Whales, dolphins, seals and other marine mammals are among the most loved and respected wild animals in the world. The general public is drawn to their outgoing personalities, physical prowess and intelligence. Scientists value them as dominant players in the ocean's ecosystems and believe that their health, behavior and population trends reflect the condition of the Earth's seas and coastal environments. Careers in marine mammalogy attract different people for different reasons. Competition for jobs is tough, but there are a variety of opportunities at different levels.
Scientific research anchors many careers in marine mammalogy. Sponsored by academic institutions and government agencies, studies explore population trends, genetics, behavior, physiology, ecosystems and others issues specific to individual species. At colleges and universities, scientists split their time between research and teaching. In government, they focus on research and policy making. Most research jobs go to candidates with advanced degrees and field experience. The Society of Marine Mammalogy advises those interested in these careers to pursue internships, volunteer work and lab assistant jobs that will allow them to develop high-demand skills such as population assessment and genetic analysis. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for marine scientists at colleges and universities in 2011 was $62,000, while those who work for government agencies and other organizations earned a median income of about $57,000.
Conservation scientists gather and analyze data on offshore oil drilling, shipping, fishing and other ocean industries that impact marine mammals and their habitats. They collaborate with resource managers in federal and state governments on conservation policies and habitat restoration plans. Scientists and managers worked together to ban fishing gear known to entangle marine mammals and have written regulations to limit underwater noise that disorientates whales. Jobs as technicians who collect field data require a bachelor's degree in science and, according to the U.S. Bureau of labor Statistics (BLS) paid about $17 an hour in 2011. Conservation scientists who oversee research and advise policy makers typically have graduate degrees and earn an average of $32 an hour. Resource managers have extensive research and policy experience, and their pay averages 34 to $44 an hour.
Marine Mammal Medicine
From 2001 to 2009, the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) recorded more than 50,000 incidents of marine mammal strandings, injuries and disease. NOAA operates 32 rehabilitation facilities for marine mammals throughout the United States and more than 120 organizations participate in a rescue and care network. Many programs depend on volunteers and interns who receive on-the-job training. However, those jobs can be entry points into the field of marine mammal medicine, which also provides care for the thousands of animals kept in captivity at sea parks and aquariums. Practitioners with undergraduate degrees attend traditional four-year veterinary schools and then specialize in marine mammal medicine. The BLS lists the median salary for veterinarians as $82,000 a year in 2011. Technicians with associate's degrees in animal husbandry assist in the care and treatment of animals and earn median salaries of $30,000.
Trainers, Caretakers and Education Specialists
Sea parks and aquariums hire caretakers and trainers to work directly with whales, dolphins and seals kept in captivity. While bachelor's degrees in marine science and zoology are helpful, they are not essential for these jobs. Many private parks and aquariums place a higher value on experience, physical fitness and SCUBA diving certification, and most offer on-the-job training. According to Sea Grant, a government-sponsored resource center for marine-related education and job opportunities, entry-level salaries range from $20,000 to $25,000 a year. Aquariums and parks also employ guides and education specialists who offer programs and presentations about marine mammals to visitors. Education specialists typically have a bachelor's degree and earn roughly $23,000 to $24,000 a year.
- The Oceanography Society: Marine Mammals as Sentinel Species for Oceans and Human Health
- The Society for Marine Mammalogy: Strategies for Pursuing a Career in Marine Mammal Science
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Postsecondary Teachers
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages in In-Scope Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting Industries by Green Revenue Category, November 2011
- Oceana: Whales -- Overview
- Marine Mammal Commission: Homepage
- National Marine Fisheries Service: FAQ -- Whale, Dolphin, Seal, and Sea Lion (Marine Mammal) Strandings
- International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine: How Do I Get Into Aquatic Animal Medicine?
- Sea Grant: Marine Careers -- Salaries by Employment Sector
- Association of Zoos & Aquariums: Careers in Zoos and Aquariums
- Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images