Marine Biologist
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Biological ScientistCreated by the U.S. Department of Labor, this career profile introduces you to the training, work qualifications, employment data, and job outlook for biological scientists, including botanists, physiologists, and zoologists. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find links to important professional organizations in the field, or click on detailed earnings data and learn more about this career in the sciences.
Marine Bio.orgLearn all about ocean life and career resources for this field at a site where marine biologists, students, and teachers come together to share their interest in the ocean. Click on the student link at the top of the page, and you will find links to schools that offer a marine biology curriculum, camps and summer internships, and answers to the most common questions on a marine biology career interview.
OceanCareers.comYou can take a look at more than 50 ocean-related careers at this page, created by the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence. Find a college that specializes in your area of interest, find professional organizations to help you learn more about the field, look for internships and jobs, or access hundreds of links geared towards career exploration. A photo gallery and profiles of interesting people are included.
Sea Grant Marine Careers: Marine BiologyFeatured marine biologists are displayed at this page, with links to their career profiles, where you can find out what they like most and least about their jobs. You will also find career slide shows, information on salaries, answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a marine biologist, and links to general job searches and career-related internships.
Occupational Titles
Animal Behaviorist
Animal Biologist
Aquatic Biologist
Conservation Resources Management Biologist
Ecologist
Entomologist
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Specialist
Field Naturalist
Fish and Wildlife Biologist
Fish Conservationist
Fish Culturist
Fish Technologist
Fisheries Biologist
Fisheries Management Biologist
Fishery Biologist
Genetic Scientist
Herpetologist
Ichthyologist
Limnologist
Mammal Gist
Marine Biologist
Marine Scientist
Migratory Game Bird Biologist
Naturalist
Hematologist
Ornithologist
Protozoologist
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Conservationist
Wildlife Manager
Wildlife Technician
Zoologist
Accredited Academic Programs
Princeton Review: College Majors, BiologistSeveral college majors may be appropriate as precursors to a career in the biological sciences, including anatomy, agriculture, genetics, and many more. Find a list of them at this site, click on your selections, and be taken to contact information and websites for schools and programs you are interested in.
Salary Levels
PayScale: Marine BiologistFind the median salary by years of experience for a marine biologist at the chart at the top of this page. You can scroll a little further down to find related information on salary according to employer type or city of employment.
Salary of a BiologistCombining information on many different types of scientists, this fact sheet includes the source entry, a result, and summarized information on the salary of marine biologists and jobs for graduates with a B.S. in biology.
Professional Organizations
American Institute of Biological SciencesDiscover the scientific association dedicated to the advancement of biological research, and the educational and scientific programs it provides. A page at this site is dedicated to providing information on careers in biology, while other subsites offer publications and news, online social networking, and meeting details. Student chapters are organized, with information on how to start your own and sample resources for students.
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, and TechnologyPromoting marine biology and engineering, this organization hosts events, publications in the field, an online library, and career information. You’ll find a Young Members’ Network that includes information on student conferences, and other details on activities and early career support for you.
Marine Conservation SocietyThis organization performs groundbreaking research to protect marine wildlife. Learn how you can get involved in this organization and their marine activities.
National Ocean ServiceThe National Ocean Service strives to understand and manage the nation’s coastal resources through scientific research to ultimately preserve our marine environment. A publication page offers information on the organization’s marine sanctuary and other preservation programs, while the data explorer offers interactive mapping tools. Click on “education” to find tutorials and case studies for high school students, or go to “topics” to understand areas of research of the marine biologist, including coral reef conservation, marine protected areas, and coastal ecosystem science.
Oceanic SocietyIn order to explore and preserve the ocean, this organization offers programs of international travel and significance. Natural history expeditions of the world are available for you to consider, as well as other ways to volunteer and support the marine environment. Look at the student resources section, where you can find out about other conservation-based opportunities for students. Learn about the marine ecologists who work in these programs, access the news room, or take a look at the work of marine biologists who focus on conservation, protection, research, and grassroots missions.
PISCO—Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal OceansThis marine research program focuses on the ecological and oceanographic work at several coastal sites, with findings shared through public outreach and student education. Click on “training,” and find information on universities participating in their research on physical oceanography, genetics, physiology, ecological interactions, and other work.
Job Opportunity Sources
American Institute of Biological Sciences: Careers in the Biological SciencesAnswers to frequently asked questions about biological careers are found at this site, as well as a link to a careers in biology brochure and a separate classified ad section.
Get Marine Biology JobsRecent postings for people interested in marine biology are collected here. Search this database by keyword, country, and state.
Hopkins Marine StationA large variety of web pages are collected here for people interested in marine biology careers, including aquarium web sites, jobs at marine sciences associations, advice on becoming an oceanographer, information on becoming a marine animal trainer, and much more. You’ll find virtual interviews with marine biologists and links to a host of career-specific search engines.
Publications
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, & TechnologyYou’ll find one of the most important marine engineering magazines at this site, as well as information on a new professional marine science journal that includes interviews with world famous marine biologists, news, research, analysis, and debate.
Online Forums & Blogs
American Institute of Biological Sciences: Online Social NetworkingThe American Institute of Biological Sciences has created networking groups on Facebook and LinkedIn that any interested person can join. Services are free and include Facebook main groups and coalition groups that the Institute supports, including Diversity in Biological Sciences and the Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science. If you do not already have one, simply create a Facebook account to get started.
Plankton ForumsFrom the MarineBio megasite, this forum gives you the chance to introduce yourself to a global community of students and professionals interested or working in marine biology. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself, and explore different area discussions in underwater topics.
Career Videos
CISCO: Getting Girls Involved in Tech, Marine BiologistListen to how one person began her work as a marine biologist and the study of marine life and technology. A young student follows her and learns about global positioning systems for locating marine life and other digital technologies that marine biologists often use.
Tell Me How: Marine BiologistListen to Andrea’s work with sea turtles and other marine animals. Take a tour of her lab to find out more about the day-to-day activities and discoveries in this field of work.
