If you love the ocean and its inhabitants, marine biology might be an important career choice for you. Like all good job descriptions, this job requires certain skills. Here are a few that stand out from a typical job description for a marine biologist: To become a marine biologist you must be able to perform biological and physical research and have excellent verbal, written and communication skills. A bachelor degree in biology is not required; however, it can enhance your job prospects. Marine biologists holding doctorate degrees are very well paid.
Marine biologists have to have a broad range of skills in order to go into the field, from scientific and technology skills to public speaking and writing. Marine biologists often work long hours and must be capable of managing these extended hours.
In order to be a marine biologist, you will need a bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a related field, such as chemistry or biology. Most colleges offer a marine biology degree with concentrations in conservation and ecology topics. Additionally, it is beneficial to have knowledge in math, science and computer skills.
A marine biologist is a scientist who studies the ecosystems of the ocean. They are required to have a natural curiosity about animals and plants, as well as knowledge of biology, oceanography, chemistry, and other sciences. There is an abundance of jobs in this field. Marine biologists study the oceans, seas and other body of salt water. They study the organisms that live in this water, as well as the physical properties of it. They may also study ocean currents and other dynamics of the ocean environment. Marine biology is a very diverse field, so there aren’t many requirements for becoming a marine biologist.
If you love being on the beach, spending time in the ocean, and working with salt water fish, then chances are you’ve considered becoming a marine biologist. At first glance, it might seem a marine biologist salary is an average or even low-paying job. In reality though, marine biologists bring in a solid wage because of their unique combination of skills and education. Here’s what you need to know about earning potential as a marine biologist:
If you love the ocean and want a career that involves marine life, a career as a marine biologist may be right for you. Become a marine biologist and spend your days studying dolphins, whales, seals and other creatures that live in the ocean.
As an undergraduate you’ll need a degree in biology – ideally one that includes the option of doing a marine biology strand. If you’re hoping to get into the field with only a two-year college degree, it might be hard (a lot of people end up studying for their second bachelor’s before getting into it).
Are you looking for marine biology facts? This article will give you a general understanding of what marine biology is and how it is relevant to your life.
A career in marine biology would be the perfect fit for someone who is passionate about the environment, who wants to make a difference and are driven to stand out in a competitive field. Here is our quick guide for a career as a Marine Biologist.
Marine biology is the study of organisms and ecosystems in the ocean and other saltwater environments. It is a learning and research field and marine scientists study the interactions of marine plants and animals with coastal areas and the atmosphere. Marine biology is an umbrella term and there are many specialisations within the domain, such as fish biologist, microbiologist or marine mammologist.
What qualifications do I need?
A degree in marine science, biology, geology, ecology, oceanography or zoology is usually required, followed by a PhD to work in a research position. Many marine biologists collaborate with universities and also teach when not out working on research projects in the field, whilst others work for consultancies, coastal authorities, charities and aquariums.
What does a Marine Biologist do?
Research projects are the main focus of marine biologists, which include collecting specimens at sea, compiling data, and undertaking laboratory-based experiments. Key areas of research include migration patterns, underwater photosynthesis and the impact of human activity on coral reefs. A marine biologist’s tools range from fishing nets and sonar to remotely operated vehicles. Typical responsibilities include planning experiments and using tracking technology, recording and using specialist computer software to aid with interpreting data from biological processes, as well as writing research papers and reports.
Marine Biologist Job Required Skills
Marine biologists need patience and determination along with excellent problem-solving skills to find solutions to challenges whilst out on the ocean. They often also need practical skills such as boat handling, scuba diving and first aid knowledge. Meticulous attention to detail along with team working and interpersonal skills are also essential to ensuring success in the field.
Research Skills. Marine biologists must be able to conduct successful research. Therefore, they need to complete a literature review, plan a research question, design the study, collect and analyse data, and publish results.
Teamwork Skills. Scientists rarely work alone, and marine biology is no different. Thus, these professionals must be able to work as part of a team and communicate with all team members to have a coordinated effort in their work.
Observation Skills. Marine biologists must enjoy studying sea life and spending extended periods of time observing. Being able to observe astutely will generate new ideas for research and understandings about how life works.
Analytical Skills. Good research involves analysing data in a way that is insightful or new. Marine biologists must be able to look at the data collected and know which analytic methods would prove useful to that dataset.
Websites for more information
Plymouth University BSc. Marine Biology
University of Southampton – Studying Marine Biology
Bangor University BSc. Marine Biology
Marine Biologist Duties & Responsibilities
The duties of a marine biologist are similar to those of any biologist and generally require the ability to do the following work:
- Study marine life in natural or controlled environments
- Collect data and specimens
- Study characteristics of species
- Assess human impact
- Monitor and manage populations
- Report findings
- Teach
What marine biologists do can vary widely based on whether they work primarily in research, academia, or the private sector. Nearly all marine biologists spend at least part of their time doing research in the field, working in environments ranging from marshes or wetlands to the ocean. They use equipment including boats, scuba gear, nets, traps, sonar, submarines, robotics, computers, and standard lab equipment.
Marine biologists involved in research write grant proposals to obtain funding, collect and analyze data from their studies, and publish papers for peer review in scientific journals. Travel is a standard component of researchers’ lives.
Marine biologists who teach have to prepare and deliver lectures, advise students, plan lab sessions, and grade papers and exams. Most professors also participate in research studies and publish their findings in scientific journals. Marine biologists in private industry may have more of a consulting role and are not necessarily involved with active research.
Marine Biologist Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics includes marine biologists in a broader category including all zoologists and wildlife biologists.
- Median Annual Salary: $62,290 ($29.94/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $99,700 ($47.93/hour)
- Bottom 10% Annual Salary: $39,620 ($19.05/hour)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017
Education, Training, & Certification
Independent research as a biologist typically requires a doctorate, so pursuing a career as a marine biologist should be expected to include having a Ph.D. or being on the path to earning one.
- Education: Aspiring marine biologists usually start with an undergraduate degree in biology before pursuing degrees at the graduate level. It’s worth noting that an undergraduate degree in marine biology is not required to go on to study for a Masters of Science or doctorate in the field. Many students pursue a degree in general biology, zoology, or animal science before seeking an M.S. or Ph.D. in marine biology. If you want to pursue a specialized career such as ichthyology, having an undergrad degree in marine biology is a good start, followed by a graduate program. When selecting a graduate school, as you would with any other graduate training, identify a program that offers classes and research in the specialty field or species that interests you. Your best bet is to read currently published research in the field to determine which professors are doing research in your area of interest. Apply to the programs where you can get the experience and guidance you desire. Courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics (especially statistics), communications, and computer technology will usually be required as you pursue any degree in the biological sciences.
- Training: Internships are a common part of marine biology training, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students often make plans to study for the summer or participate in hands-on research at institutes in California, Florida, Hawaii, or the Caribbean.
- Certification: If doing fieldwork that requires time under water, marine biologists should earn appropriate scuba diving certifications through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or other recognized certifying organization.
Marine Biologist Skills & Competencies
General skills marine biologists need to be good at the work they do include the following:
- Critical and analytical thinking: Drawing conclusions requires sound scientific methods, which requires questioning and testing everything.
- Observational skills: Studying marine life, especially animals, requires the ability to recognize the slightest changes in behavior and any changes in environment that might have led to those changes.
- Physical and emotional stamina: Fieldwork can be physically demanding, especially if it is done in or under water, and it also can be emotionally demanding if it requires the researcher to alone in an environment with only native marine life.
- Teamwork: Much research is done as part of a larger team. Students still working toward advanced degrees especially are expected to cooperate with other team members if they are assisting a professor or other team leader with research.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8 percent job growth for zoologists and wildlife biologists for the decade ending in 2026. This is slightly ahead of the 7 percent rate projected for all occupations, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Southwest Fisheries Science Center states that the outlook for marine biologists specifically is not as good. Government jobs are limited, according to the NOAA, and the number of marine scientists looking for work exceeds demand overall.
Work Environment
Fieldwork often involves on boats or otherwise in or around water. Depending on the nature of the research, it can be physically demanding and may require being underwater in scuba gear at different times. In some instances, fieldwork potentially can be dangerous if doing research in areas shared by large or aggressive species. Some work can be done in a laboratory setting, and work can be mostly solitary once the fieldwork is done and numbers need to be crunched and papers need to be written.
Work Schedule
Marine biologists doing fieldwork often have the least conventional work schedules. Depending on the nature of the research, fieldwork might demand long hours and irregular intervals of time. Marine biologists who are teaching might also have class schedules or office hours that require working evenings.
