Aquatic careers are as varied as the habitats with which they are associated. The oceans are one obvious area in which people focus their marine careers; but there are many other aquatic environments such as estuaries, lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands in which people base their work.

Of the different careers in the field of aquatic science, most require at least a Bachelor's degree (four years of college) in an appropriate scientific discipline. More specialized jobs require a Master's or a Doctorate in that specific field. Overall, when one has a college degree, one’s options become much broader and compensation is greater. Degreed biologists may work in a variety of areas including research, management, public policy, education and medicine.

Researchers usually have a doctorate (representing four or five years of study beyond the undergraduate degree), or are working towards one. They specialize in a single subject to which they devote their careers. These are the people who are most often called marine biologists, aquatic biologists, or aquatic ecologists. Many researchers study basic biology using marine invertebrates as laboratory subjects, simply because they are readily available and often easier to study than more complex animals. They often spend a great deal of their time teaching or in laboratories, conducting experiments, gathering data, reading current literature, as well as writing papers and grant proposals. Very little of their time, if any, is actually spent aboard a research ship, in a submarine, or even scuba diving!

Some researchers work for the government; others are employed by commercial industries, and many of these scientists combine their research with teaching responsibilities at colleges and universities. Some researchers who do not receive a salary directly from an employer must write proposals to have their research ideas funded by grants from private and governmental agencies. The quality of their results determines if they will receive money in the future.

What do these researchers study? That depends on what type of marine scientist they are. Marine biologists study the life in coastal, oceanic and estuarine habitats while aquatic scientists focus on freshwater ecosystems. Oceanographers integrate several different disciplines ranging from biology, engineering, physics, chemistry and geology in their studies.

People with Master's and Bachelor's degrees may also do research, working as technical or clerical support staff under a head researcher. Their salaries are based on the amount of education and experience they have. With the rampant technological advances of the past two decades, knowledge of, and the ability to use computer programs are becoming job requirements of a research technician. Since these positions often require less formal training, they also offer less room for advancement and a lower salary.

Although research is one of the most commonly thought-of marine careers, it is an area limited both by funding and the number of researchers currently in the field. Purnell Choppin, the president of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute said of sientific research in general, " ... there are not enough academic jobs or federal research grants for everyone to follow the same career path as their professors." On the other hand, jobs in business and government may be expanding. Biotechnology associated with marine organisms is a field that projects a strong future.

Environmental consulting and planning are two areas that have grown as the laws affecting aquatic areas have become more strict. Builders and developers rely heavily on consultants because they specialize in the regulations that control the developer's actions on the land/water. With the increase in laws applying to aquatic areas comes an increased need for management of those areas. Natural resource management occurs at the local, state, and federal levels and jobs may include wildlife park rangers, Coast Guard members and National Marine Sanctuary planners and administrators.

Fisheries worldwide are declining, as natural resources have been over-harvested. Historically the oceans have been viewed as a limitless source of food, but time and experience have proven this notion false. The need for the "fruits of the sea" has never been greater in light of the ever-increasing world population. This situation places a tremendous burden on responsible fisheries management, and opens the door to a more-sustainable fishery, as well as the research, technology, education and implementation of such an industry.

Without a college degree, there are still many aquatic employment oppor-tunities available. People may operate boats for harvesting natural resources such as crabs, oysters, shrimp, and fish. Others who operate sea vessels do so for tourism; day trips as well as transportation and diving trips. SCUBA teachers and dive operators have to complete specialized coursework, but do not necessarily need a college degree. Aquaculture (the raising and maintenance of fish or aquatic animals in underwater farms) managers may or may not have college coursework in their backgrounds.

Marine-related careers

Many careers not directly associated with oceanic research or exploration are still considered part of the marine science field. In fact, almost any "land job" one can think of has a marine counterpart. These jobs are often more abundant, more lucrative, and offer more flexibility than research positions. Educational training and other requirements will vary considerably. What follows is only a partial list:

• lawyer who specializes in marine issues
• marine science consultant
• environmental lobbyist
• computer scientist
• Federal, state or local government employee
• U.S. Coast Guard
• U.S. Navy
• U.S. Merchant Marine
• shipboard engineer
• coastal engineer
• marine architect
• underwater archeologist
• shipbuilder
• marine engine mechanic
• offshore oil rig worker
• port authority worker
• health department inspector
• marine science librarian
• marine science writer
• marine science teacher
• naturalist
• park ranger
• wildlife specialist
• underwater filmmaker and photographer
• marine illustrator
• lifeguard
• marine animal collector
• animal trainer
• aquatic veterinarian
• tropical fish store worker
• seafood processor
• marine supply store worker

For additional information about the above-mentioned marine careers, consult the bibliography, speak with a career advisor or guidance counselor, or talk with people you know who are working in these areas.

Careers at the National Aquarium in Baltimore:

Most marine science institutions employ a variety of people from many fields. The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a good example of how people from different disciplines are working together to achieve the goal of obtaining, maintaining, and presenting a collection of aquatic life for the educational benefit of all interested people.

Like any non-profit institution, the Aquarium employs a wide range of workers. There are administrative assistants, accountants, carpenters, artists, plumbers, salespeople, and engineers. Perhaps less obvious but no less important are those who raise money for the continued operation of the Aquarium, write publications, and design and build the exhibits. Of course, the Aquarium could not function without people who operate the filtration system and clean the building. Surprisingly, only a small core of people actually works with the animals. It is the husbandry staff members who research, collect, and care for the animals and plants, while education staff and volunteers interpret them to the public. Here are descriptions of a few of the jobs most commonly associated with Aquarium careers:

Aquarist:

Aquarists are responsible for all aspects of maintaining the aquatic exhibits. The aquarist's job includes feeding the fish, maintaining the water quality in the tanks, cleaning the tanks and the back-up areas, and collecting and transporting new specimens. A certain amount of record-keeping is necessary, and some aquarists present special workshops and seminars for Aquarium staff and other colleagues. Aquarists must have at least a Bachelor's degree in biological, marine or aquatic science or the equivalent practical knowledge or experience. They must also have openwater SCUBA certification.

Aviculturist:

Aviculturists are responsible for the maintenance of the Aquarium's bird collection. These include the exotic birds of the rainforest exhibit, as well as the sea birds of the Sea Cliffs display. Aviculturists prepare food, clean the exhibits, observe the birds, and maintain equipment. During feeding demonstrations in the Sea Cliffs exhibit, aviculturists feed and observe the birds while speaking to Aquarium visitors about the animals, so public speaking skills are important. Aviculturists must have at least a Bachelor's degree in biology or zoology or the equivalent knowledge or experience.

Educators:

These staff members teach programs and classes to many different audiences within the Aquarium and to the general public. On the surface this work may not seem like that of someone in a marine science career, but most of the education staff have at least Bachelor’s degrees in biology or a natural science. This allows them to use their knowledge of the scientific world to create programs and teach others. The Education Department also ensures that the information and exhibits presented to the public are scientifically accurate.

Herpetologists:

The herpetologists manage the collection of reptiles and amphibians. As in the other husbandry jobs listed above, this includes feeding, collecting, and caring for the animals, as well as cleaning their exhibits, keeping careful records, and writing reports. Educational requirements for herpetologists are similar to those of the aquarists.

Mammalogist:

The mammalogists are responsible for the supervision, care and training of the marine mammals: the seals and the dolphins. Several times each day they conduct animal feeding and training presentations. The mammalogists have more direct contact with Aquarium visitors than any other member of the husbandry staff and a great deal of patience is necessary in training marine mammals. Mammalogists are also responsible for cleaning the mammal exhibits, observing the animals' behavior and preparing thorough reports. They must have at least a Bachelor's degree in science or psychology or the equivalent practical knowledge or experience. Public speaking skills and SCUBA certification are also required.

Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians:

The medical staff at the Aquarium is responsible for the health of every animal. They perform "rounds" every week, talking to the caretakers of each of the animals. They schedule and perform treatments and preventive tests and physicals for the animals. A veterinary technician has a two or four year specialized degree and a license. A veterinarian has a doctor's degree in animal medicine and often additional specialized training.

Water Quality Technicians:

The laboratory staff tests the water from the tanks in the Aquarium. They use special lab equipment to test pH, dissolved oxygen levels, ammonia levels, nitrate levels, temperature, and salinity. They ensure that the water quality is correct and safe for the animals and communicate with the aquarists if it is not. A water quality technician has at least a Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology or the equivalent knowledge or experience.

A few other members of the Aquarium staff work directly with the animals. All the fish in the Atlantic Coral Reef exhibit are fed daily by scuba divers. Most of the divers who enter the tank are volunteers who work once every other week and are not paid for their duties. Other husbandry volunteers help prepare diets for the animals or assist with the Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Program, which rescues, rehabilitates and releases stranded, injured and ill marine mammals and turtles.

Now that you have a better idea of the options available in the field of marine employment, the choice is yours! Whether you work in a public aquarium or government office, in a laboratory or classroom, at the beach or on a boat, with animals, people or machines, marine careers are exhilarating, demanding, rewarding and fun!

How to prepare yourself for a marine science career: Preparation depends on what type of career in the marine science realm you wish to pursue. Like many students, you may not know what area most interests you until you get further along in your studies and learn more about the subjects, your own abilities, and goals. Your interests may change in college, so it is wise to prepare yourself in a general way and to keep all options open.

Consider the following in choosing the best college for you, regardless of if it has a marine program. How successful have the school's graduates been? How large is the student population and much attention will you receive? How academically strong is the science department? How happy will you be attending this college? Once enrolled, major in biology. Do not overspecialize as an undergraduate; there is plenty of time for that later. Be sure to take courses that deal with all aspects of biology, including genetics, molecular biology, physiology, ecology, botany. Include courses in chemistry, math, physics, and computer science. In short, get a strong, broad scientific foundation.

Include plenty of liberal arts courses, too, especially those that strengthen your writing and communications skills. Take a foreign language. When you are a Junior, you should take the graduate record exam (GRE) so you have a year to improve your score if necessary.

If possible, take special summer courses at the marine laboratories throughout the world. Learn about marine organisms at places like the Shoals Marine Laboratory in Maine, the Williams-Mystic Maritime Studies Program in Connecticut. Spend some time on a research vessel like Sea Semester (Sea Education Association). Volunteer your help and get college credit as an intern at a zoo, aquarium, or nature center. 

The more experience you can acquire, the easier it will be to choose a career and obtain a job. Inquire at your Science Department or ask your professors if they know of any internships and/or summer courses. A few marine science opportunities can be found in the publications listed at the end, especially "Summer and Academic Year Opportunities." Scholarships are often available from these summer institutes, and your school career counselor should have more information on sources of financial aid.

After college, if you still want to pursue a career in marine biology, you will be amply prepared to do well on the GRE and apply to a marine science graduate program. If you decide, instead, to go to medical school, teach science, work as a laboratory technician, or study another area of biology, you will also be well qualified to do so.

Information from: http://www.aza.org/publications/careeraqua.htm