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Entry Level Coral Reef Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Miami

Program Manager

Miami, FL · On-site

The Coral Reef Futures Lab at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and ... biology, or related field. - Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ...

The University of Miami

Program Manager

Miami, FL · On-site

The Coral Reef Futures Lab at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and ... biology, or related field. - Exceptional organisational and time management skills, with the ...

National Aquarium

Life Support Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$17.64 - $22.74/hr

Atlantic Coral Reef, Open Ocean, Black Tip Reef, Australia and the Marine Mammal exhibit ... Understand principles of biological, mechanical and chemical filtration * Manage the daily applied ...

All JobsCoral Reef Biologist JobsEntry Level Coral Reef Biologist Jobs

Entry Level Coral Reef Biologist information

See salary details

$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do entry level coral reef biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level coral reef biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level coral reef biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Coral Reef Biologist, you need a bachelor's degree in marine biology or a related field, strong fieldwork abilities, and knowledge of marine ecosystems. Familiarity with scientific diving (often requiring certification such as PADI), GIS software, and data analysis tools is typically necessary. Attention to detail, adaptability, and strong communication skills help in conducting research, collaborating with teams, and presenting findings. These skills are crucial for collecting accurate data, ensuring safety in challenging environments, and contributing effectively to coral reef conservation efforts.

What does an entry level coral reef biologist do?

Entry level coral reef biologists assist in studying, monitoring, and protecting coral reef ecosystems. Their responsibilities often include conducting field surveys, collecting water and biological samples, and recording data on coral health and marine life. They may also help analyze samples in laboratories, assist with data entry, and support senior scientists in research projects. In addition, these biologists often participate in conservation efforts and public outreach to promote reef preservation.

What types of fieldwork and laboratory tasks can I expect as an entry level coral reef biologist?

As an entry level coral reef biologist, you can expect a blend of fieldwork and laboratory responsibilities. Fieldwork often involves conducting underwater surveys, collecting water and coral samples, monitoring reef health, and assisting with restoration projects, typically as part of a team. In the laboratory, you may analyze collected samples for water quality, coral health, or genetic data, and help maintain research equipment. This role requires adaptability to varying conditions, attention to detail, and teamwork, as projects frequently involve collaboration with other scientists, conservationists, and local stakeholders.

What is the difference between Entry Level Coral Reef Biologist vs Entry Level Marine Biologist?

AspectEntry Level Coral Reef Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in coral reef habitats, laboratories, research stations
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, conservation organizations, government agencies focused on marine ecosystems

While both roles require a bachelor's degree and involve marine environments, an Entry Level Coral Reef Biologist specializes in coral reef ecosystems, often working in tropical marine settings. An Entry Level Marine Biologist has a broader focus on various marine habitats. The coral reef role emphasizes reef conservation, coral health assessment, and reef-specific research, whereas marine biologists may study open ocean, coastal, or estuarine environments. Both positions serve vital roles in marine conservation and research, but their specific focus areas differ.

More about Entry Level Coral Reef Biologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Coral Reef Biologist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Coral Reef Biologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Coral Reef Biologist jobs? The most popular types of Coral Reef Biologist jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Coral Reef Biologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Coral Reef Biologist jobs are:
Entry Level Coral Reef Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Coral Reef Biologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 73% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 73% In-person, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.

Post Doctoral Researcher (Coral Reef Carbonate Budgets/Phycology) (ORSP/EPSCoR)

University of Guam

Mangilao, GU

$2 - $27.40/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Post Doctoral Researcher (Coral Reef Carbonate Budgets/Phycology) (ORSP/EPSCoR) Posting Number RC-26-28 Full or Part Time Full Time Work Schedule
Temporary, Full-Time, 40 hours per week
Position End Date Salary Range
Grade N, Step 2, $27.40 per hour
Job Description Summary
Character of Duties:
Conduct independent research on coral reef carbonate budgets, with a strong focus on the role of crustose calcifying red algae (CCRA) as secondary reef calcifiers;
Design and implement field and laboratory experiments to quantify CCRA growth, calcification, recruitment, and community dynamics;
Carry out benthic surveys and monitoring using advanced methods (e.g., structure-from-motion photogrammetry, recruitment plate analyses);
Integrate ecological, physiological, and molecular approaches to assess CCRA diversity and function;
Analyze and interpret complex ecological datasets using quantitative and computational methods;
Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications;
Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students;Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and external partners;
Assist with project coordination, reporting, and outreach activities;
Perform other project-related duties as needed;
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Phycology, or a closely related field from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent;
Demonstrated experience conducting marine fieldwork, preferably on tropical coral reefs;
Strong quantitative and analytical skills;
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
Peer-reviewed publication record appropriate to career stage;
Experience with coral reef carbonate budget assessments or related ecosystem functionstudies;
Experience with marine benthic surveys in tropical reef environments (e.g.,photogrammetry, quadrat-based surveys, recruitment plates);
Experience with DNA barcoding, metabarcoding, or molecular biodiversity assessments;
Familiarity with calcifying algae and other reef calcifiers;
Experience with monitoring tools and experimental units on coral reefs (e.g., settlementplates, accretion units, ARMS or similar systems);
Experience with laboratory and imaging techniques such as scanning electron microscopy(SEM), micro-CT scanning, and 3D scanning;
Experience with coralline algae ecology, settlement and recruitment processes, and reefaccretion dynamics;
Experience with water quality monitoring and environmental data integration;
Experience supervising or mentoring graduate and/or undergraduate students;
Familiarity with interdisciplinary approaches combining field ecology, laboratoryexperiments, and quantitative modeling.
Proficiency in scripting languages for data analysis (e.g., R, Python);
SCUBA certification (scientific diving certification preferred);
Minimum Knowledge, Abilities and Skills Physical Requirements Other Information
Work Eligibility:
Submission of completed job applications authorizes the Research Corporation of the University of Guam to seek and obtain information regarding the applicant's suitability for employment. All factors which are job related may be investigated (i.e., previous employment, educational credentials, and criminal records).
All information obtained may be used to determine the applicant's eligibility for employment in accordance with equal employment opportunity guidelines. In addition, the applicant releases previous employers and job-related sources from legal liability for the information provided.
Federal law requires presentation of eligibility to work in the United States within seventy-two (72) hours of reporting for employment. Specifically, 8 USC 1324A requires the employer to verify the identity and eligibility to work in the United States of all newly hired employees. The Research Corporation of the University of Guam is required to comply with this law on a non-discriminatory basis. If you are hired to fill a position with the Research Corporation of the University of Guam, you will be required to present valid documents to comply with this law.
Police and Court Clearance:
Pursuant to Public Law No. 28-24 and Executive Order No. 2005-34, applicants selected for a position are required to provide original police and court (Superior Court of Guam) clearances of no more than three (3) months old prior to commencement of employment. Off-island applicants must obtain clearances from their place of residence. Applicants are responsible for fees associated with obtaining the clearances.
Should an applicant be convicted of any crimes other than a minor traffic violation, all applicable information must be provided in the form of a police clearance report and court clearance report. Failure to admit any felony convictions may result in immediate disqualification or disciplinary action.
Section 25103, Chapter 25, Title 10 of the Guam Code Annotated requires college or university employees to undergo a physical examination, to include a test for tuberculosis (skin or x-ray), prior to employment and at least annually thereafter. A report of such examination must be conducted by a licensed physician within a state or territory of the United States and must be submitted upon request.
Upon selection of hire, you will be required to provide additional documents (if necessary) as condition of employment.
Job Open Date 04/03/2026 Job Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
The Research Corporation of the University of Guam solicits applications to establish a list of eligibles for the following Temporary Appointment, 100% federally funded position (subject to the availability of funds):
Please apply at UOG's online employment portal at https://uog.peopleadmin.com.
The Research Corporation of the University of Guam is a drug-free work environment and an equal opportunity employer. Military family, disability and veterans are encouraged to apply. Federal Law requires presentation of proof of identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. We comply with this on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Research Corporation of the University of Guam complies with Public Law 24-109 in reference to the provisions and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Assistance in EEO/ ADA matters and inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations may be referred to the University's Director, EEO and Title IX/ ADA Coordinator, located at the EEO/ ADA and Title IX Office, Dorm II, Iya Hami Hall, Room 104, Telephone No. (671) 735-2244; TTY (671) 735-2243; or to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR).
For technical assistance or inquiries in completing the application, please contact RCUOG HR at rcuoghr@triton.uog.edu.
Additional Information Contact Information
For further inquiries, you may contact the Research Corporation of the University of Guam Human Resources Office at (671) 735-0336 or email at rcuoghr@triton.uog.edu
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