ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ocean Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pulama Lanai

$34.65 - $38.85/hr

Provide educational and engaging commentary about marine life, local history, and ocean conservation when appropriate. * Assist in emergency situations and administer first aid if necessary.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Communications Associate

Monterey, CA · On-site

$70K - $76K/yr

... ocean conservation. Upload content to the intranet and the Aquarium's press site, draft the staff news digest and basic press material, conduct limited media outreach, research media opportunities ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOcean Conservation Jobs

Ocean Conservation information

See salary details

$32K

$36.9K

$42K

How much do ocean conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for ocean conservation in the United States is $36,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $38,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is ocean conservation?

Ocean conservation refers to the protection and preservation of the ocean and its ecosystems. This field involves a range of activities including reducing pollution, protecting marine habitats, managing fisheries sustainably, and addressing climate change impacts on the ocean. Professionals in ocean conservation work to ensure the health and biodiversity of marine environments for future generations. Their efforts are vital for maintaining the balance of global ecosystems and supporting the livelihoods of millions who depend on the ocean.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in ocean conservation, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in ocean conservation often encounter challenges such as limited funding, complex regulatory environments, and the need to balance conservation goals with local community interests. Collaboration with stakeholders—including governments, NGOs, and coastal communities—is essential to develop effective, sustainable solutions. Staying adaptable, continuously learning, and leveraging interdisciplinary approaches can help address these challenges and lead to more impactful conservation outcomes.

What is the difference between Ocean Conservation vs Marine Biologist?

AspectOcean ConservationMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, marine biology, or related field; certifications in conservation practicesBachelor's or higher in marine biology, ecology, or related field; advanced research certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, policy advocacy, non-profit organizations, research institutionsLaboratories, research vessels, field sites, academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageNGOs, government agencies, environmental organizationsUniversities, research institutes, government research agencies

While both roles focus on marine life, Ocean Conservation emphasizes protecting ocean ecosystems through advocacy, policy, and fieldwork, whereas Marine Biologists primarily conduct scientific research to understand marine species and ecosystems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Ocean Conservation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Ocean Conservation, you need a background in marine biology, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and field research experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, data analysis tools, and certifications such as PADI for diving are commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help professionals engage communities, collaborate with stakeholders, and adapt to field challenges. These abilities are crucial for effectively protecting marine ecosystems, advancing research, and influencing conservation policy.
More about Ocean Conservation jobs
What cities are hiring for Ocean Conservation jobs? Cities with the most Ocean Conservation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ocean Conservation jobs? The most popular types of Ocean Conservation jobs are:
What states have the most Ocean Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Ocean Conservation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ocean Conservation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ocean Conservation jobs are:
Ocean Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ocean Conservation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,939 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Research Assistant (RA), Ocean Giants

Research Assistant (RA), Ocean Giants

New York Aquarium

New York, NY • Hybrid

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Position:                                          Research Assistant (RA), Ocean Giants
Reports to:                                      Executive Director, NY Bight Program 
Position Managed:                         None
Location:                                        New York (Hybrid)
Sector:                                            GCP/Marine Conservation
Scope:                                             Site Focused
Position Type:                                Full-Time

Job Summary:
Join a dynamic team with a proven track record in achieving change to address conservation challenges and threats to marine mammals in the New York Bight. The Research Assistant (RA) will gain valuable experience in applied conservation and research as part of the Ocean Giants Program and will be primarily focused on data processing and analysis of large acoustic data sets as part of our acoustic monitoring projects in the New York Bight. Data analysis will include validation and classification of cetacean vocalizations from automated detection outputs, with the potential to work on the characterization of ambient noise. The RA will also assist with field work activities in the New York Bight collecting marine mammal sightings, photo identification (ID), genetic and tag data. Other aspects of the position include: 1) contributing to policy, education, and advocacy initiatives, and 2) working actively on current or planned projects on ocean noise, eDNA and integration and synthesis of multiple types of data.
The RA will be expected to work independently under the supervision of the Executive Director, NY Bight Program  and the Marine Conservation Scientists and will assist with organizing and processing acoustic data and conducting analyses to satisfy the project goals. The RA position requires individuals that have some experience with analyses of large datasets (particularly acoustic data), have some quantitative analysis skills and fieldwork experience. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to write scientific papers, have excellent communication skills and the ability to work positively under difficult conditions when in the field. The RA will also be expected to contribute to report writing and publications. The RA is expected to undertake an independent research project of interest, providing that work aligns with one of the Ocean Giant Program's project objectives, which would be expected to result in publication.
Major Responsibilities:

  • Support the Ocean Giant team with acoustic projects.
    • Assist with training interns on the acoustic review process and the identification of cetacean vocalizations.
  • Assist with conducting field work activities in the New York Bight including:
    • Deploying/recovering acoustic units
    • Gather data on vessel surveys; maintain all appropriate field equipment.
  • Contribute to analyses and/or approaches for marine mammal science and conservation.
  • Assist with the management of acoustic data and data collected during field work activities in the New York Bight including sightings and behavioral data, photo ID catalogs and genetic and tag data.
  • Maintain data quality standards and backups of all field-collected and acoustic data.
  • Contribute to report writing for major donors.
  • Contribute to and/or design an independent research project of interest, providing that the work aligns with one of the Ocean Giant Programs project objectives, with the expectation that it would result in a peer-reviewed publication.
  • Advance policy, education, and advocacy initiatives consistent with WCS's mission and objectives.
  • Work on current or planned projects on ocean noise, eDNA, and the synthesis/integration of multiple types of data to support conservation and management outcomes.
  • Create and advance novel content on programmatic website whalesofnewyork.wcs.org (with Conservation Technology group) and related social media.

Apply