There are countless marine science jobs for people interested in the oceans and in marine life. Some marine science jobs, such as marine science filmmakers, are very specialized, which means that open positions may be difficult to find. Other marine science jobs are broader and cover a wide range of topics, such as jobs focused on marine biology. Marine science jobs can be found through colleges and universities, through federal and state agencies, at ocean-related industries, through independent organizations and consulting firms, and at marine-related research laboratories. Educational backgrounds can vary as widely as the jobs themselves; so, it is not necessary to have a doctorate or masters degree in marine science in order to have a career in marine science.
There are a few main categories that marine science jobs fall into: marine biology, oceanography, and ocean engineering. Marine biology is the study of marine animals and plants. For example, a marine biologist may study the ecology and the behavior of marine plants or animals, including how they are affected by pollution and other marine life and their effect on other marine plants and animals. An oceanographer is a marine scientist who studies how the ocean bottom evolves, how the ocean moves, and the chemical make-up of the ocean. An ocean engineer builds equipment, instruments, structures, and ocean-going vessels that are used to study the oceans and marine life.
There are many marine science jobs that fall outside of those broad marine science careers. For example, a marine educator may be the perfect career choice for many individuals. Generally, a marine educator will teach the public about the ocean environment. They are often employed by marine-related organizations, local marine-related interest groups, and, of course, colleges and universities. A marine educator may travel to grade schools, high schools, libraries, and community centers to give lectures. Other times, she may lecture at aquariums, zoos, or other marine-related centers.
Other marine science jobs may be quite rare, yet when they come available they can be quite rewarding. For example, someone interested in archaeology may thrive in career in marine archaeology. These professionals study marine life, ocean movements, and historical and archaeological aspects surrounding shipwrecks, plane wrecks, and underwater building sites. In addition, people interested in filmmaking or photography can find work in marine science. Environmentalists may also find marine science opportunities in fundraising and lobbying careers.
Marine science jobs can normally be found near seas and oceans, and also near freshwater inland locations, such as lakes and rivers. Nearly every country has career opportunities for people interested in marine science. Aspiring marine scientists must only identify the area of marine science that interests them most, and a rewarding career can follow.