Marine Biologist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Marine biologists study of marine or saltwater organisms. They are interested in a number of marine features, including the process of marine development, how organisms interact with one another and the ecosystem, and how organisms adapt to their environment. Marine biologists focus on increasing knowledge of the fluid environment and how marine organisms function today in order to predict how ecosystems will cope with large-scale changes such as global warming, overfishing, and pollution. (Eco.ca)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- Career profile: Marine Biologist - Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada
- Careers in Marine and Aquatic Sciences - Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University
- Careers in Marine Biologys- Southwest Fisheries Science Centre Marine Biology Overview (U.S.)
- Biology Career Overview - from the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center
- Marine Biology - overview from Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology'
Education
The University of Manitoba does not offer specialized training in Marine Biology, but does offer degree programs in Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences. Within these programs students can complete a range of relevant courses including those focused on animal physiology, aquatic ecosystems, and marine biodiversity. Please view the links below for more information about training programs at U of M and others in North America.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit the faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Fisheries and Wildlife: Current Job Trends and Future Growth - 2017 labour market report from ECO Canada
Professional Associations
Professional associations organize events and directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities are also available. This is a great way to learn and network.
- The Society for Marine Mammalogy
- Canadian Society of Zoologists
- Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists
- American Institute for Biological Sciences
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Bioscience Association Manitoba
- Manitoba Environmental Industries Association
- Association of Zoos and Aquariums (North America)
- Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance - members
- International Association of Aquatic and Marine Science Libraries and Information Centers
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience:
- International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
- Ocean Networks Canada - University of Victoria
- Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada
- Fisheries & Oceans Canada - Government of Canada
- Institute of Ocean Sciences - Government of Canada
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada - view 'Students and Fellows'
- Nature Vancouver (Marine Biology Section) - Vancouver, BC
- Nature Manitoba
- Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre - Canada
- Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society
- World Wildlife Federation
- Canadian Wildlife Federation
- MarineBio Conservation - nonprofit conservation and science education group
- International Maritime Organization - UN agency
- Marine Conservation Institute (U.S.)
- Marine Mammal Commission
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- International Oceans Institute
- Ocean Wise - Global Conservation Organization
- Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters
- Journal of Coastal Research - CERF
- Science Careers Magazine - American Association for the Advancement of Science