Our careers advice team at Animal Jobs Direct often get asked about marine biology careers and associated marine biology courses and marine biology distance learning courses. Marine Biology careers and marine biology courses are varied; here's some information about the following most popular marine biology jobs: Marine and Freshwater Biologist, Marine Rescue Officer, Aquarist, Naturalist and Herpetologist.

These are highly stimulating careers involving working with animals in marine environments. Those wishing to pursue a marine biology or aquaria career should have excellent problem solving skills and the ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data. Many of these jobs require some aspects of teaching or explaining to audiences through reports and presentations. Aquariums offer a varied range of conservation and animal care positions. To improve employment prospects, it is worth considering signing up to a relevant marine biology course such as the Marine Zoology Course, Marine Biology Course or Marine Conservation course.

The work of a Marine Biologist involves sea animals and plants. Freshwater Biologists research subjects on lakes or rivers, they study pollution alerts and investigate depleted fish stocks that may have resulted from over-fishing. Both Marine Biologist and Freshwater Biologist jobs are highly scientific roles and usually require a first degree in marine biology or a first degree in biology followed by a higher degree in marine or freshwater biology. However, some scientists suggest that it is better to take a conventional biology degree and specialise with a Masters or PhD. To work as a Marine Biologist, you must have a good level of competence in chemistry, maths and be computer literate. It is also important to be observant, practical and to enjoy analysing data. Marine Biology course entry requirements can vary and there are several Marine Biology courses in Scotland and Southampton as well as Marine Biology Open University. There are also Marine Biology distance learning courses such as the Animal Jobs Direct Level 3 Marine Biology course.

Marine Biologists may spend much of their time working on boats after which they are required to analyse their findings in laboratories and write reports. The work of a Marine Biologist involves studying creatures such as plankton, algae, fish larvae and shrimps etc, and understanding how marine organisms function, how they relate to the environment, and to other creatures. Our understanding of such creatures enables us to measure a variety of things including: the impact of global warming, pollution, over-fishing and damage through tourism.Some marine biologists work in aquariums or zoos that have a marine section. Other employment opportunities for marine biologists exist with research laboratories, environmental agencies, fisheries, water companies, oil companies, commercial fishing companies, coastal authorities and Defra’s marine and fisheries department.Marine Animal Rescue Charities employ marine rescue officers to work to rescue and rehabilitate injured, stranded or sick marine animals. This work is particularly important during natural disasters and organisations can require extra help at these times and this type of work can be extremely rewarding when successful. The work of Marine Rescue Officer is carried out by volunteers and rescuers who have studied some type of marine biology course (or marine biology courses), and attended hands-on marine animal rehabilitation training. The Marine Animal Rescue distance learning course includes a practical British Divers Marine Life Rescue Marine Mammal Medic one day education session. This training includes 4 lectures and practical training at the water's edge with 3 modules dealing with seal rescue, dolphin rescue and whale rescue. Most marine biology courses are useful as relevant training for this type of work.

Aquarist is a popular entry level marine biology career involving hands on work in an aquarium. Aquarist work involves having responsibility for the aquatic systems. Aquarists may also be responsible for advising on nutrition and assisting with the collection and transport of fish, amphibians and reptiles. This marine biology career requires candidates to be good swimmers and to have an up to date scuba diving qualification. The work is strenuous and may include heavy lifting; it is essential that candidates are physically fit and strong. Candidates must have a good understanding of water chemistry and a general knowledge of fish species. Whist many aquarists work in aquarium environments, some professional aquarists specialise in outdoor fish ponds. For many this means self employment - visiting residential and commercial clients several times per month; analysing water and fish health; changing water, cleaning filters and removing algae and treating sick fish. Consider the Diploma in Ichthyology or other marine biology courses for this type of work.

A Herpetologist studies and provides information about reptiles and amphibians including snakes, lizards, frogs, alligators, turtles and other reptilian and amphibious creatures. Herpetology work involves observing general behaviour, research, conducting food supply studies and occasionally even searching for and documenting new species. Herpetologists must be excellent researchers and must enjoy analysing information and producing reports. This includes having good skills of observation and a scientific inclination. Herpetologists working in an aquarium are responsible for caring for the Aquarium’s amphibians and reptiles and many study Herpetology courses.Increasingly, Herpetologists work to care for the many reptiles and amphibians that are given up by people who wrongly assumed they would make good pets. This is unfortunately a growing problem and there are many charitable organisations requiring expert assistance with these creatures. Marine Biology courses and the Herpetology Diploma Course is relevant training for this career and this distance learning course includes valuable practical training at an RSPCA animal rescue centre.

Naturalists - are educational specialists, their work involves teach aquarium visitors about marine biology, marine science and ocean conservation. Naturists specialise in the study of saltwater plants and animals and how they relate to their environment. Their work helps determine how marine ecosystems will cope with changes such as global warming, pollution, pressure from fisheries and damage caused by tourism in sensitive areas. Some aspects of this work can involve field expeditions and school visits. It is an exciting career for those who are passionate about marine science and marine biology and can convey enthusiasm in their teaching about the subject. The Marine Conservation Diploma course or a marine biology course is relevant training along with work experience and public speaking experience.
Marine Biology careers are diverse and fascinating and there are various marine biology courses available.