Featured Careers
Aquarist
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An aquarist has the fascinating job of getting up close and personal with a bunch of cool creatures. He or she is in charge of feeding, treating diseases and observing the behavior of animals in any given aquarium exhibit.
And let's not forget the scrubbing! An aquarist's job involves putting in some elbow grease to keep the exhibits looking their best. When not working with exhibits, an aquarist is out exploring and collecting animals or, quite possibly, doing important research on how to feed or care for animals.
Educational Background
A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in biology or a related field is required.
Skills Needed
To be a successful aquarist, you need a SCUBA certification, knowledge of local marine life, experience caring for marine animals, people skills and an ability to work with a team.
Staff profile
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Don't miss our staff profile of an aquarist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium!
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Research Biologist
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Imagine a day of SCUBA diving, a night on a research vessel at sea, a trip into mysterious deep waters in a submersible...and then, of course, there's always the desk work!
A research biologist works with other scientists to research and explore many different marine-related topics and projects. Since research goes beyond books, you get to go on adventures out of town or even out of the country to meet and talk to people studying similar issues.
Educational Background
Becoming a researcher is hard work, but it pays off when you land a challenging and exciting job! Focus on science and math in high school and college and get as much field experience as you can with internships or volunteer work. Attend college and finish graduate school with at least a Master's degree in biological science.
Skills Needed
As a marine researcher, you're actually Sherlock Holmes with a SCUBA certification! Researchers use logic and data analysis for problem solving as well as writing skills to present their findings. Plus, be ready to spend long days on a boat in sometimes really rough seas.
Staff profile
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Read our staff profile to learn more about what it takes to be a research biologist.
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Education Specialist
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An education specialist works in creative ways to teach people of all ages about the wonders of marine science and ocean conservation. In this job, you could be out in the field on adventures with kids, in an aquarium discovering fascinating facts with a school group, or even visiting classrooms to make learning about the ocean fun for both teachers and students.
Educational Background
To score a job as an education specialist at an aquarium, you'll need an undergraduate degree in marine science, education or environmental education. Try to get as much teaching experience as possible. The more experience you have interacting with people of all ages, the better!
Skills Needed
This job is definitely for an energetic person with skills in leadership, communication, organization, writing and research. The ability to speak another language, such as Spanish, is highly recommended.
Staff profile
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Don't miss our aquarium education specialist staff profile.
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Marine Mammalogist
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A marine mammalogist's jobs range from daily veterinary care and training to rescuing stranded mammals like otter pups. Sometimes mammalogists rehabilitate animals so they can be released back to the wild and survive on their own.
Educational Background
For an entry-level position as a trainer or technician, you need a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology, zoology or animal behavior. If you go for your Masters or Ph.D., you'll specialize in a specific research area. For example, if you'd like to work with whales, you should specialize in cetacean biology. If you're interested in seals, your focus will be on pinnipeds.
Skills Needed
It takes more than just a love of marine mammals to be successful as a marine mammalogist. You need strong science and math skills, patience while working with animals and keen observation skills and persistence.
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Want to learn more about working with sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium? Check out the Sea Otter Research and Conservation Program.
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Science Writer
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Ever wonder who writes all those catchy exhibit signs in an aquarium? A science writer, that's who! A science writer takes complicated scientific information and says it in a way that's fun and interesting for aquarium visitors. There are lots of great jobs at an aquarium for a science writer. Besides writing exhibit signs, you could write books about marine life for the publishing department or even be an online writer for an aquarium's website.
Educational Background
Many science writers at an aquarium start out with an undergraduate degree in some area of marine science or environmental studies and then go on to get a Master's degree in communications.
Skills Needed
It takes more than just a knack for writing to be a successful science writer. Since science writers work with a team of scientists, designers and educators, it's important for a science writer to have good people skills. Organizational skills and the ability to meet tight deadlines are also key.
Staff profile
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Read our staff profile to learn more about being a science writer at the aquarium.
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