Being+a+Marine+Biologist!

Being A Marine Biologist!

Tasks & duties
Marine biologists may do some or all of the following: 0.	observe marine plants and animals in their natural environment 0.	study the impact of pollution on marine life 0.	study biodiversity (the variety of species and their habitats in the sea) 0.	identify, classify and preserve different types of marine life 0.	run ongoing monitoring programmes to look for changes and trends in marine life 0.	plan and run field studies and experiments 0.	develop new tests for the effects of toxicants (toxic substances)/stressors on native species 0.	examine samples in a laboratory 0.	estimate population growth and life expectancy 0.	use statistical software on computers to analyse data 0.	use computer modelling techniques to predict future events in the marine environment 0.	report the results of their studies in papers for science journals and in commercial reports. Freshwater biologists do similar work, except that they study plants and animals living in rivers, lakes and ponds.

At the technician level, the main tasks are to help scientists prepare and carry out a range of experiments and tests.

Skills & knowledge Marine biologists need to have: 0.	knowledge of marine science, biology, and chemistry 0.	research skills 0.	skill in analysing and interpreting research results and other information 0.	problem-solving skills 0.	planning and organisational skills 0.	communication skills 0.	writing skills, for writing reports and for publications maths and computer skills.

Entry Requirements To become a marine biologist you usually need to have a Masters or PhD in a related science area such as zoology.

At the technician level, a Bachelor’s degree in a related science subject is the minimum entry requirement.

Secondary Education A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. An A or B Bursary, or NCEA equivalent, is preferred. Useful subjects include biology, chemistry, physics, English and maths with statistics and/or calculus.

Training on the job Many skills are gained on the job. Marine biologists also attend courses and workshops to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. Their employers may offer training for new equipment, such as diving equipment and specialised computer software.

Technicians often do postgraduate studies alongside their work. They are also mentored by scientists in gaining practical skills for carrying out specific experiments.

Hours Marine biologists usually work regular office hours, but they may also work at sea or river sites for long periods.

Contact with people Marine biologists usually work independently, but may sometimes work in small teams. They may also: 0.	supervise technicians and research assistants 0.	consult with other professionals 0.	have contact with the public teach and train others.e for marine biologists includes summer placements working as a technician while studying for a Master's degree. Working as a volunteer in ecology and conservation is also useful.

Experience driving four-wheel-drive and all-terrain vehicles may be useful when in the field.

Working Conditions Marine biologists work in research institutes in comfortable and well-lit offices and laboratories. They also work on boats, at sea, or in isolated coastal areas in all weather conditions.

Marine biologists travel to field study sites, and may travel around the country or overseas to attend conferences or training. Equipment Equipment marine biologists may use includes: 0.	computers and specialised computer software programs 0.	laboratory equipment including electronic microscopes 0.	photographic equipment such as a camera and slides for presentations 0.	diving equipment for research along coastlines and at sea boats and vehicles to access field study sites.

Pay A technician with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree could start on $35,000 a year, moving up to about $50,000 depending on their experience and performance.

Postdoctoral fellows earn between $50,000 and $55,000. Pay is fixed for the term of the fellowship, which is usually two to three years.

Pay for permanent scientist positions varies: 0.	With a PhD (but without postdoctoral experience) you can expect a starting salary between $50,000 and $55,000. 0.	Pay could rise to $120,000, with increased performance and responsibility. This includes the publication of scientific papers, reports or books, and bidding for research funding. 0.	With about 15 years’ experience you could progress to a management role (such as project leader or principal scientist) and you could earn up to $150,000 a year.

Career Progression Marine biologists with a Bachelor's degree typically start work at the technician level. Technicians may progress into research scientist positions after getting a Masters or PhD in the relevant science area.

Once you have a PhD, you can apply for a postdoctoral fellowship at research organisations or universities. You may need to do two or three postdoctoral fellowships (usually lasting two or three years each) before getting a permanent scientist position.

After about 15 years’ experience, scientists can progress into senior research scientist, team leader or management roles.

Physical Requirements Marine biologists need to have good hand-eye co-ordination. They might also need to have a good level of fitness for doing fieldwork, such as diving.

Personal Qualities Marine biologists need to be: 0.	enquiring 0.	observant 0.	motivated 0.	persistent patient.