A graduate Marine biologist often is responsible for the management of an aquaculture facility. The main responsibility for the marine biologist is to secure the biological conditions for safe production. The biologist manages feeding, medication, sorting and harvesting. They also take biological samples in order to monitor the environment for the organisms.
Typical work activities
The role of a Marine Biologist can vary depending on the size of the farm. On small farms, a marine biologist takes part in most activities on the farm. Also since the marine biologist usually has a higher education, they can often take a role in the business administration of the company. Many trained Marine Biologists also undertake research in the aquaculture sector both within research institutes and in industry.
Work conditions (applies to Norway)
Range of typical starting salaries:
€33,000 to €40,000
Range of typical management salaries
€45,000 to €55,000
Working hours
Depending on season and position in the company. In the harvesting season the marine biologist may work long hours. Since the job includes care for live creatures the work is often organised in work shifts.
Mobility in industry
The options for mobility are very high. A skilled marine biologist can change workplace over night if desired. Good references are important. If you are newly educated with no contacts or personal network, you may face some problems with getting a job immediately.
Permanent or temporary work available
If you have good references and a network of contacts, getting a job is no problem. Temporary jobs may be available on projects.
Relevant degree in the following subjects essential
Bachelor of science: Honours Degree in Marine Biology (five years of study) including higher level courses in mathematics and chemistry. (Higher education in business administration is also relevant for the job, but not part of the degree.)
Some students take part time jobs during their study. Some work as laboratory assistants, while others work on projects in the field during the holiday seasons. In Norway, the Norwegian Institute of Oceanography, Bergen and The University of Tromsø have research ships where students from time to time are allowed to join oceanographical surveys. But most of the training comes at work after the student has graduated. In the aquaculture industry some of the courses are paid for by the employers, but it is quite common that suppliers of feed and equipment to the industry arrange free courses for their customers.
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