With the accelerating effects of climate change, there seems like no better time than now to embark on a career in ocean conservation. While that sounds like a great idea, many people don’t know where to begin looking for ocean conservation jobs.
Some of these jobs may require a background in marine biology, and others may require a Divemaster certification. That can sound quite daunting, but do not be discouraged! The ocean desperately needs our support and action. If you even have a spark of interest in ocean conservation jobs, check out this list for inspiration.
Dive Instructor
Think about when you first started caring about the ocean. It probably came from an experience out in the ocean – maybe it was diving, snorkeling, sailing, or surfing. That old saying is true: you can’t care about something if you don’t know about it.
As a dive instructor, you can serve as a steward for ocean conservation. You can inspire the next generation of divers by showing them the natural world and teaching them how to understand and respect the ocean. Additionally, you can also educate your students on the issues that plague the ocean and how our habits on land can trickle into our marine ecosystems.
Ocean Conservation Non-Profit Staff
Many marine conservation non-profits have a number of objectives and campaigns. For example, Oceana is the largest organization in this space, tackling everything from global policy to grassroots education to scientific research. However, if you are interested in a position that involves more diving, then there are smaller non-profits and specific job positions that might be more suitable for you.
For example, your diving desires might be satisfied by an organization that’s focused on coral reef restoration or kelp forest restoration. That job could entail diving to restore the reef or other marine ecosystems. In fact, you may also shoulder the responsibility of leading and educating volunteer groups to restore ecosystems as well.
To help you with your non-profit research, here are some of our PADI partners in ocean conservation.
Research Assistant in Marine Sciences
This job can be a bit more technical and research-heavy than the other jobs on this list. A research assistant position will typically require some kind of educational background in the marine sciences. However, with the access and ease of hybrid online degrees, you can obtain one without putting your entire life on hold. It all depends on the specific field you choose within marine sciences, but more likely than not, there will be plenty of opportunities for diving and field research.
Safety Diver for Ocean Documentaries
If you are a fan of nature documentaries like Blue Planet, then you can directly understand the impact of storytelling. By depicting the magic of the underwater world, you can inspire audiences around the world to take action. There are a number of roles you can take on in an ocean documentary shoot. However, one of the more accessible roles is being a Safety Diver on set. To qualify for this, you have to become a Divemaster. If you’re not completely clear on the differences between a Master Scuba Diver and a Divemaster, this article can help. Learn more about becoming a divemaster here.
This is only a small sample of the many opportunities out there. With determination, diving and ocean conservation can become your day-to-day job. If you’re not certified, then Open Water is a great place to start. If you want to take it to the next level, then look for a PADI shop near you!
