Oceanographer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an oceanographer. Feel free to use our oceanographer job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an oceanographer.
Who is an Oceanographer?
Science can be fascinating, enthralling, and mesmerizing; an integral aspect of it is earth science which involves the study of oceans as part of its curricula. Undoubtedly and evidently, oceans hold about 97% of the water on the planet and cover approximately 71% of the entire earth’s surface. This has been reported and verified by the oceanic institute and other research bodies. Incredibly, these bodies of water are vast, immense, and enormous and should be studied or investigated regularly. Unfortunately, most individuals have little to no idea of oceanic life; we understandably tend to focus on terrestrial systems since we are predominantly land-dwellers or settlers. Thankfully, scientists devised and came up with a means of changing the narrative through what is termed oceanography.
Oceanography is a branch of earth science that focuses or concentrates on the study of ocean or oceanic life. Also known as oceanology, this aspect of science has become essential over time and covers several topics such as ocean currents, ecosystem dynamics, geophysical fluid dynamics, and waves. Oceanography also involves the learning or study of plate tectonics and the geology of the seafloor, the fluxes of various chemical substances, and the examination of physical properties within the ocean and across its boundaries. These diverse topics reflect the multiple disciplines associated with oceanography including astronomy, geology, biology, meteorology, physics, geography, and chemistry amongst others. Researchers have also defined oceanography to include the study of the complex inter-relationship between the ocean and the planet earth. Since the ocean constitutes a large environment, oceanography is equally vast with several branches as mentioned earlier. Scientists who have chosen oceanography as a career need to be comfortable working for long periods on the ocean. A career in oceanography is rewarding, worthwhile, and challenging. An individual that studies the different matters associated with oceans is called an oceanographer.
The oceanographers are special scientists and their scope of the study includes the examination of the chemistry of ocean water, the inspection of the geology associated with the ocean, the assessment of oceanic life and inhabitants, and the evaluation of the physical movements of the ocean water. Healthy oceans are necessary for maintaining and sustaining a healthy planet; however, human activities and technological advancement have impacted and stressed the ability of the ocean to operate optimally. This buttresses the need for oceanographers. Relatively, oceanographers play important roles in the struggle to mitigate and inhibit the effects of human activities, overpopulation, and overfishing on the aquatic habitat. An oceanographer is also concerned with determining and untangling the impact and problem of climate change on the universe. Regardless of the field of oceanography, an oceanographer will need to comprehend other aspects of the endeavor. Moreover, research has shown that most discoveries or breakthroughs made by oceanographers are a result of multidisciplinary and comprehensive collaboration between oceanographers from different branches of their careers. As an oceanographer, you must have the capability to understand, predict, and apprehend how the world’s seas and oceans work; you must also figure out how to make the most sustainable and effective use of ocean resources.
Furthermore, an oceanographer is a specialist with skills and experience to determine the motion and circulation of oceanic water; they study the effects of the physical and chemical properties of oceans on the weather, coastal areas, and climate. Oceanographers are typically comfortable and happy to do field research; they sail on ships for long periods of time and live in cramped quarters like in galleys or submersibles. This can expose them to difficult atmospheric conditions such as typhoons, polar environments, or hurricanes. When back on land, the daily activities of oceanographers seem less exciting; they are mostly affixed in laboratories or offices with a computer conducting tests and cataloging respectively. They may also be required to read scientific journals, write and apply for grants, and document findings depending on the organization or employer. Some oceanographers in academics often research and present papers at meetings, seminars, and conferences. In addition, the knowledge of different scientific subjects is crucial to oceanographers; this includes mathematics, geology, biology, physics, chemistry, geophysics, and engineering. Oceanographers were taught both practically and theoretically; during practical sessions, the oceanographer was made to collect samples, conduct surveys, and analyze data using sophisticated equipment and software in the sea for hours. Oceanographers are of different types based on their area of specialization; however, these forms are intertwined. Thus, oceanographers must know all aspects to unravel and understand the mystery and processes of oceans. The types of oceanographers are;
Physical oceanographers: They study the physical attributes of the ocean such as temperature-salinity structure, surface waves, mixing, surface tides, currents, internal waves, and internal tides. They investigate seismic currents, ocean currents, and ocean acidification as well. Physical oceanographers also examine the ocean-atmosphere relationship that influences weather and climate, the ocean’s interaction with its boundaries at the seafloor and the coast, and the transmission of light and sound through water.
Biological oceanographers: Also known as marine biologists, they study the inhabitants (plants and animals) of the marine environment. Succinctly, biological oceanographers investigate the ecology and biology of marine organisms in the context of the chemical, geological, and physical elements of their ocean habitat. The biological oceanographer is concerned with the number of marine organisms and how they relate to one another, adapt to their environment, develop, and interact with the ocean. They use field observations, computer models, and laboratory experiments to complete their tasks.
Geological oceanographers: A geological oceanographer explores the ocean floor and the processes that form its valleys, mountains, and canyons. Through sampling, they look at centuries of history of sea-floor spreading, plate tectonics, and oceanic circulation and climates. In relation, they examine volcanic processes, magma genesis, hydrothermal circulation, crustal formation, and mantle circulation.
Chemical oceanographers: This group of oceanographers is interested in the chemistry of oceans. They study the composition of seawater, the chemical interaction between seawater and the atmosphere, and the processes and cycles of seawater. They employ their knowledge of chemistry to comprehend how ocean currents move seawater around the world and how the ocean affects the climate.
Oceanographer Job Description
Below are the oceanographer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an oceanographer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The roles and responsibilities of oceanographers encompass analyzing the geographical and marine parameters of oceans, the biological components of oceans, the motion and composition of oceanic waters, and the management of oceanic resources. Since various forms of oceanographers exist, their job descriptions might vary slightly. Also, the type and nature of the employer or organization play vital roles in the duties of an oceanographer. However, every oceanographer regardless of the type of industry should be able to perform the following on-the-job tasks;
- Arrange, plan, and perform research expeditions.
- Design observation programs to measure, prepare, mobilize, and collect field observations.
- Use sampling devices and computer instruments to analyze the activities and populations of marine organisms of different sizes.
- Measure temperature, gas, and salt concentrations.
- Use satellite data to collect data including currents, sea temperature, wind speeds, wave heights, and patterning.
- Measure tides, waves, currents, and other fluid movements.
- Complete projects within the limits of the budget and schedule restraints.
- Assist with oceanographic instrumentation system design, specification, construction, and documentation.
- Preparation of reports that involve result analysis and technical methodology.
- Carry out international and domestic field missions as required.
- Participate in communications and marketing with external stakeholders.
- Use predictive computer models to describe various oceanic factors that may respond to climate change.
- Ensure a positive, safe, and collaborative work environment for coworkers and technicians.
- Verify and develop computer models to aid the process analysis.
- Consult with policymakers regarding relevant developments and changes in oceanography.
- Archive and document program data and samples.
- Draft and manage schedules and budgetary timelines.
- Monitor and supervise technicians and other staff to achieve project goals.
- Coordinate and assist project proposal efforts to secure grants and funding.
- Lead and support oceanographic data acquisition and project analysis.
- Navigate federal and international procedures, regulations, and best practices.
- Analyze samples for natural and contaminant composition.
- Perform simulations of ocean phenomena using a computer or mathematical models.
- Use statistical models of laboratory and field data to investigate hypotheses and infer predictions.
- Go on a research cruise and attend conferences, seminars, and workshops.
- Lecture to university classes and lead field trips.
- Write research papers and articles to boost the department or unit’s profile.
- Use chemistry to understand and explain how ocean currents move seawater around the world.
- Make geologic charts and maps.
- Examine deep currents and the ocean-atmosphere relationship that influences climate and weather.
- Analyze water samples for mineral content and life forms.
Qualifications
An oceanographer is expected to use science and mathematics to describe the interaction and relationship between the biosphere, seawater, atmosphere, and freshwater. If you are passionate and interested in becoming an oceanographer, learn about the role and qualifications needed to determine if it is the right career for you and vice versa. Like other careers, certain qualification requirement boxes must be ticked to become eligible for a career in oceanography. These span across training, education, and work experience to mention but a few.
Education and degree requirements: An oceanographer must possess a minimum of an undergraduate degree to qualify for an assistant-level or internship position. Usually, undergraduate courses focus on physics, geology, chemistry, and biology. However, you must focus your research on one field or the other. Advisably, further your education in the chosen sub-field of oceanography before seeking employment. Although the undergraduate degree study period enables individuals to acquire experience, employers tend to favor candidates with advanced degrees. A master’s or Ph.D. degree can suffice in this case. Some organizations accept candidates with degrees in mathematics, environmental science, geography, and ocean science respectively. However, a degree in oceanography is highly desirable by most employers.
Work experience: Relevant work experience in oceanography research or marine science is an added advantage. Candidates that have occupied roles and positions as oceanographers previously are mostly preferred. An excellent way to garner work experience is through the sandwich program during your undergraduate study. Sandwich programs usually last for 6 to 12 months depending on the citadel of learning. Also, work experience can be accrued or accumulated through overseas study, undergraduate collaborative projects, and entry-level employment in a marine laboratory for example. Importantly, you can volunteer in organizations that employ oceanographers to gain and develop practical fieldwork experience and enhance your research skills. Voluntary experience can be amassed from non-governmental organizations that run conservative research expeditions.
Training and professional development: Training is often done on the job, learning from senior oceanographers, and scientists from other disciplines such as environmentalists, physicists, and engineers. For oceanographers who wish to pursue a career in academics, desirable and preferred professional development should be in the form of secondments, original research, self-managed learning, collaborative work, and professional seminars. Training and proficiency in meteorological and oceanographic software is another desirable qualification for employment.
Essential skills
Oceanographers use certain skills to study every aspect of the ocean including marine ecosystem and ocean floor features. Here are the skills every oceanographer must have to succeed in the field;
Advanced computer techniques: Oceanographers must possess knowledge of various computer techniques such as digital mapping and computer modeling.
Research and laboratory skills: After collecting samples from the sea, the oceanographer analyzes in a laboratory; this requires excellent laboratory skills. Similarly, an oceanographer needs proficient research skills to develop a hypothesis, conduct an experiment, and draw or infer meaningful conclusions that can help improve knowledge.
Technical knowledge of oceans: Understanding the chemical and physical components of the ocean requires technical knowledge of the marine and ocean environment. Good technical knowledge of the ocean also enables the oceanographer to conduct in-depth exploration. This is one of the most important skills employers look for in potential oceanographers.
Outdoor skills: Oceanographers spend a lot of time outdoors when performing research and examining the ocean and seawater, the ability to camp and hike at remote locations and stay outdoors for a long time requires effective and efficient outdoor skills.
Physical stamina: An oceanographer may need to hike to remote settings while carrying testing and sampling equipment; this requires physical stamina. Also, fieldwork might take hours to be completed; thus, the oceanographer must be physically fit.
How to Become an Oceanographer
It is important to have a strong foundation of relevant knowledge to succeed as an oceanographer. Relatively, successful oceanographers should be comfortable and relaxed working in an ocean for an extended period. Therefore, adopt the following steps to become an oceanographer;
Earn a formal education in a university.
Obtain your license from licensing agencies or the government.
Consider furthering your education.
Join professional associations.
Gain job-specific skills.
Obtain relevant work experience.
Source and apply for open oceanographer positions or roles.
Where to work
Typical employers of oceanographers include
- Environmental agencies and royal navies.
- Government departments and agencies.
- Environmental consultancies and pressure groups.
- University research departments.
- Research institutes and private corporations.
- Charities and water companies.
- Energy supply firms.
- Ocean instrumentation manufacturers.
Oceanographer Salary Scale
The salary scale of oceanographers varies according to the industry of employment in the United States of America. Oceanographers employed by oil and gas extraction companies earn the most. They are closely followed by oceanographers who work for the federal government and engineering firms respectively. Hence, the average salary of an oceanographer in the United States is 93,580USD per annum.
Similarly, oceanographers earn an average salary of 70,286 EUR per year in Germany which is equivalent to 34EUR per hour. Additionally, oceanographers make an extra 2,094EUR as bonuses yearly in Germany.