Marine Biologist Job Description

Marine Biologist Duties and Responsibilities

Marine Biologist job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

• Conduct inventories, testing and monitoring of marine life exposed to pollutants.
• Collect and analyze samples, and develop new theories based on this research.
• Engage in coring techniques, geographic information systems (GIS), visual recording and sampling in order to determine the health of the marine environment.
• Coordinate and track assignments, schedules and budgets.
• Lecture on policy, planning and management of marine activities.
• Conduct expeditions on fishing and research vessels in polar, temperate and tropical seas.
• Provide policymakers with the scientific information needed to best manage the marine environment and advocate this in the policy process through government liaison, press and media.
• Preserve specimens and samples of known and unknown species and diseases.
• Track the distribution, ranges and/or movements of marine populations.
• Scuba dive to survey endangered organisms and implementing preservation strategies.
• Prepare detailed reports for agencies, funders, commercial organizations, government organizations or oil companies drilling on the seabed.
• Communicate the latest findings on marine biology through academic publications, conferences or outreach.
• Conduct environmental impact assessments that evaluate possible environmental impacts of proposed projects or developments.

Marine Biologist Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Marine Biologist job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

• Degree in Marine Biology or Marine Science or similar (essential).
• 2 years of experience in a Marine Science environment.
• Ability to plan and execute experimental protocols.
• Excellent knowledge of microscopes, electronic equipment, dissection, collection and preservation of biological and chemical samples.
• Adaptable to live in basic living conditions in minimalist environments, to work in all types of weather and to live aboard research vessels.
• Analytical thinker with strong conceptual and research skills.
• Intuitive leader who displays accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong numeracy and IT skills.
• Excellent laboratory skills, such as sequencing, writing risk assessments and standard operating procedures.
• Willingness to keep up to date with current marine information and research.
• Superb interpersonal skills to work with a variety of people from local fisherman and government officials to activists and professors.
• Fantastic teamwork skills, whether working as part of a research team in a laboratory or an expedition team at sea.
• Practical experience in scuba diving, boat handling and first aid.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Marine Biologist starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Marine Biologist job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Marine Biologist may also reference it in preparation for the interview.