How to Be Shark Behaviorist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 29, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Shark behavior is a complex and interesting field of study for behaviorists. Sharks are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain and have no natural predators. This leads to their highly aggressive behavior, as they must constantly compete for resources with other predators.

This competition can also lead to increased territoriality, as sharks will protect their territory from other sharks and other predators. In addition, sharks have a strong sense of smell which allows them to detect prey from a distance, which can contribute to their hunting success. Finally, environmental factors such as water temperature and oxygen levels can play an important role in determining shark behavior.

All of these factors come together to create a unique behavior pattern that behaviorists continue to explore and study.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The minimum educational requirement to become a shark behaviorist is a bachelor's degree in biology, marine science, or a related field. In addition, coursework in animal behavior, physiology, ecology, and zoology can be beneficial.
Get Field Experience. Gaining hands-on experience with sharks is an important step to becoming a shark behaviorist. Consider volunteering or completing an internship at a local aquarium or research center.
Pursue a Master's Degree. While not required, earning a master's degree in marine biology, animal behavior, or a related field can provide an advantage when seeking employment as a shark behaviorist.
Consider Certification. Professional certification is not required to become a shark behaviorist, however, some employers may prefer to hire those who are certified. Certification is available through the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK).
Find Employment. Once you have the necessary qualifications, start searching for jobs as a shark behaviorist. Research potential employers and apply for relevant positions. You may also consider working as a research assistant or volunteer at a local aquarium or research center to gain additional experience and make valuable connections.

Keeping up to date and capable as a Shark Behaviorist requires a lot of work and dedication. Keeping current with the latest research and technology can be challenging, but it is vital to understanding and addressing the behavior of sharks. Becoming knowledgeable about the environment and ecological systems in which sharks live is also important, as this can help inform decisions about how to approach and interact with the animals.

having a comprehensive understanding of animal welfare is necessary in order to ensure the safety and well-being of these creatures. Finally, staying abreast of laws and regulations regarding the protection and management of sharks is essential in order to work within the confines of the legal system. All of these components are necessary in order for a Shark Behaviorist to remain capable and effective.

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Job Description

Shark Behaviorist: Responsible for studying and observing shark behavior in the wild and in captivity. Conduct research to better understand the behavior of sharks and identify potential threats to their populations.
Shark Conservationist: Work to protect shark species and their habitats. Monitor populations, conduct research, and work with stakeholders to help conserve shark species.
Shark Educator: Educate the public on the importance of sharks, their habitats, and how to safely interact with them. Develop educational resources and programs for schools and other organizations.
Shark Biologist: Analyze the biology of sharks and marine ecosystems to understand the impacts of human activities on shark populations. Conduct research on population health, behavior, and ecology of sharks.
Shark Rescue Technician: Assist in the rescue of stranded or injured sharks. Provide medical care and transport them to rehabilitation facilities if necessary.
Shark Aquaculture Specialist: Design and manage aquaculture systems for breeding, raising, and collecting data on sharks. Monitor the health and growth of captive sharks and investigate potential threats to their populations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of shark anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of shark behavior, including courtship, migration, and hunting
Understanding of shark communication and social interaction
Ability to observe and analyze shark behavior
Ability to identify and classify shark species
Knowledge of shark biology, ecology, and conservation
Understanding of the impact of human activities on shark populations
Ability to develop and implement research methods for studying shark behavior
Knowledge of animal welfare and ethical considerations when working with sharks
Ability to effectively communicate research results to both scientific and general audiences

Shark behaviorists are scientists who study the behavior of sharks in the wild. They need to have a broad knowledge of shark biology, ecology, and behavior in order to effectively observe and assess their behavior. Having a strong background in understanding how different species of sharks interact with each other, their environment, and humans is essential.

having a solid understanding of the oceans food webs and the natural forces that shape them is essential for understanding shark behavior. Shark behaviorists need to also be able to identify and interpret the signs that sharks use to communicate with each other and other species. Lastly, having a good understanding of the human impact on shark populations is key in order to properly assess their behavior in relation to human activity.

All in all, having a broad knowledge of shark biology, ecology, behavior, communication, and human impacts are the most important skills to have for a successful career as a shark behaviorist.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in shark behaviorism?
What do you believe are the most important aspects of studying shark behavior?
How have you applied your knowledge of shark behavior to your work?
Can you explain your experience working with various shark species?
How have you used data collection and analysis to identify patterns in shark behavior?
How do you respond when encountering unexpected shark behavior in the field?
How would you go about developing a research project related to shark behavior?
What strategies have you employed to ensure safety when studying sharks in their natural habitats?
What techniques have you used to capture and monitor sharks for behavioral studies?
What challenges have you encountered while studying shark behavior, and how did you overcome them?

Common Tools in Industry

Automation Software. Automation software allows a behaviorist to create automated tasks that can be triggered by certain events or conditions. (eg: Automating a report to run at the same time every day).
Survey Tools. Survey tools are used to gather data and feedback from respondents. This data can then be used to analyze the behavior of individuals or groups. (eg: Creating a survey to measure customer satisfaction).
Data Analysis Tools. Data analysis tools allow a behaviorist to analyze large datasets and extract meaningful insights. (eg: Using machine learning algorithms to identify patterns in customer behavior).
Experimentation Tools. Experimentation tools allow a behaviorist to set up experiments and test different hypotheses. (eg: A/B testing to determine which version of a website performs best).
Behavioral Modeling Tools. Behavioral modeling tools allow a behaviorist to create models of the behavior of individuals or groups. (eg: Creating a model of how people interact in a particular online community).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Shark Attack File (ISAF)
American Elasmobranch Society (AES)
Shark Research Institute (SRI)
Save Our Sharks (SOS)
Shark Trust
Shark Alliance
Marine Conservation Society
Project AWARE
Shark Savers
The Shark Conservation Fund

We also have Shark Fin Cutter, Shark Fin Distributor, and Shark Fin Collector jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Ethology. The scientific study of animal behavior.
Aggression. A type of behavior that is intended to cause harm or injury to another individual.
Predation. The act of hunting and eating other animals for food.
Social Interaction. The interaction between individuals or groups of animals, often involving communication or other forms of behavior.
Foraging. The search for and collection of food or resources.
Migration. The seasonal movement of animals from one area to another.
Territoriality. The defense of a particular area by an animal in order to gain resources or to protect its young.
Communication. The exchange of information between two or more individuals or groups, typically through vocalization, body language, or chemical signals.
Reproduction. The process by which animals reproduce and produce offspring.
Learning. The process by which animals acquire knowledge or skills through experience and practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Shark Behaviorist?

A Shark Behaviorist is a scientist who specializes in the study of shark behavior, including their social interactions, migratory patterns and population dynamics.

What methods do Shark Behaviorists use to study sharks?

Shark Behaviorists use a variety of methods to study sharks, such as tagging and tracking, direct observation and acoustic monitoring.

How many species of shark are there?

There are over 500 species of sharks currently known to science.

What is the main goal of a Shark Behaviorist?

The main goal of a Shark Behaviorist is to gain insight into the behavior and ecology of sharks in order to better conserve and protect these species.