Oceanographer
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Oceanographers conduct programs of exploration and research on ocean processes and phenomena, biological, chemical and physical characteristics of oceans, interactions with atmospheric and geological environments and impacts of human activity on oceans and marine ecosystems. Oceanographers are employed by governments, educational institutions and private companies engaged in exploration of seafloor deposits and sea farming areas, or they may be self employed (National Occupational Classification).
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupation Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- ECO Canada profiles - career profile page
- Career Explorer by Sokanu: U.S.-based occupational information
- What does an oceanographer do? - National Ocean Service
- A Career in Physical Oceanography - Earth Observatory (NASA)
- Meet the scientists studying Canada's oceans - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- Sea Grant Guide to Ocean Opportunities - Marinecareers.net
Education
An oceanographer typically hold a master's degree or PhD in oceanography. The University of Manitoba offers courses in oceanography through the Department of Environment and Geography, as well as applicable courses in the Faculty of Science. Some graduate programs in oceanography may accept students with backgrounds in engineering.
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.
- ECO Canada Labour Market Information - reports on job market, job postings, supply and demand
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
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 following associations are a sample of those related to this field.
- Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS-SCMO)
- Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO)
- National Oceanography Centre (UK)
- American Geophysical Union
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.
- Ocean Networks Canada - includes membership lists of vendors, funders and partners
- National Ocean Service (U.S.)
- Oceanology International Americas - includes an exhibitor list for major marine science conference
- International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)
- The Oceanography Society (TOS) - includes career profiles
- Center for Ocean Leadership - includes a membership list
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.
- ECO Canada- Industry job board
- Career Opportunities - from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Jobs at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans - Government of Canada
- Good Work Canada - Green jobs
- Work Cabin (Canada)
- Canadian Environmental Network
- National Association of Environmental Professionals job board (U.S.)
- Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography - job board
- Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society - job board
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience:
- Women Oceanographers - profiles of women exploring the oceans
- Bedford Institute of Oceanography - Government of Canada
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada Profiles - Government of Canada
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada - view 'Students and Fellows' programs
- NASA Oceanography
- Ocean Bridge - an conservation organization that includes experiential learning for youth
- The Conversation - Articles on marine science
- Careers in Oceanography - from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (San Diego)
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - U.S. Government Department
- OceanUS - the magazine of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution