Careers Working with Ocean Animals: Job Options and Requirements
While most people probably think about trainers of dolphins or other marine mammals, there are a number of additional careers that involve work with ocean animals, including caretaking, rescue services and conservation. This article covers three jobs related to ocean animals - aquarium educator, underwater filmmaker and marine biology researcher.
Job Options Working with Ocean Animals
Aquarium Educator
Aquarium educators organize and conduct lectures and presentations for school classes, research societies and other groups. When showing different ocean animals, they may use a hands-on approach, such as instructing students on how to properly pet a stingray. Some educators lead groups on excursions outside of the aquarium, including scuba diving trips and coastal hikes, to watch ocean animals in their natural habitat.
Underwater Filmmaker
Underwater filmmakers document the behaviors of various ocean animals, often as a way to obtain more knowledge about these creatures or to create public awareness. Filmmakers first choose the focus of their film, such as the migration pattern of whales, and then consult with marine researchers on where to best shoot footage. They might supervise a team of cameramen, crew members and researchers, as well as working with editors to organize footage and thus create a film.
Marine Biology Researcher
These scientists observe ocean animals and record their observations. Many choose to specialize in a particular animal, such as the sea turtle, or ocean region, such as the South Pacific. They may handle ocean animals to gather specimen samples and measurements or to tag them with tracking devices. Marine biology researchers then analyze their findings and write reports that can further educate the public.
Requirements for Jobs Working with Ocean Animals
Education
Both aquarium educators and researchers typically must hold a graduate degree, although the the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that smaller facilities may hire applicants with a bachelor's degree and ample experience (www.bls.gov). Marine biology degree programs can provide a broad knowledge-base applicable to these and other careers dealing with ocean animals. Graduate-level coursework in this field usually covers biology, marine mammal behaviors and marine environmental issues. Some students may choose to specialize in a subfield like marine mammal veterinary sciences.
Several employers in the film industry prefer experience over formal education. Nevertheless, investors hiring teams to create an underwater film may prefer applicants with an undergraduate degree. As of 2008, the BLS reported that most cameramen and editors possessed a bachelor's degree related to the technical side of filmmaking, such as cinematography. Operating underwater equipment requires specific training that may not be part of every film degree program.
Additional Training and Experience
Many careers working with ocean animals require scuba diver training. Community colleges and other organizations offer courses that can be completed in under a year. Programs generally provide training in equipment operation, safety procedures and other diving fundamentals. Some programs offer industrial training, such as underwater welding, which could be useful in some careers working with ocean animals.
Jobs in this industry can be extremely competitive, and previous experience can make individuals better job candidates. Aquariums and marine-based entertainment parks often have student internship programs that provide basic training in animal care. Some universities also offer fellowship programs that connect students with local marine research organizations. Volunteering with coastal animal rescue organizations can provide the skills needed for working with wild animals.
Careers working with ocean animals also tend to require significant patience and, in some cases, a willingness to travel. Strong business skills can help in obtaining funding for research trips, equipment and other expenses.
Related to Careers Working with Ocean Animals: Job Options and Requirements
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Holistic Care for Companion Animals: Education and Career Options
As opposed to conventional veterinary medicine's focus on physical symptoms, holistic veterinary care emphasizes...
Veterinary Technician (Small Animals): Overview of Becoming a Small Animal Technician
Learn how to become a small animal veterinary technician. Research the job description and the education and...
Become a Cryptozoologist: Education and Career Roadmap
Research the requirements to become a cryptozoologist. Learn about the job description and duties and read the...
How to Become a Taxidermist: Education and Career Roadmap
Learn how to become a taxidermist. Research the career requirements, training information and experience required for...
Become a Virologist: Education and Career Roadmap
- How to Become a Physiologist: Education and Career Roadmap
- Top Schools for Animal Training
- Veterinary Assistant Certificate Programs
- Top University with a Master's in Public Administration Degree - Arlington, VA
- Best School for Learning Digital Media and Multimedia - Phoenix, AZ
- Top Animation Degree Programs - Chicago, IL
- Top Continuing Teacher Education Programs - Indianapolis, IN
- Animal Trainer: Introduction to the Animal Training Professions
- How to Become an Animal Keeper: Step-by-Step Career Guide
- Top Ranked School for a Degree in Marketing - Colorado Springs, CO
- Top Ranked Psychology and Counseling Degrees - Honolulu, HI
- Top School for a Degree in International Business - Charlotte, NC
7 Popular Schools
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- All programs require applicants to have graduated high school in 2008 or earlier
- Must be 22 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- California (1 campus)
- Minnesota (1 campus)
- Texas (1)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Bachelor
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Master
-
Associate
-
- AS in Health Science
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Bachelor
-
- BS in Health Studies - General
- BS in Health Studies - Health Management
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
- Non-Degree
-
School locations:
- Georgia (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Associate
-
- AS in Allied Health Science
-
Other Schools:
-
School locations:
- Alabama (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at The University of Alabama include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Marine Biology
- General Biology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
-
School locations:
- Delaware (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Delaware include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Ecology
- Marine Biology
- General Biology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics
- Zoology
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
-
School locations:
- Florida (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Florida State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Bioinformatics
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Marine Biology
- General Biology
- Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Biophysics
- Physiology and Related Sciences
