Explore career options in marine science
Here you can find information on career options and pathways in the Marine Sciences field of study.
You can also discover where to look for job vacancies, as well as professional associations, mentoring and international opportunities.
Opportunities
Pursuing a career in marine sciences opens a gateway to a diverse and rewarding array of professional pathways.
Marine biologists delve into the mysteries of marine life, conducting essential research and conservation efforts.
Marine ecologists explore the complex interactions within marine ecosystems, aiming to understand and protect these vital environments.
Coastal management specialists work to sustainably develop and protect coastal regions, balancing human needs with environmental preservation.
Meanwhile, experts in marine chemistry and biotechnology work to monitor and mitigate the effects of pollution to the marine environment via innovative technologies, or alternatively harness the biochemistry of marine organisms for innovative applications in drug development.
As a graduate, you will be equipped to tackle problems that affect our oceans, tourism, fisheries and food production industries, climate change, pollution and waste management.
Career fields
Each of these career pathways may require different levels of education, from a bachelor's degree to a PhD, as well as specific skills and sometimes additional certifications.
- Environmental and coastal planning
- Conservation and resource management
- Research and academia
- Government and regulatory agencies
- Private sector
- Education and outreach
- Climate change adaption
- Marine spatial planning (GIS)
- Water quality
- Disaster management
- Aquaculture
- Ecotoxicology
- Environmental consulting
- Biotechnology
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Marine pollution
- Policy advising
- Oceanographic modelling
- Tourism
Employment roles
- Coastal planner (GIS roles)
- Aquarium technician
- Marine scientist
- Academic researcher
- Research assistant
- Resilience and adaption specialist
- Coastal management coordinator
- Technical officer
- Fisheries technician (water quality)
- Oceanographer
- Marine park ranger/manager
- Aquaculture technical
- Biotechnologist
Occupation snapshot
Employed
760
Future demand
Stable
Weekly earnings
$1,555
Part-time share
19%
This data is based on the occupation profile for park rangers, retrieved from the Government's Jobs and Skills Australia website and YourCareer website August 2024.
Your employability
In addition to knowledge and skills directly related to your program of study, you will also develop a range of other skills such as teamwork, analytical, communication through academic study, employment, voluntary work, sporting and recreational activities and life experience.
Recognising the value employers place on these skills is an important factor in your graduate job search. You can further develop your employability with these resources:
Vacancies
Information on relevant vacancies can be found in a wide range of sources:
- CareerHub
- NRM Jobs (Jobs in environment, water & natural resource management)
- Seek marine jobs
- Australian Antarctic Division vacancies
- Australian Fisheries Management Authority
- Australian Institute of Marine Science
- Australian Public Service recruitment
- Adzuna marine science jobs
- Bureau of Meteorology graduate vacancies
- Environmental Jobs Network
- Evolve Scientific Recruitment
- Grad Australia
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority vacancies
- New South Wales Government jobs
- Oceanography and marine science jobs (Earthworks)
- Queensland Government Graduate Portal
- Research Career Jobs (Australia & New Zealand)
- TechStaff
Industry insight
A Griffith-led study has developed a model to predict the success of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) based on historical fishing pressure and environmental conditions.
While MPAs can be an important management tool to protect biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of fisheries, not all MPAs increase the number and size of fish over time.
Job application resources
Craft a stand-out resume and cover letter, and learn how to prepare for job interviews.
Approach potential employers
Many work opportunities are not advertised, so we recommend approaching potential employers with the aim of researching their needs and how your skills, experience, interests and qualifications could match theirs.
This is called informational interviewing and will benefit you by:
- clarifying your specific career direction
- enhancing your professional network
- increasing your chances of being offered a job.
Industry outlook
The Your Career website includes helpful information such as job descriptions, employment prospects, average weekly earnings and skills requirements. Every job title in the database has a skills section to help you identify and describe essential skills for your future career.
The My Future website also has job descriptions and a useful career insight section.
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching website has up-to-date information on graduate salaries, especially the Graduate Outlook Survey (GOS) National Report, which contains undergraduate salary figures.
More detailed information is available at the Labour Market Insights portal.
Professional associations
Joining a professional association is a great way to interact with people in your field who can assist you to explore your career options and potentially find employment opportunities. These associations hold regular professional development and networking events:
- Australian Association for Environmental Education
- Australian Coral Reef Society
- Australian Marine Conservation Society
- Australian Marine Sciences Association
- Australian Science Communicators
- Australian Society for Fish Biology
- Ecological Society of Australia
- Environment Institute of Australia & New Zealand
- Society for Conservation Biology
- Society of Wetland Scientists
Students are welcome to join and often receive a discount on their membership.
Mentoring
The award-winning Industry Mentoring Program provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your employability and build professional networks.
The program is available to students with more than 80CP as well as recent graduates.
Industry insight
A unique new partnership that combines marine research with Google AI technology will enhance researchers’ understanding of humpback whale behaviours, migration patterns and marine habitats.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is committed to advancing sustainable development through comprehensive initiatives that promote economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and good governance for all.
Further careers information
Careers counselling
Individual career counselling sessions are available to all current students and recent graduates.
You can book an initial appointment via CareerHub.
Career planning
Our website has an array of career planning resources you can explore at any stage of your student journey.
Career Readiness
Check out our Career Readiness site in Learning@Griffith for additional information and resources for your career development learning:
Please note: The content on this webpage is a guide only. Please refer to degree-specific information and accreditation requirements of your profession on the Degree and Course Finder website and with the relevant professional accreditation body for your degree.