Oceanographer
An oceanographer is a scientist who specializes in studying the Earth's oceans and seas, utilizing knowledge from various scientific disciplines including chemistry, biology, geology, and physics. This interdisciplinary field encompasses four main areas: physical, chemical, geological, and biological oceanography. Oceanographers investigate a wide range of topics such as water currents, chemical compositions, marine life, geological formations, and environmental issues like pollution. Their work often involves both field research at sea and data analysis in laboratories or offices.
Oceanographers typically require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with many pursuing advanced degrees for specialized expertise. They can be employed by universities, government agencies, and private organizations, and may spend time aboard research vessels conducting experiments and collecting data. The job can be demanding, involving extended periods at sea under challenging conditions. Despite these challenges, oceanography presents opportunities for exploration and discovery, as vast portions of the ocean remain uncharted. Oceanographers play a crucial role in influencing environmental policy and sustainability practices, making significant contributions to our understanding of oceanic ecosystems.
Oceanographer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Marine life, natural science, oceanography, geology, ecology
Earnings (Yearly Median): $92,580 per year $44.51 per hour (geoscientists)
Employment & Outlook: 5% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Oceanographers are part of an interdisciplinary field that uses chemistry, geology, biology, and physics to study many aspects of the Earth’s oceans and seas. They focus on one of four main areas: physical, chemical, geological, and biological oceanography. Oceanographers study water currents and circulation, chemical composition, animal and plant life, and geological formations. They often study oceanic weather patterns, environmental issues, pollution, and fossils. They may also help locate new mineral deposits, deep-sea oil reserves, new fishing locations, and alternative energy sources. Universities, government agencies at all levels, and private businesses and organizations all employ oceanographers.
Work Environment. Oceanographers work for federal agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), colleges and universities, ecological and environmental organizations, and private industry. Some oceanographers conduct the majority of their research aboard offshore research vessels. Others perform office or laboratory work. On land, oceanographers usually work standard forty-hour weeks, conducting laboratory experiments, examining and recording data, and writing academic papers. They may experience extreme weather conditions, rough seas, and cramped living conditions at sea. While conducting research at sea, oceanographers frequently work much longer hours.
Occupation Interest. Oceanographers often spend a great deal of time at sea, an aspect of the job that may appeal to those who love nature and enjoy working outdoors. They study firsthand the wide array of animal and plant life, geological formations, weather conditions, and other interesting aspects of the oceans. Oceanographers are respected for their expertise and can influence policymaking related to the environment. Vast stretches of ocean remain unexplored, meaning there is always a possibility of discovering new species or formulating new theories. As an interdisciplinary field, oceanography offers many areas of specialization from which scientists may choose.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Oceanographers’ duties and responsibilities vary based on the subfields in which they work. Physical oceanographers use models and databases to study changes in ocean temperature and salinity, currents, waves, and tidal patterns. Physical oceanographers and meteorologists work together to better understand the relationship between the ocean and climate. Chemical oceanographers take surface water and deepwater samples and use analytical equipment to study the natural and synthetic chemical compounds in those samples. They often seek to understand the impact of pollutants and observe interactions between bodies of water and the atmosphere. Geological oceanographers often use remote-controlled diving equipment to photograph and map deep-sea volcanoes, floor rock configurations, and other solid bodies. These oceanographers track and predict changes in the structure and mineral composition of the sea floor. Meanwhile, biological oceanographers, or marine biologists, locate, trap, tag, and release animal species to track their movement, feeding, mating, and other behavior patterns. Biological oceanographers study aquatic ecosystems and assist in developing techniques for sustainable resource harvesting.
Some of the most critical work performed by oceanographers occurs on research vessels at sea. Such research can take place for extended periods, during which oceanographers compile soil and water samples, record temperatures and atmospheric conditions, take photographic images of geological formations and other subjects on the ocean floor, and capture live specimens of plants and wildlife. Oceanographers compile data into databases when they return to the laboratory, build models using computer software, and formulate theories. Oceanographers use field data, samples, and models to draft technical reports and assessments, author scholarly papers and articles, and submit policy recommendations to government agencies, private businesses, and nonprofit organizations that employ them.
Many oceanographers are also university professors. In this capacity, they lead seminars, lectures, and laboratory sessions, advise students, and work with departmental peers. University-based oceanographers are able to pursue their independent research while teaching courses. They typically draft grant proposals to obtain government funding for their research.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Oceanographers work at universities, private nonprofit organizations, corporations, and government offices and laboratories. The conditions at these venues are clean, bright, and well-ventilated. When conducting research, they often travel for extended periods aboard research vessels. At sea, oceanographers are at risk of injury from dangerous weather, sea conditions, heavy lifting, malfunctioning equipment, and/or animal attacks.
Human Environment. Depending on their areas of specialty, oceanographers interact and collaborate with a wide range of scientists and professionals. They may work with marine biologists, laboratory technicians, interns and lab assistants, geologists, engineers, business executives, environmental scientists, ship crews, government officials, and university students and professors.
Technological Environment. Oceanographers use several pieces of equipment and technology to take samples and perform research at sea. They may capture animals with nets and snaring equipment, deploy scientific buoys to record measurements, or explore shallow areas with scuba equipment. Oceanographers also use submersible devices (both manned and remote-controlled) to travel to the ocean floor and take samples and photographs. In the laboratory, oceanographers rely on computer modeling, digital mapping, and database technologies to help formulate and validate theories.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students should study biology, chemistry, physics, and other natural sciences. Mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and statistics, are important courses as well. Furthermore, high school students should take computer science courses and hone their writing and public speaking skills through English and communications classes.
Postsecondary. Oceanographers must receive a bachelor’s degree in a field related to oceanography, such as biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, or geology. Most oceanographers have at least a master’s degree in one or more related scientific disciplines. Senior researchers and oceanography professors must have earned or be working toward a doctorate in an oceanography-related scientific field. Students can gain experience in the field through internships or research assistantships.
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Bibliography
“Geoscientists.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/geoscientists.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 19-2042 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes192042.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.