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Marine Biologist

Marine Biologist
ANZSCO Code: 234516 / Group A

Studies the anatomy, physiology, functions, characteristics, behaviour and environments of all forms of life living in the sea and connected water bodies.

Occupation description

Studies the anatomy, physiology, functions, characteristics, behaviour and environments of all forms of life living in the sea and connected water bodies.

Marine Biologist is a VETASSESS Group A occupation

This occupation requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the educational level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher, in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

Group A - October 2025

The information below describes the available pathways for a Skills Assessment under Group A. Please note that in order to achieve a suitable Skills Assessment Outcome, a suitable assessment for both qualifications and employment is required.

Pathway 1 

This pathway requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher degree and in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation. 

Bachelor degree or higher degree includes AQF Master Degree or AQF Doctoral Degree.

In addition, it is essential for applicants to meet the following employment criteria:

  • at least one year of post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level, undertaken in the last five years,
  • working 20 hours or more per week, and
  • highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

Qualification & Employment Criteria

Qualification

 

This occupation requires a qualification assessed as comparable to the education level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor Degree or higher degree and in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation.

Employment Criteria

Additional tasks may include, but not limited to: 

  • Plans and undertakes experiments to study, measure and understand marine animals and plants
  • Examines the relationships between marine animals, plants and water quality factors such as salinity, temperature and oxygen content
  • Advises on commercial applications of marine research such as aquaculture and fisheries
  • Estimates the numbers of marine organisms and analyses their population features
  • Observes the structure of communities of marine organisms and works out the factors influencing this structure
  • Assesses and advises on introduced species - causes, effects, prevention and control
  • Uses numerical and statistical skills to design laboratory and field experiments
  • Designs and carries out environmental impact assessments to work out whether change is caused by natural or human factors
  • Develops long-term programs for monitoring environmental pollution
  • Writes scientific reports on research and investigations, and prepares more general information for scientific, managerial, political and general audiences
  • Provides advice to managers, politicians, primary producers, health care workers and the general public
  • Provides research training for students and staff seeking entry to this field

     

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How to apply

If you're a professional choosing to migrate to Australia, chances are you're likely to be assessed by us. We assess 361 different professional occupations, assessing your skills, experience and qualifications.

1

Find

Find the VETASSESS occupation that most closely fits your skills and experience. 

2

Match

Match your skills and experience to your chosen occupation.

3

Prepare

Get ready to apply by preparing all the information and documents you need. 

4

Apply

Apply online when you’re ready. If you’re still unsure, skills assessment support is available when you need it.

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