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So you want to become a Marine Mammalogist? Well here's what it takes... by Chelsea |
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What does a marine mammalogist do? There are about one hundred species of marine mammals in the following distinct groups that marine mammalogists study. The Order Pinnipeds includes seals, sea lions, fur seals, and walruses. The Order Cetaceans includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The Order Sirenians includes dugongs and manatees. Marine mammalogists also study carnivores such as sea otters and polar bears. |
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What should I do to pursue a career in marine
mammalogy? For undergraduate education there are only a few universities that offer actual marine mammalogy majors therefore the student must first become a scientist before specializing. Most marine mammal jobs require a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology, chemistry, physics, geology, marine biology, zoology, animal behavior, or psychology. A minor in science, computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering can also be advantageous to the the student. A key to the student’s undergraduate studies should be practical experience/field work within the field of marine mammalogy. Some options are as follows: volunteering at an aquarium or zoo, being a lab assistant or volunteering in any federal, state or local organizations that work with marine mammals. The first time the student will have the option to specialize in marine mammalogy will usually be during his or her graduate studies. One advantage to keep in mind is to have dual majors, interdisciplinary training, or a minor. |
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What can I expect to be paid? A marine mammalogist does not enter the field because of what he or she will get paid. These scientists endure long, wet, sunburned days at sea, numerous laboratory hours, endless computer work, hours of cleanup, many reports, as well as grant and permit applications. The most common salary range is the $30,000 - $40,000 range. |
| Why should I have practical work experience? Practical work experience is an advantage because if the student is volunteering for one particular organization then that organization has been able to observe the individual’s work habits and see if the individual is truly devoted to the field. Most often when looking for new staff members, an organization will look to it’s volunteers before considering outside sources. |
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What are some attributes that
will help me to find a good job? Strong communication skills in order to work with others and convey important information/data is a must. The student should posses the ability to work within a group and eventually to lead a group once he/she has begun to head individual research projects. A passion for the work and constant curiosity is also an advantage. Strong writing skills to be used extensively in reports, grant or permit applications and eventually in publications is needed as well as a commitment to any dates/deadlines set for you or those which you set for yourself. |
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| Sources Used |
The Society for Marine Mammalogy
National Marine Mammal Laboratory