The oil industry is an ever-evolving field that requires constant innovation and technological advances in order to stay competitive. This industry is also in need of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, and biology jobs are essential to ensure that oil industry operations and safety protocols are met. With the world increasingly reliant on oil, the opportunity for qualified professionals in this field is growing exponentially. The scope of biology jobs in the oil industry spans a wide range of technical positions, from biotechnologists and microbiologists to ecologists and conservationists. This blog post will explore the different roles and responsibilities associated with oil and gas industry biology jobs, highlighting the skills and training required to enter this rewarding field. It will also provide an overview of the potential career paths, job prospects and salary expectations for those interested in a career in the oil industry.
What skills do biology degree graduates have?
Some of the skills a successful biology student develops include:
What is a biology degree?
The focus of a four-year biology bachelor’s degree is the study of living things and their environments. Students learn how to conduct species surveys and habitat evaluations. Coursework may include human anatomy, molecular biology, marine biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and biochemistry classes, depending on the students’ areas of specialization.
What are the jobs in the oil industry you can get with a biology degree?
Within the oil industry, biologists play a variety of roles, but their main focus is on following environmental regulations. When preparing projects like pipelines, the oil industry employs biologists to conduct surveys and assist in developing mitigation strategies for any potential negative effects on habitats. Some biologists monitor ongoing oil industry operations to determine any effects on wildlife, water, and wetlands areas. Biologists are involved in almost every aspect of the industry, including the operation of oil platforms and how that impacts marine life.
Biologists occasionally perform inspections for federal and state regulatory organizations and the oil industry directly as compliance officers. Another potential choice for biologists who offer their services on a contract basis is consulting firms.
8 biology jobs in the oil industry
Eight possible oil industry careers for those with biology degrees are listed below:
A biology scientist technician’s main responsibilities include helping to identify wetlands that need to be protected or mitigated due to development, depending on their area of expertise in wetlands and habitats. A biologist may be employed by a private business or by state and federal environmental agencies. The biologist carries out species surveys, produces environmental reports, and may come up with plans to safeguard wetlands or ideas to lessen the effects of development on wetlands.
Primary responsibilities: A hazmat technician may ensure that hazardous substances and materials are disposed of properly. Planning the cleanup of areas that have been contaminated by dangerous substances is another potential duty. The hazmat technician is in charge of ensuring the safety of those handling dangerous materials and adhering to strict protocols when cleaning up and disposing of any hazardous materials.
Protected species observers’ main responsibilities include working on drilling ships or oil rigs. During seismic operations, they keep an eye out for any potentially harmful impacts on marine life. Observers of protected species may work directly for an oil or gas company or for another organization as a consultant hired during operations that present a risk to protected species.
Principal responsibilities: A senior wildlife biologist concentrates on the habitats of animals and how oil and gas projects may affect those habitats. A senior wildlife biologist might contribute to a design that takes into account animal habitats or make work plans for oil and gas projects. For instance, the biologist might create a conservation strategy for the area’s eagle population in an effort to lessen any potential harm to their habitat. The senior wildlife biologist serves as a compliance officer for businesses, making sure they adhere to federal and state regulations.
Environmental managers serve as compliance officers for oil and gas companies as their main responsibility. An environmental manager ensures that the projects of the oil and gas companies comply with federal and state environmental laws by being knowledgeable about them. They produce recommendations, write reports, and generally work to make sure businesses obey the law.
Environmental scientists’ main responsibilities are to conduct environmental impact analyses for planning oil and gas line projects. If a project might have a significant negative impact on a habitat or a species of wildlife, the environmental scientists might suggest alternatives. A portion of an environmental scientist’s work involves going out into the field and collecting data, as well as office work that includes writing reports and making recommendations.
A project biologist’s main responsibilities include inspecting the environment during projects like building oil pipelines. A project biologist gathers information from construction sites, ecological areas, and wetlands. The project biologist drafts reports and issues licenses pertaining to the work and its environmental effects. The project biologist may work for the federal government or an oil and gas company that is trying to adhere to federal environmental regulations.
An on-call biologist’s main responsibilities are to assist with enforcement actions as needed. The on-call biologist is employed by a business that offers consulting services, typically to federal or state agencies An available biologist might carry out avian surveys, vegetation assessments, species surveys, and habitat and environment evaluations. The on-call biologist completes assessments, writes reports, and takes part in inspections for permits and compliance.
5 HIGH PAYING BIOLOGY JOBS (even if you don’t have a PhD)
FAQ
What are 5 jobs that involve biology?
- Research scientist.
- Pharmacologist.
- Biologist.
- Ecologist.
- Nature conservation officer.
- Biotechnologist.
- Forensic scientist.
- Government agency roles.
Do marine biologists work on oil rigs?
Nearly every aspect of the industry is covered by biologists, including the operation of oil platforms and their impact on marine life.
What is the best job for biology students?
- Biological Technician. …
- Biochemist. …
- Genetic Counselor. …
- Health Communications Specialist. …
- Health Educator. …
- Pharmaceutical / Medical Product Sales Representative. …
- Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner. …
- Medical and Health Services Manager.
What jobs can I get after studying biology?
- Academic researcher.
- Biotechnologist.
- Higher education lecturer.
- Marine biologist.
- Microbiologist.
- Nanotechnologist.
- Nature conservation officer.
- Pharmacologist.
