Careers in the Marine Science Field Many people love the ocean and want to pursue a career in this area. In order to help you see the wide diversity of career opportunities in this area, we have compiled a small list of jobs in the field of marine science. This list does not include all of the opportunities available, but it is a place to further your interest. Please notice that at the end of the list we have included additional resources you may wish to utilize if you want to do more research. Marine Biology There really isn't a job with the title "marine biologist." Many scientists work in this field to study marine organisms (living things) and their relationships to the environment. Most marine biologists specialize in one area like marine ecology, marine mammals, fish, coral reefs, algae, or even bacteria. Related jobs a. Research scientist - Scientists can work at universities to do research and to teach. They can also work for government agencies like NOAA or the Armed Forces, for private companies,or for non-profit organizations. These jobs usually require a masters or doctorate degree. b. Laboratory technician - Lab technicians usually work with research scientists in the laboratory or even out in the field. These jobs might involve taking data, running experiments, or setting up equipment. Lab technicians may need a college degree. c. Fishery biologist - A person in this field would be involved with managing fisheries and investigating and solving problems in this industry. This job would require a least a bachelors degree. Oceanography The field of oceanography involves a very wide variety of topics including seismology, ocean drilling and mining, geology, physics of ocean currents, and chemistry. Related jobs a. Civil engineer - A civil engineer can do many things from solving flooding problems in a city to planning the construction of water systems. These jobs will require at least a bachelors degree. b. Geological Oceanographer - A person in this field would study the formations and evolution of the seas. This individual might focus on the ocean floors and the changes they go through. c. Environmental Engineer - Environmental engineers who work in the area of marine science may have responsibilities involving managing and protecting marshlands, monitoring water quality, or improvement of shorelines. These types of jobs will require a bachelors degree or higher. Recreation Many people love to use the marine environment for recreation and enjoyment. There are many jobs which involve this area and they are a lot of fun! Most of these jobs require some type of training but not necessarily college experience. Related jobs a. Lifeguard - Of course life guards can work in many different areas but the beach would certainly be a wonderful option. Quite often a lifeguard will also coordinate activities at parks or for the city. b. Dive instructor - Diving has become a popular activity in many coastal areas and in order to participate people need to be trained. In this job, a person not only gets to do something fun but teach others about it as well! c. Charter Boat Captain - Many people like to sail or go deep sea fishing but do not have their own boats. These people can pay to go out on boats owned by other people for a day of fun. Captains of these boats must obtain a license from the U.S. Coast Guard and log a lot of hours of boating experience. Other Related Careers a. Underwater filmmaker - We have all seen educational and entertainment films about the marine world. Underwater filmmakers create these wonderful films that you have seen. This is not an easy career to enter because filmakers must work on their own with the hope that someone will want the films, but the job is very rewarding. A related career would be underwater videography in which a person takes videos for various fields like education, oil companies, or tourism. b. Fisherman - Working as a fisherman is a very tough job but one which many people love. This is also a very important career - people need to eat!! c. Archeologist - Yes, it's true! An archeologist can work in the marine environment. This career may involve researching the sea and coastlines for ancient artifacts or even investigating shipwrecks! The work these people do can help to preserve important areas of the coasts which have historical importance. This type of career would involve at least a bachelors or possibly a higher degree. d. Educator - Marine educators can work in a variety of settings from traditional classrooms to aquariums to places like Gray's Reef! There are many different types of opportunities to teach people of all ages about the wonders of the marine world. Resource List Marine Science Careers - A Sea Grant Guide to Ocean Opportunities Available from the Sea Grant Communications Office at the University of New Hampshire, (603) 749-1565. There is a fee of $5. **Much of the information obtained for this list was found in this publication. It is an excellent resource! Center for Marine Conservation 1775 DeSales St., NW Washington, DC 20036 The Cousteau Society 870 Greenbrier Circle, Suite 402 Chesapeake, VA 23320 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) NOAA Correspondence Unit 1305 East-West Highway, #8624 Silver Spring, MD 20910 National Science Foundation NSF Office of Legislative and Public Affairs Rm. 1245 4201 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22230