Fisheries biologists work in aquatic life for industries or governments, with duties varying depending on the employer. A degree in biological sciences is required, with additional education and experience making job hunting easier. Networking and volunteering can be beneficial. Career paths can include working for the government or industry.
A fisheries biologist is a biologist with specialized training in aquatic life. A fisheries biologist has many different job duties and may work for an industry or the government. Energy, extraction, and aquaculture companies employ fisheries biologists, as do the federal government and all state governments.
A fisheries biologist’s duties depend on who he works with and their particular needs. For example, a fisheries biologist working for a state government agency may be trusted to raise fish for storage through the department of natural resources or the department of environmental protection. He will spend a lot of time studying habitats, determining which species will thrive under certain conditions, and doing the practical work of raising fish from eggs to the size they can be released.
A fishery biologist at a mining company that extracts coal, natural gas, or other minerals might spend time determining how a particular construction project might affect the living conditions of existing fish. He will also work on ways to reduce adverse effects on fish runoff from a mining site and maintain records to ensure the company remains in compliance with state and federal laws.
Regardless of whether someone wants to work for industry or government, the education process for fisheries biologists is similar. It is possible to find employment in the field with a four-year degree in biological sciences. Given the search-intensive nature of the job, however, more education makes job hunting easier. A four-year degree in biology, zoology, or another related field is a good start, but many entry-level fisheries biologists will also have a graduate degree.
Fisheries biologists can make themselves more attractive to potential employers by completing work study programs, volunteering or taking part-time jobs in the field while still in school. Some common fishery biologist projects, such as conducting censuses of a particular body of water, are easier with additional help. Volunteering to help with these projects can be a valuable networking asset, as well as a way to gain hands-on experience. It’s never too early to participate in this type of activity; Conducting a census requires that the number of a particular species be recorded. Although a fisheries biologist needs to be available for this type of activity, having additional hands available, even those without specialized training, is beneficial.
When a fisheries biologist finds employment, he or she stays in the same field for their entire career. Some work their entire lives working for the government, while others rise through the ranks in an industry position. Others alternate between working for industry and working for the government. Many companies see the benefit of hiring someone with experience regulating their industry to help them stay compliant.
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