Career Profile:

Oceanographer

Ocean Tracking Network, 2015
Ocean Tracking Network, 2015

$78,796

Median Yearly
Income

fair

Work
Prospects

0

Prospective
Employers

This unit group is for geoscientists and oceanographers: Oceanographers conduct programs of exploration and research on ocean processes, biological, chemical and physical characteristics of oceans, and impacts of human activity on oceans and marine ecosystems.

Work type:

full-time, self-employed

Most likely to work in:

Halifax

Most employees have:

Post-Graduate Degree / Bachelor's Degree

Certification:

N/A

What you do

Oceanographers are responsible for studying the contents, boundaries and other physical and biological aspects of the ocean.



In the oceans technology sector, oceanographers conduct targeted research to provide advice and support to governments and/or industry on a broad range of ocean issues, including sovereignty, safety and security, safe and accessible waterways and the sustainable use of natural resources.



An Oceanographer performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Study physical properties of oceans to develop models, charts and computer simulations of tides, waves, currents and sediment transport;
  • Explore submarine geological structures; and
  • Conduct seismic surveys and study formation of ocean basins and other structures to map ocean floor and areas for offshore oil and gas exploration.




What you need

  • Comfortable working in offshore environments;
  • Enjoy working with scientific data;
  • Have the ability to communicate and cooperate with others;
  • Possess a familiarity with computers; background in physics and biology;
  • You should be curious, adaptable, and patient; and
  • Physical stamina may be necessary for those doing fieldwork at sea.










References and further reading



* The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is "fair", which indicates the changes of a qualified individual finding work is around average.





Your Career Pathway

Opportunities for Hands-on Experience


Secondary School
Co-op Options and Opportunities (Science Streams)
Oceans 11
Not-for-Profits


Post-Secondary Educational Programs


University Bachelor's Degree
Dalhousie: Faculty of Science - Ocean Sciences
4 years, $8,000 / year
Acadia, Dalhousie, Saint Francis Xavier, Saint Mary's: Faculty of Science: Earth Science/Geology
4 years, $8,000 / year


Graduate Programs


NSCC Oceans Technology Program
Advanced one year diploma for students with a Bachelor of Science or Engineering or an Engineering Diploma to further enhance skills in the oeceans technology sector.
Masters Degree
Dalhousie: Faculty of Science - Graduate Studies in Ocean Sciences
2 years, $10,000 / year
Acadia, Dalhousie: Faculty of Science: Graduate Programs in Earth Science/Geology
2 years, $10,000 / year
Doctorate Degree
Dalhousie: Faculty of Science - Graduate Studies in Ocean Sciences
4 years, $10,000 / year
Acadia, Dalhousie: Faculty of Science: Graduate Programs in Earth Science/Geology
4 years, $10,000 / year