What is an Oceanographer?An oceanographer is a global

scientist that studies a wide variety oftopics. One might be a biologist,chemist, physicist, geologist, engineer,mathematician, computer scientist,meteorologist or YOU!Oceanographers are a group of peoplethat work together worldwide toexpand the knowledge of the globalocean and educate others aboutocean processes.

earthquak~ s. A biologicaloceanograI,her is interested in howplants and animals develop, relate toone anoth~r , adapt and interact withthe ocean c~nvironment. The newestarea of biological oceanography ismarine mo:.ecular biology. TheseoceanograI,hers are interested inrecovering resources forbiotechnol(lgy, making sure thatresponses to pollution problems arethe best aD d most environmentallysound, as ,veIl as developing methodsto restock our oceans supplies andthe best ac;uaculture techniques areavailable ill ld used.

Who do Oceanographer's work with?OCeanOltTapher's work with policy

makers, so ~ial scientists, educators,and businesses to develop effectiveways of managing and maintaining ourocean reSOllfces. Through continuedresearch, n ~w technology, andcombined t:fforts, we are learning howthe oceans affect life and the future ofour planet. ""'"

What makl ~S a good oceanographer?Oceanol~raphers must share an

excitement! curiosity and sense ofadventure in exploring planet Earth'slargest environment. It is reallybeneficial to develop goodcommunic~ tion skills and to workeffectively is a team member. Not tomention enjoying a challenge and beingperseverin~ even when times become

What does an Oceanographer do?Unlike the marine biologists who

focus their attentions on critters ofthe sea, oceanographers are busyanswering questions about theprocesses of the ocean. For instance,as a chemical oceanographer youmight study how seawater andsediments form, how pollutants andwaste disposal impact the ocean, orhow the ocean affects climate. As aphysical oceanographer, you would belikely to study the ocean from a 'bigpicture' perspective, often usingsatellites (remote sensing) tounderstand how and where watermoves. You might also have aninterest in how the ocean interactswith the land and atmosphere toinfluence weather patterns. As amarine geologist or geophysicist, youmay study the formation of beaches,map the Earth's interior, or drilling intothe ocean's floor to discover theocean's history or sea level rise and

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and education. If you are committed toexploring a <areer in oceanography, staycurrent on tile job market, accesselectronic bulletins, join professionalorganization:;, and pursue your dreamaggressively. -

difficult. In preparing to be anoceanographer it is helpful to be flexibleand explore all your options in this evergrowing field of study. If you are thinkingabout being an oceanographer, preparebefore you go to college. Take as manymath, science, and computer classes inschool as you can. This will prepare youfor a variety of jobs. Generally the moremath you take, the higher the salary youwill have. Your goal in high school shouldbe to have at least 4 math and 4 sciencecredits. Be a volunteer and shadow in asmany places as you can. There are a lotof summer programs available in thesciences. To find programs, contact theNational Marine Educators Association(408) 648-4837, and the nearest Sea Grantoffice in your area. After you graduatefrom high school, get an undergraduatedegree in one of the basic sciences, andthen pursue a master's or doctoraldegree to successfully enter a career asa professional oceanographer.

Persevere in following your dream. Becommitted to hard work, dedication, andthe will to succeed.

Where are 4)ceanographers foundworking?

Oceanogr~phers are found in everygeographic r4~gion in the world. In theUnited State~, most are found primarilyalong the Pac~ific, Atlantic and Gulf coastsand on the (-reat Lakes

An ocean,)grapher can work in a varietyof different :;ettings, and offices. Forexample, you may be in a small boat alongthe coastline for a day, in a laboratorysetting for s(~veral days, or on a researchvessel for se'/eral months. You may be onthe water, in the water, under the water,and studying the areas from the shorelinewhere the w~ter meets the land. Being anoceanograph,~r is not a nine to five job, oralways in for:nal environments.

Scientists are found in academicinstitutions. They teach classes, advisegraduate stu :lents, supervise laboratoryassistants, alLd engineers who design andbuild their instruments, and serve oncommittees i'or their departments andinstitutions. This allows them greatfreedom in deciding which projects, andactivities to :;>ursue.

Other sci(~ntists work in legislativeoffices, coas1:al zone management,international relations, the Armed Services,all federal a~ encies concerned with theocean envirotllllent, consulting agencies

What are the job opportunities inOceanography?

The career opportunities that areavailable will depend on market demandand competition. Currently, the greatestdemand in oceanography is for chemicaland physical oceanographers and oceanengineers. The future looks bright in thefields of remote sensing, mathematicalmodeling, computer programming,aquaculture, biotechnology, engineering

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and other private industries.Finally, scientists are found in public

education and recreation. Manyscientists are active in withveterinarians, in science journalism,aquariums, marine sanctuaries, andparks. Others are found in museums,and other science centers.Be encouraged to know that the longhours and the hard work are extremelyrewarding.

References:Marine Science Careers -A Sea GrantGuide to Ocean Opportunities. SeaGrant Communications Office, KingmanFarm, University of New Hampshire,Durham,NHO3824-3512

Greely, Teresa, and Lori Huthmacher,1997. Oceanographic CareersPresentation for Eckerd College.

Careers in Oceanography and MarineRelated Fields. 1995. TheOceanographic Society. 4052 TimberRidge Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

The National Science Foundation. Officeof Legislative and Public Affairs, Room1245, Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA22230

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