Many aquatic scientists have administrative jobs, either with academic institutions or federal or private agencies. These individuals spend more time in the office and communicating with others. Like research scientists, they attend national or international conferences to keep up in their fields. They also write reports, and give oral presentations on their reports and recommendations. Most academic oceanographers are supported only part time by teaching, and supplement their income by obtaining research grants from the federal or state government or private sources, writing for technical publications, and serving as consultants.
Academic limnologists are more likely to have full-time research and teaching positions.
Much time is spent preparing for and delivering lectures in classes, grading examinations, and planning and executing laboratory exercises for specific courses. These tasks occupy a full day's work, and academic scientists usually work more than 8 hours each day and more than 5 days every week. Preparation for Aquatic Science Careers Job opportunities are varied, and exist at all educational levels. However, as with other fields, the higher-level jobs require more education and generally pay better. Spend time at a body of water near you, and study the changes over a day, week, season or longer.