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Cierra George
Career Paper
MARINE BIOLOGIST
I like learning about ocean animals and how they interact. I
think that marine biology would be a fascinating job option
for me. Marine biologists are biologists that study ocean
organisms and their relationships with their environment.
Most marine biologists work in aquariums and take care of
the animals. I would love to be able to take care of oceans
animals.
Job description, duties, and responsibilities
Marine biology is a great job for people who
are interested in ocean animals such as
sharks, dolphins, whales, and many other
animals. In marine biology there are many
different types of jobs you could do. You
could study the migration patterns,
interaction of the animals, or even the
population levels of the sea creatures. A marine biologist may have
the task of collecting samples and analyzing the comparisons and
differences of the marine plants and animals. Many marine biologists
work in aquariums or zoos caring for the animals that live there, while
others work at colleges teaching students about marine biology.
Qualifications
There are many requirements and qualifications that are needed in
order to be a marine biologist. For instance, in order to be a full
biologist you must have completed post-graduate work in
oceanography, conservation, or marine biology. Most students going to
college experience much laboratory research, but get to take field
trips to study sea life, the ocean floor, reefs, and also the
environmental behavior of the animals.
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Cierra George
Career Paper
Work Environment
The work environment can be in many different places. Some marine
biologists work in a college, while others work for government
agencies. Many work in aquariums and zoos, while others may work in
research laboratories, and environmental organizations. Most marine
biologists spend a great deal of their time working in laboratories,
where they use different tools such as; microscopes, computers, and
other special equipment. They may also work in libraries doing
research and writing research papers. Some marine biologists do
fieldwork, which involves traveling to many different places. In order
to do field work they must have a lot of physical energy. The hours
that they have to work are varied depending on the workplace and
their responsibilities. Most employees work eight to ten hours a day, or
forty to fifty hours a week. A professor may work up to sixty hours a
week.
Training and Education
With marine biology the education
requirements are also varied depending on
what field you go into. For a position not
involving any research a bachelor’s degree is
required. Also if colleges do not offer a major in marine biology a
degree in a related field like biology, is also acceptable. With a
master’s degree you could work in laboratories, research assistants,
or a technician at an aquarium. A PhD is required for a large number of
environmental protection agencies. Most research positions require
experience with research and a PhD. High school students are urged
to take courses such as biology, physics, chemistry, calculus,
computers, and even Latin is recommended.
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Cierra George
Career Paper
Job Outlook
The employment outlook in this field is very competitive. There are
more marine biologists in the world that are actually needed or
demanded, and the numbers of jobs are limited. A strong knowledge
for computer skills and mathematics is critical for getting a job in this
field.
Salary (national and state wide)
Their wages depend on their area of expertise, employer, and how
experienced the marine biologist is. Some marine biologists make
thirty-five to one hundred thousand dollars a year, but for most of them
their salary is more. Based on the level of experience the hourly wages
can vary. A well experienced person can make twenty-eight dollars
and fifty cents, while a medium experienced person could make
twenty-two dollars and fifty-seven cents and a small experienced
person could make eighteen dollars and ninety-two cents an hour.
Other Information
The lists of marine species that are threatened or endangered keep
growing longer every year. Also the world’s coral reefs are
deteriorating because of destructive fishing practices and bleaching.
There are five main types of marine mammals. The Cetaceans include
toothed whales and baleen whales. The sirenians include mammals
such as manatees and dugongs. In the seal family walruses are
included along with sea lions. The mammal family also includes the
sea otter and the polar bear. Marine biology studies five main animals.
They study birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, and reptiles. Also they
study fungi, plants and algae, microscopic life, and marine habitats.
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Cierra George
Career Paper
Sources
" Careers in Marine Biology - SWFSC." SWFSC Home Page - SWFSC.
NOAA Fisheries Service, 18 Oct. 2010. Web. 23 Jan. 2012.
<http://swfsc.noaa.gov/textblock.aspx?id=54>.
catch. "Marine biology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia. Wikipedia , 18 Jan. 2012. Web. 19 Jan.
2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_biology
"Marine Biologist Career Requirements." Career Requirement. N.p., n.d.
Web. 19 Jan. 2012. <http://careerrequirement.com/marinebiologist.htm>.
"Marine Careers :: Marine Biology." Sea Grant - Marine Careers. Sea
Grant Program, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2012.
<http://www.marinecareers.net/field_marinebiology
"SDMyLife." SDMyLife. South Dakota department of education, n.d.
Web. 17 Jan. 2012. <http://sdmylife.com/>.
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