum; specialization
typically occurs with advanced degrees. Graduate programs
in marine biology are competitive, and a strong foundation
in the natural and biological sciences is required. If
you are interested in pursuing a research career with
dolphins, a strong academic background in research is
recommended. You probably will need to obtain at least
a Master's degree and preferably a Ph.D.
For those who want to work directly with animals, recommended
courses at the undergraduate level include animal behavior,
zoology, ecology, physiology, anatomy, genetics, cognitive
psychology, child psychology, statistics and experimental
design, and learning theory. Depending on your focus,
other recommended courses are chemistry, physics, computer
science, mathematics, environmental science, and marine
biology. At the high school level, classes that offer
a broad science background as well as math, computer
science and language courses will provide a good educational
base.
In addition, we recommend that students get as much
hands-on interaction with animals as possible. Many marine
mammal facilities offer internship and volunteer opportunities,
as well as other educational programs. Veterinarian offices
and animal shelters are also valuable resources for hands-on
experience. These types of experiences not only give
students firsthand knowledge about animal behavior, but
also help students to define their individual career
goals.
 Copyright © 2007 Dolphin Research Center
Information Can Be Used with Proper Citing
Dolphin Research Center, 58901 Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, FL 33050-6019
305-289-1121 www.dolphins.org
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