Physical Oceanographer

Job Details

Sector(s)

Project Development; Component Manufacturing and Research & Development; Construction; Operations & Maintenance

Median Pay

$93,580 per year

$44.99 per hour

Job Type

Entry to Mid-Level

Typical Entry-Level
Education and Work
Experience
Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; little to no experience required

Alternate Titles

Resource scientist, field oceanographer, marine scientist, coastal scientist, and climate researcher.

Brief Job Description

Physical oceanographers study ocean physics, such as the movement of seawater and sediment, interactions between oceans and coastlines, interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, and many other ocean processes.

Education and Training Level Description

Physical oceanographers typically need a bachelor’s degree in oceanography, geology, physics, or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates with marine fieldwork experience. Physical oceanographers should perform research and take courses that are rooted in physics, mathematics, and fluid mechanics.

Opportunities to advance from an assistant physical oceanographer to a lead researcher arise from increased experience and higher levels of education. Gaining experience and knowledge in a broad background of all (including biological, chemical, and geological) fields of oceanography is necessary to advance within a physical oceanography career. Earning a master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant science or engineering field can also yield advancement opportunities.  

Job Profile

Physical oceanography is a versatile research area that explores the physics of the ocean and other related processes. Principally, physical oceanographers study the properties and movement and properties of seawater (including waves, underwater noise, currents, tides, temperatures, and densities) and how the ocean interacts with boundaries (such as the atmosphere, seafloor, and coastlines). 

Physical oceanographers engage in fieldwork, numerical modeling, development of operational and design criteria, remote sensing, and experimental work in laboratories. Physical oceanographers conduct characterization studies that describe the processes or characteristics of a specific portion of the ocean. They also develop the design and operational criteria for marine structures and vessels. These criteria ensure the structures and vessels are designed to withstand and best utilize the ocean environment in which they are built and operated.

Physical oceanographers typically:

  • Measure currents, waves, tides, and other movements of seawater
  • Monitor and understand the environmental effects from, for example, underwater noise, scour, and sediment transport
  • Use satellite information or data collected by on-site instruments to develop the spatial and temporal distribution of parameters like sea temperature, currents, wave heights, and wind speeds
  • Measure temperature, density, composition, and other properties of ocean water
  • Assist with oceanographic instrumentation system design, specification, construction, and documentation
  • Support and lead oceanographic data acquisition and analysis projects and subsequently prepare reports that consolidate these analysis results
  • Use hindcast models to develop normal and extreme statistics for a site and hence advise system operational and design tasks
  • Consult with policymakers regarding relevant developments in oceanography
  • Navigate federal and international procedures, regulations, and best practices
  • Collaborate on domestic and international field missions.

Job Skills

Physical oceanographers typically need:

  • Communication skills. Physical oceanographers write reports and research papers. They must be able to present their findings clearly to other scientists and team members as well as clients or professionals who do not have a background in oceanography.
  • Critical-thinking skills. Physical oceanographers base their findings on sound observation and careful evaluation of data.
  • Problem-solving skills. Physical oceanographers work on complex projects filled with challenges. Evaluating statistical data and other forms of information in order to make judgments and inform the actions of other workers requires a special ability to perceive and address problems.
  • Analytical Skills. Physical oceanographers must be able to process and draw conclusions from  datasets that are often large and complex. 

More Information, Job Opportunities, etc.

For more information on physical oceanographer jobs, see: 

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