What Does a Marine Biologist Do?
Marine Biologists are scientists who work for laboratories and marine life centers to examine marine life and find ways to improve their ecosystem and environments. They’ll regularly take samples of sea creatures to see how well they adapt to different pollutants and others harmful exposures to their environments. Marine Biologists will analyze these samples to develop new theories and ways to help aquatic life have a safer and longlasting life in the ocean.
They’ll also discover new specimen by reviewing their samples. Many of them will also conduct experiments to track the ranges, movements and distributions of various marine populations. After conducting these experiments, Marine Biologists will create reports that detail potential harm that oil companies or other organizations could cause for the sea life.
Marine Biologist Skills and Qualifications
In order to undertake the requirements of Marine Biologist, there have to be specific skills and qualifications that need to be done over the years of experience as an intern, volunteer and at the university level, for instance.
The following are important skills and qualifications for Marine Biologists:
- Marine Biologists may have to endure long periods of being with little human contact and in remote areas so they should have emotional stability and physical stamina to endure these days working with wildlife.
- Marine Biologists should have keen observation skills to notice a change in behavior or the ecosystem he/she is studying.
- Biologists should have good communication skills if they have to speak about their research in front of an audience.
- Reasoning and judgment are important to draw conclusions from observations and research.
- Biologists may also work with others on the same or related projects so they should have good interpersonal skills in order to get along with others.
- Biologists come up with possible solutions to the problems that are encountered through research such as habitat loss or disease, so it is important to have problem solving skills.
- Outdoor skills are very important as biologists will spend long amount of time outside, so creativity in navigating terrain or carrying heavy equipment is important.
Marine Biologist Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Marine Biologist is $47,443 per year based on past and present job advertisements through our website in the last 36 months.
Marine Biologist Salary Expectations
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Common salary:
22.27 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
11.30 -36.75 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Marine Biologist Education and Training Requirements
Marine Biologists typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in a closely related field like Biology, Ecology or Zoology. To specialize in Marine Biology, you need to obtain a higher level degree like a master’s to conduct scientific work. A Ph.D. is necessary to do the majority of independent research positions.
At this point, Marine Biologists become familiar with statistical software and research methods. Scientists with a higher degree should have a general, well-rounded scientific background where various classes like statistics, mathematics, chemistry, physics were taken.
Marine Biologist Experience Requirements
Many marine biology students gain experience through internships or volunteer work during their college years or soon after graduating. As they gain experience, their responsibilities will increase as Ph.D. graduates usually lead independent research of projects. They may also be responsible for finding funding for this research.
Job Description Samples for Similar Positions
If you are not quite looking to hire a Marine Biologist for your organization, take a look at the following job description samples for similar positions. They might come closer to who you need to hire:
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