Marine Biologist - Offshore Energy

Conduct biological surveys and environmental impact assessments for offshore wind, wave, and tidal energy projects to characterize marine ecosystems and evaluate potential impacts on fish, marine mammals, seabirds, and benthic communities. Design and implement environmental monitoring programs, prepare biological assessment reports for regulatory submissions, and develop mitigation measures to minimize project impacts on marine biodiversity.

Median salary: $88,000. Projected growth to 2033: 15% (faster than average) - driven by offshore wind development. Typical education: Master's Degree.

At a glance

Median salary: $88,000
Entry-level: $55,000 - $70,000
Senior: $130,000+
Growth by 2033: 15% (faster than average) - driven by offshore wind development
Demand: Growing Fast
Remote: Hybrid
Hours per week: 40-50 hours/week
Stress: Moderate

What you'd do

People interaction: Moderate
Team vs solo: 55% Team / 45% Solo
Client facing: Sometimes
Impact visibility: High

How to get there

Minimum education: Master's Degree
Licensing: No
Years to mid-career: 3-5 years
Years to senior: 7-10 years
Career switching: Hard
Typical student debt: $35,000 - $65,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

Marine Biological Survey Methods (fish / marine mammals / seabirds)
Benthic Community Assessment
Passive Acoustic Monitoring for Marine Mammals
BOEM Offshore Wind Environmental Review Process
ESA Section 7 Consultation
Marine Protected Area Assessment

Soft skills

Scientific Rigor
Field Investigation
Written Communication
Regulatory Knowledge
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Technical complexity: Moderate

Typical career path

Marine Biologist
Senior Marine Biologist
Marine Biology Project Manager
Principal Scientist
Director of Marine Science