Ships operate in an environment that is always changing. Weather, waves, currents, water quality, coastal ecosystems and the ocean itself affect navigation, commerce, national security and communities.
Ocean and environmental science careers turn those conditions into questions that can be measured, studied, and understood.
What careers exist in ocean science?
Ocean careers include oceanographers, marine biologists, environmental scientists, hydrographers, meteorologists, technicians, data analysts, engineers, mapping specialists, marine archaeologists, research vessel crew, and NOAA Corps officers.
NOAA Ocean Exploration emphasizes that ocean exploration requires a broad mix of scientists, engineers, communicators, data specialists, and mariners - not a single type of scientist.
What does an environmental scientist do?
Environmental scientists collect and analyze information about air, water, soil, ecosystems, and potential hazards. BLS says these professionals typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related natural science.
BLS reported a 2024 median annual wage of $80,060 for environmental scientists and specialists. Fieldwork, laboratory analysis, data interpretation, and communication can all be part of the job.
What does an oceanographer do?
Oceanography can include physical, chemical, biological, and geological oceanography. Researchers may study currents, climate, ecosystems, seafloor geology, chemistry, or the interaction between ocean and atmosphere.
Some spend substantial time on ships; others work primarily with models, satellites, instruments and large data sets ashore.
What about NOAA?
NOAA offers careers across science, engineering, mapping, data, communications, program management and vessel operations. Its National Ocean Service notes that not every NOAA career requires a STEM degree, while many scientific and technical jobs do.
NOAA Ocean Exploration also offers student opportunities, including ocean mapping, data analysis, science communication, and at-sea experience, for eligible students.
What should students study?
Strong preparation depends on the field. Biology and chemistry matter for marine biology and environmental science. Physics and mathematics are essential for physical oceanography and atmospheric science. Computer science, statistics, GIS, and data visualization are increasingly useful across almost every ocean discipline.
Writing and speaking matter too. Scientists have to explain what their data means to decision-makers and the public.
How does this connect to Battleship IOWA?
Every voyage depends on understanding the environment around the ship. Weather, visibility, sea state, currents, and navigation all affect operations. Activities involving weather, navigation, maps, and the water around the ship can point toward careers far beyond traditional ship operations.
If you were more interested in the ocean around IOWA than the steel beneath your feet, that is a useful clue.
Where can the work happen?
Ocean professionals work for federal and state agencies, universities, research institutes, consulting firms, ports, environmental organizations, engineering companies, and private technology firms. Some careers are field-heavy; others are laboratory, office, or data-intensive.
There are also technical routes that support science without requiring a Ph.D., including roles such as environmental technicians, marine technicians, survey support, and instrument operations.
What can you do now?
Take science and math, but also learn to work with data. Try GIS or mapping. Join environmental-monitoring projects, robotics competitions, or citizen-science programs. Look at NOAA student opportunities and university research experiences as you get older.
Most of all, stay curious about the water. Ocean science begins with noticing something and asking why it happens.
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Limited time only beginning on September 5, 2026!
Kids Board Free
In the all-new Life of a Sailor experience, kids become sailor recruits, building their skills, following the story of a famous sailor, and joining Vicky the Dog on a scavenger hunt through Battleship IOWA.
Kids board free with a paid adult.