38 Marine Biologist & Conservationist
Marine Biology and Swimming With Sharks. Is It the Right Career For You?
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes a career of a marine biologist and shark conservationist with Jillian Morris.
Guest: Jillian Morris is a marine biologist, shark conservationist, author, educator, and founder and president of Sharks4Kids. She has filmed for numerous television shows and networks, has appeared on Shark Week and is a PADI Ambassadiver. She was named Scuba Diving Magazine's July 2016 Sea Hero, awarded the inaugural Shark Con Shark Hero Award in 2017, and was the Go Blue Awards 2020 Blue Ambassador of the Year. She is the author of Norman the Nurse Shark and Shark Super Powers and a member of the prestigious Ocean Artists Society.
Connect with Jillian:
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A Deep Dive Into the Career of a Marine Biologist
Marine biology is more than just diving into the ocean and studying sea creatures. It’s a complex, science-driven field that requires curiosity, resilience, and a deep respect for our natural world. In this post, we explore the core responsibilities of marine biologists, the skills necessary for success, and what the work is really like—based on insights from Jillian, a working marine biologist who has carved out a meaningful career in this unique field.
Understanding the Work: What Marine Biologists Actually Do
Marine biologists don’t just spend time observing dolphins or swimming with fish. According to Jillian, the job varies dramatically depending on your area of expertise and where you work. Some marine biologists focus on lab-based research, while others specialize in fieldwork, education, or conservation policy. Jillian’s own work includes a mix of community outreach, animal handling, data collection, and education programs—especially geared toward helping the public understand marine life and ecosystems.
She describes typical days involving everything from feeding stingrays to running educational programs for school groups, to managing large-scale conservation initiatives. While the work is hands-on and can be physically demanding, it’s also deeply fulfilling. A strong part of her job is ensuring that the general public connects with ocean life in meaningful ways, creating empathy and awareness that drive conservation.
Critical Skills: Communication and Public Engagement
One of the most vital skills in Jillian’s toolkit is communication. While marine biology is grounded in science, Jillian emphasizes that public engagement is essential for translating complex environmental issues into digestible messages. Whether speaking to a group of first graders or briefing a donor, the ability to clearly explain why marine life matters is key.
She regularly interacts with visitors, answers questions, and helps interpret animal behavior or conservation data in ways that make sense to non-scientists. This requires not only deep subject knowledge but also patience and adaptability. If you’re considering a career in marine biology, comfort with public speaking, storytelling, and educational outreach will be just as important as your technical knowledge.
Key communication skills include:
Translating scientific terms into everyday language
Engaging diverse audiences (kids, adults, donors)
Using storytelling to build empathy for marine life
Adapting tone and style based on the situation
Behind the Scenes: Physical Demands and Emotional Investment
Marine biology isn’t always glamorous. Jillian shares that parts of her job are physically intense—such as lifting heavy food buckets or maneuvering animals—and require long hours, especially during special events or emergencies. But she also talks about the emotional side of the work, like the responsibility of caring for animals and ensuring they thrive under human supervision.
She mentions that working with animals requires keen observation skills and emotional intelligence. You need to be attuned to changes in animal behavior, know when something is wrong, and collaborate with veterinarians and colleagues to solve problems quickly. The work is never just routine — each day brings new variables.
Physical and emotional demands of the job:
Lifting and transporting heavy supplies or equipment
Monitoring animal health and behavior daily
Responding quickly to unexpected issues
Managing emotional attachment to animals
The Role of Mentorship and Team Collaboration
Another critical factor Jillian highlights is the role of mentorship and collaboration. She’s had the chance to mentor younger professionals and interns, which she finds incredibly rewarding. In turn, she values the mentorship she received early in her career, which helped her navigate the realities of a competitive field.
Teamwork is central in environments like aquariums or research centers. Jillian explains that close coordination is necessary for feeding schedules, safety protocols, and animal health checks. Professionals in this space must be reliable, communicative, and open to learning from each other. Marine biology is never a solo mission—it’s a team-driven endeavor that thrives on shared goals and mutual respect.
Effective collaboration involves:
Coordinating feeding and care routines
Communicating clearly across shifts
Training interns or junior staff
Working with veterinarians and animal behaviorists
Flexibility and Career Growth: There’s No One Path
One of the most encouraging takeaways from Jillian’s story is that there’s no single path to becoming a marine biologist. While a background in biology or marine science is foundational, people enter the field from many directions. Jillian notes that passion, persistence, and curiosity can be just as valuable as formal credentials.
She encourages students and career changers to volunteer, seek internships, and explore opportunities in education, conservation, or field research. These experiences not only help clarify your interests but also help you build a professional network. Flexibility is essential—marine biology careers often require relocation, unconventional hours, or hybrid roles that combine education, care, and science.
Ways to gain experience or break into marine biology:
Volunteering at aquariums or marine centers
Applying for internships and research assistant roles
Studying biology, ecology, or environmental science
Attending marine-focused workshops or networking events
Final Thoughts: Advice for Aspiring Marine Biologists
Jillian’s final advice is practical and heartfelt: be curious, get hands-on experience wherever you can, and remember that marine biology is as much about people as it is about animals. Building public trust, fostering empathy for ocean life, and promoting sustainability are all part of the job.
If you’re looking for a career that combines science, advocacy, and adventure, marine biology might be for you—but be prepared to work hard, keep learning, and embrace the unexpected.
Takeaways For Those Interested in a Career as a Marine Biologist
Experience and networking are crucial in marine biology careers.
Internships provide valuable skills and connections in the field.
Life on a research vessel involves diverse tasks and challenges.
Transitioning from research to education can be fulfilling.
Skills in writing, communication, and technology are essential.
Working with sharks requires specific training and safety measures.
Funding and competition are significant challenges in marine biology.
Creating opportunities for youth in marine science is rewarding.
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