Oceanographer

Clive MacGregor

My post-secondary education began with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in chemistry. After graduating, I attended a presentation by an oceanographer and it changed my career focus. I soon had a job and plans for my Master's degree in Oceanography. If you want to work in this area, employment as an oceanographer can be found with large oil companies, federal and provincial governments as well as consulting firms. One of my first duties as an oceanographer was principal investigator on coastal environmental surveys. A few years later, I started my own consulting company providing services in coastal environmental sampling, offshore discharge monitoring, occupational hygiene and marine chemist gas inspections of commercial shipping.

My company grew as I gained experience, and twenty years later, my employees bought the company. My twenty-eight years' of experience is a valuable asset and I now work as a consultant for the company I used to own. Ongoing learning and upgrading of skills is a necessity. I take at least two courses a year to re-qualify in specific skill areas and to keep up with technological advances. These courses cover scientific areas and training in computer technology. One other way I stay current is through my work. Many problems are unique and require a scientific investigative approach.

Each new challenge is a learning opportunity. Individuals who are well trained in science and have acquired professional expertise will find great potential in the field of oceanography. The government is moving toward regulating the industry by requiring certain qualifications and designations. People with technical training will find work but advancement may be more limited. Your opportunities will also be linked to your ability to expand business or save costs for the organization you work for. If you like problem-solving, working independently on projects and the ocean environment then consider oceanography as a career.

There are exciting projects that require professional skills and commitment from talented people. I am proposing a new oil spill analysis project that will sample oil from suspect sources and determine where the spill originated. You won’t be bored working as an oceanographer. I have the usual office hours and try to "work smart” instead of putting in longer days to get the job done. That being said, I sometimes go offshore and spend many hours working over a two-week period before returning to the office.

Travelling can also take me overseas occasionally. When in the office I have normal office duties such as email, phone, answering co-worker questions, preparing proposals and interpreting data. Communication and computer skills are the two most used abilities on a day-to-day basis. The most valuable thing I can offer the environment is my extensive experience. I have been able to use that knowledge to create a prosperous environmental consulting company. My new focus is on training others to understand environmental issues as well as finding solutions to unique problems. Maybe something I do will influence the career direction of a future oceanographer.