Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

The Work

Oceanographers study the physical, chemical and biological processes that occur in the sea, and the complex interactions between them. Oceans and seas are vitally important to life on Earth, providing food, energy and minerals. They also have a major influence on global climate.  
 
Oceanographers study and analyse damage to ocean environments, and find out if humans are making safe use of the sea's resources.  
 
Oceanographers' knowledge of marine physics is useful to exploration industries. For example, they study wave heights and storm tides, and their findings may help to decide the location of an offshore oil rig. Wave energy is analysed to help prevent coastal erosion.  
 
Oceanographers may research and develop the use of waves and tides as alternative energy sources. By using geophysical techniques like seismic surveying, oceanographers can find oil, gas and mineral reserves on or under the sea floor.  
 
Marine chemistry and geochemistry involve research into the composition of sea water, marine organisms and sea floor sediments. Oceanographers monitor the effects of chemicals on marine food chains.  
 
A huge number of organisms live in the seas and oceans; many have benefits for humans. For example, some types of sponge contain anti-cancer compounds. There is a continuing need to find out more about marine life. Oceanographers may take samples from fish, and see if they have absorbed dangerous levels of radiation from nuclear waste dumped at sea. They also monitor environmental damage to coral reefs.  
 
The seas and oceans play an important role in global climate systems. Oceanographers measure and observe sea levels, ice masses and ocean currents, and use their observations to monitor climate change.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Plan or conduct geological, geochemical, or geophysical field studies or surveys, sample collection, or drilling and testing programs used to collect data for research or application.
• Analyse and interpret geological data, using computer software.
• Investigate the composition, structure, or history of the Earth's crust through the collection, examination, measurement, or classification of soils, minerals, rocks, or fossil remains.
• Analyse and interpret geological, geochemical, or geophysical information from sources, such as survey data, well logs, bore holes, or aerial photos.
• Identify risks for natural disasters, such as mudslides, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions.
• Prepare geological maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning mineral extraction, land use, or resource management, using results of fieldwork or laboratory research.
• Communicate geological findings by writing research papers, participating in conferences, or teaching geological science at universities.
• Locate and estimate probable natural gas, oil, or mineral ore deposits or underground water resources, using aerial photographs, charts, or research or survey results.
• Advise construction firms or government agencies on dam or road construction, foundation design, land use, or resource management.
• Measure characteristics of the Earth, such as gravity or magnetic fields, using equipment such as seismographs, gravimeters, torsion balances, or magnetometers.

Further Information

• Oceanographer - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Oceanographer - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Most entrants are graduates. . Relevant degree subjects are Oceanography, Marine Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Zoology, Geology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Geophysics and Meteorology. Some universities offer degrees that combine Oceanography with another subject.  To enter research work, it is normal to have a postgraduate qualification, for example, a PhD. A postgraduate qualification is normally required to progress in this career.  For entry into relevant postgraduate courses applicants need an honours degree.

Graduates of the degree in Marine Science may continue their education through various postgraduate studies at NUIG or at other institutions in Ireland and abroad.

Training & Development Pathways

FET Centre Traineeship: Laboratory Assistant NFQ Level 5 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Applied Science, Applied Laboratory & Pre-University Science, Applied Science - Forensics, Applied Ecology, Applied Ecology & Biodiversity Studies, Pre-University Science at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Accounting, Finance, Sales Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-8 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Applied Freshwater & Marine Biology, Biology - Applied Biology, Wildlife Biology, Science - Applied Biology & Biopharmaceutical Science, Science - Applied Biology or Applied Chemistry, Science - Marine Science, Science - Undenominated, Earth & Ocean Sciences NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development

Postgraduate Study Options Biology - Marine Biology, Biology - Marine Biology Conversion Programme, Biology - Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation, Applied Coastal & Marine Management, Applied Marine Conservation, Coastal & Marine Environments: Physical Processes Policy & Practice, Marine Biological Resources, Marine Sciences - Structured, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, Bioinformatics & Systems Biology - Research, Earth & Ocean Sciences NFQ level 9-10

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €83k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Salary expert

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

• Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences NUIG

  • National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway
  • (091) 492126
  • Click Here

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here