The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) is the uniformed service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a bureau of the Department of Commerce. NOAA Corps officers share common educational backgrounds in science or engineering, and are trained to support NOAA’s mission of surveying the Earth’s oceans, coasts, and atmosphere to ensure the economic and physical well-being of the Nation.
NOAA Corps officers operate ships, fly aircraft, lead mobile field parties, conduct diving operations, manage research projects, and serve in staff positions throughout NOAA. They provide the technical and operational expertise, dynamic leadership, and breadth of background and experience to optimize NOAA’s missions.
Each
new NOAA Corps officer must complete an intensive four
to five months initial training program that includes
Basic Officer Training and A-School maritime technical
training. There is a 12-15 month service obligation
after successful completion of this initial training
program. Each officer's first permanent assignments
will be 2-3 years aboard one of NOAA’s survey or research
vessels. Officers are reassigned every 2-3 years,
rotating between shipboard and land based positions
throughout the country. Assignment preferences are
considered, but the needs of the service are always
a top priority for NOAA’s commissioned officers.
The NOAA Corps seeks officer candidates with science or engineering backgrounds, a desire to serve their country, and leadership potential. If you have these qualities and are interested in a career incorporating service, science, and adventure, you will find a unique opportunity in the NOAA Corps.
For general information about the NOAA Corps, its history and a career in the NOAA Corps, see the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps brochure(PDF format).
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