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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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21102.02 – Oceanographers

Oceanographers conduct programs of exploration and research on ocean processes and phenomena, biological, chemical and physical characteristics of oceans, interactions with atmospheric and geological environments and impacts of human activity on oceans and marine ecosystems

Overview

Example job titles

  • Oceanographer

Core competencies

  • Reading Comprehension to understand scientific papers and to stay updated with the latest research and theories in the evolving field of oceanography
  • Critical Thinking, Decision Making and Problem Solving to analyze risks for natural disasters, climate change impacts, and ocean life properties, identify contributing factors, and recommend prevention measures and solutions
  • Inductive Reasoning to develop theories of the history and future of the ocean and subsurface based on results of studies and existing information
  • Categorization Flexibility and Information Ordering to organize research data to better understand how various environmental and biological conditions impact oceans and marine ecosystems
  • Attention to Detail to examine samples of seawater, plankton, fish sediments and rocks under a microscope and to study ocean floor formations
  • Knowledge in Geoscience to understand concepts and principles for analyzing Earth’s materials, structures and natural systems in order to study interactions between land, oceans and atmosphere and assess their influence on marine processes and ecosystems

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Conduct theoretical and applied oceanographic research programs and expeditions to extend knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological properties and functioning of oceans
  • Plan, direct and participate in sampling and analysis of seawater, plankton, fish, sediments and rocks
  • Study physical properties of oceans to develop models, charts and computer simulations of ocean conditions, such as tides, waves, currents and sediment transport
  • Explore ocean floor and submarine geological structures, conduct seismic surveys and study formation of ocean basins and other structures to map ocean floor, coastal erosion, sediment accumulation and areas for offshore oil and gas exploration
  • Plan and conduct investigations on ocean chemical properties and processes, ocean floor and marine atmosphere and undersea volcanoes to study impacts of environmental changes
  • Study marine life and interaction with physical and chemical environments to assess impacts of pollutants on marine ecology and to develop ecologically-based methods of seafarming.

Additional information

  • Mobility between specializations in this group is possible with experience.
  • Progression to supervisory or higher level positions is possible with experience in this unit group.
  • Advancement to management positions in mining, petroleum and other industries is possible with experience.
  • Oceanographers may specialize in biological, chemical, geological or physical oceanography, or in other fields related to the study of oceans.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Biologists and related scientists (21110)
  • Chemists (21101)
  • Managers in natural resources production and fishing (80010)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations

TEER

1 – Occupations usually require a university degree

Major group

21 – Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences

Sub-major group

211 – Professional occupations in natural sciences

Minor group

2110 – Physical science professionals

Unit group

21102 – Geoscientists and oceanographers

Occupational profile

21102.02 – Oceanographers

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.