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Marine biologist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted experts

Douglas Conklin Ph.D.,

Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical marine biologist skills. We ranked the top skills for marine biologists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 28.0% of marine biologist resumes contained ecology as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a marine biologist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 marine biologist skills for your resume and career

1. Ecology

Here's how marine biologists use ecology:

Presented findings to public during tours, as well as explained general Sarasota Bay Ecology, History, and Wildlife.
Participated in nearfield and in-plant aquatic ecology monitoring programs for major electric power generating station in New York, New York.

2. Data Analysis

Here's how marine biologists use data analysis:

Used various statistical applications to perform data analysis and reporting on virus activity and mosquito populations in the city including mapping.
Identified and implemented system improvements to real-time data handling system that resulted in streamlined and faster data analysis.

3. Water Quality

Here's how marine biologists use water quality:

Water quality and understanding the hydrology of these systems was a priority in preserving these ecosystems.
Set up and supervised chemistry lab in on-site trailer for testing of water quality parameters.

4. GPS

GPS stands from Global Positioning System. It is a navigation system comprising of satellites that helps in determining the location, velocity, and synchronize time data for different modes of travel like air, sea, or land.

Here's how marine biologists use gps:

Characterized the New River Estuary shoreline and vegetation zones in the field using Trimble GPS equipment and ArcGIS software
Provided detailed GPS photo-point documentation of a Cherokee National Forest habitat project.

5. NOAA

Here's how marine biologists use noaa:

Received NOAA Marine Biologist certification.
Identified and reported violations of MARPOL, NMFS, and NOAA rules and kept up-to-date with continually changing regulations.

6. Husbandry

Here's how marine biologists use husbandry:

Job Duties: Participation in both the environmental education team and animal husbandry team.
Labeled and maintained hazard coding on over 200 chemicals used in Husbandry Department.

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7. Species ACT

The Species Act refers to the Endangered Species Act, which determines whether a particular species is endangered or threatened. If the species qualifies for the categorization, then any hunting, gathering, or selling of the species is prohibited and protected under federal law. In addition to entire species, the act can protect certain subspecies as well as habitats that are critically endangered.

Here's how marine biologists use species act:

Assisted NRCS State Biologist with wetland delineations and consultation with listed species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Monitored road construction and timber-thinning contractors to ensure minimal disruption to habitats and compliance with Endangered Species Act.

8. GIS

A geographic information system (GIS) is a tool for capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing, managing and presenting various forms of geographic data.

Here's how marine biologists use gis:

Provide support to senior biologist Preparing reports Database management GIS
Sample and collection locations were plotted using Geographic Positioning System units and GIS software to compile a database and generate maps.

9. Boats

Here's how marine biologists use boats:

Performed assessments of maintenance on company vehicles and boats, in addition to executing maintenance.
Attended USCG Auxiliary Course, Small Boat Handling and Navigation!

10. Oceanic

Here's how marine biologists use oceanic:

Reported data to the National Marine Fisheries Service; a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

11. Environmental Policy

Environmental policy refers to the practice of analyzing how humans affect the environment and the laws and regulations that attempt to reduce the harmful effects. These policies and practices are typically enforced by government agencies or larger corporations, which may focus on cleaner water sources, less air pollution, or other areas.

Here's how marine biologists use environmental policy:

Conducted technical & regulatory environmental reviews of nuclear power plants under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Completed Consistency Evaluation Forms which are used to ensure fulfillment of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

12. Biological Samples

Here's how marine biologists use biological samples:

Collected and prepared specimens and biological samples for pathology testing, toxicity testing, preservation and DNA analysis.
Identified marine mammals, seabirds, salmon species and other fish species, as well as collected biological samples.

13. Biology Courses

Here's how marine biologists use biology courses:

Skilled instructor that led groups in kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and lab oriented biology courses.

14. Aquarium

Here's how marine biologists use aquarium:

Educated public about pacific northwest animals -Managed the cold water portion of the aquarium, with 3 employees reporting to me.
Worked closely with the aquarium's staff of divers to effectively carry out dive operations within an aquarium dive setting.

15. Fisheries

Here's how marine biologists use fisheries:

Consult federal fisheries Enforcement Officers regarding reports of potential violations committed by fishing industry personnel.
Learned and applied federal and state regulations to understand the administration of fisheries management.

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What skills help Marine Biologists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on marine biologist resumes?

Douglas Conklin Ph.D.

Associate Professor, University at Albany, State University of New York

The main skill that always stands out is research experience. Taking what you've learned in the classroom and applying it to a real-world problem is invaluable - and it's never too early to start. Research skills are highly transferable. Experience with thinking that is both objective and creative is useful in many fields - not just biology research. A recent study by the National Institute of Health concluded that obtaining an advanced degree in a research-based field is worth $1 million in additional earnings over your career - whether you stay in research or not. Being able to identify, understand and solve problems are skills that all organizations want their team members to have.

What soft skills should all marine biologists possess?

Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biology, Paine College

Flexibility, Communication, Leadership, Team work, thorough understanding of underlying concepts for biological principles, etc., are required for Biology students.

What hard/technical skills are most important for marine biologists?

Srinivas Sonne Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Biology, Paine College

I would say knowledge of Biological Techniques, about following the protocols for the ease of use, Experimental plan and design, Research Protocols, Analytical methods, etc.

What marine biologist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Christopher Herren Ph.D.

Teaching Assistant Professor, Kansas State University

For a gap year, get a job related to your major.

What type of skills will young marine biologists need?

Scott Cooper Ph.D.

Professor of Biology and Director of Undergraduate Research and Creativity, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Students will need traditional lab skills, good record keeping, and the ability to do calculations in the lab and clinical settings. All jobs are using more technology, so facility with programs and databases is essential.

What technical skills for a marine biologist stand out to employers?

Joshua Raabe Ph.D.

Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

Many graduates' first position is a field technician, so being able to handle and identify fish, trailer and operate boats, and use a variety of sampling equipment are essential skills. Management and research requires data analysis, so statistics, computer programming, and GIS are valuable skills. Finally, writing and communication skills are absolutely necessary to communicate science to the public and each other.

Do you want to know more?

List of marine biologist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a marine biologist resume and required skills for a marine biologist to have include:

Ecology
Data Analysis
Water Quality
GPS
NOAA
Husbandry
Species ACT
GIS

Boats
Oceanic
Environmental Policy
Biological Samples
Biology Courses
Aquarium
Fisheries
Technical Reports

Nepa
Management Plans
Fish Species
Research Vessels
Biological Data
ESA
CPR
Food Preparation

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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