The Job Description
Oceanographers use their knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics and geology to study the seas and oceans. Examples of their work include conducting research into the effects of climate change, and exploring the impact of pollution and offshore engineering on marine ecosystems.
As an oceanographer, you could specialise in one of four areas:
marine biology – studying marine plants and animals
marine chemistry – anaylysing the chemical composition of seawater and the behaviour of pollutants
marine geology – studying the structure and make-up of the ocean floor
marine physics – as a marine physicist you would study water temperature and density, wave motion, tides and currents.
You would use a variety of techniques to collect data, including:
remote sensors on satellites
instruments on towed or self-powered submersibles
apparatus on moored or drifting buoys
probes lowered into the sea
drills to explore the seabed and acoustics.
Your work would vary depending on the area you specialise in, but will often include:
research and writing reports
presenting and publishing your findings
working with computer modellers to produce graphical simulations of your research
managing a project
leading a team of technical support staff.
Person Specification
The key personal attributes of good oceanographers include:
strong mathematical and scientific skills
good powers of observation
practical skills
good research and problem solving skills
a flexible approach to work
accuracy and attention to detail
good physical health and fitness for research work
the ability to work alone and as part of a team
excellent spoken and written communication skills.
How to become an oceanographer
To become an oceanographer you need a degree in a science-based subject (such as maths, physics or chemistry). As an alternative, you could do a joint honours degree, studying oceanography with either maths, physics or chemistry. Many employers also prefer you to have a relevant postgraduate qualification. For example, a good preparation for work in marine physics would be a physics degree followed by an MSc in Oceanography.
Many degree courses in this area include fieldwork and take around four years to complete. At postgraduate-level, there are taught Masters degrees, research degrees and PhD programmes. The Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) has details of relevant courses and possible funding options; see Further Information.
To get onto a relevant science-based degree you will usually need:
five or more GCSEs (A-C) including English, maths and three science subjects
two or three A levels, including maths, physics and one other science or computing
However, please check with course providers because alternative qualifications may also be accepted.
Training and Development
As an oceanographer you will usually receive on-the-job training from your employer, which will often be combined with short courses, self-managed learning, seminars and conferences.
To help keep you up-to-date, the SUT has details of courses including a Continuing Professional Development programme offered by a group of universities known as MTEC (Marine Technology Education Consortium).
The Pay (a rough guide)
Starting salaries can be between £19,000 and £22,000 a year
With experience this can rise to around £36,000.
Job Prospects
In the UK, many jobs in oceanography are created and funded by the Natural Environment Research Council. You will find jobs (career )opportunities with organisations, such as the National Oceanography Centre (Southampton), Sea Mammal Research Institute and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.
You could also work within teaching and research at a university, with the Royal Navy, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Environment Agency, and the Department for Environments, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
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