Careers: NOAA Ocean Exploration
Explorer-in-Training Program
As part of its mission to train the next generation of ocean explorers, scientists, engineers, and communicators, the NOAA Ocean Exploration hosts students in the Explorer-in-Training Program. These interns gain valuable, interdisciplinary experience in ocean exploration while collaborating on NOAA Ocean Exploration projects and expeditions. Explorer-in-Training internships enable students to increase their competitiveness for educational and career opportunities in ocean-related fields.
Previous Student Explorers
Meet students who have participated in opportunities supported by the NOAA Ocean Exploration, from sailing on research expeditions, learning mapping operations, supporting science teams, or building policy and outreach skills.
Other NOAA Student Opportunities
Check out the NOAA Office of Education website, as well as the opportunities below.
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program recognizes outstanding scholars and encourages independent graduate level research—particularly by female and minority students—in NOAA mission-related sciences of oceanography, marine biology and maritime archaeology, including all science, engineering, and resource management of ocean and coastal areas. NOAA Ocean Exploration hosts a limited number of scholars, as opportunities are available.
Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship
The Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship provides a unique educational experience to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The Fellowship matches highly qualified graduate students with “hosts” in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one year paid fellowship. NOAA Ocean Exploration hosts fellows as opportunities are available.
Job Opportunities
A Sea of Possibilities: See Yourself as an Ocean Explorer
The ocean is a big place. It’s also a place that is largely unexplored and poorly understood, and increasing our understanding of it requires a wide range of interests and expertise. This poster highlights just a few of the career options within the field of ocean exploration.
Work for NOAA
Visit this page to learn about the variety of opportunities to get involved with NOAA, from federal positions to opportunities for students, educators, and volunteers as well as contracting and funding opportunities.
Finding A Career at NOAA
Learn more about how to work with NOAA, either as a federal employee or as a contractor working for a private company.
Student Opportunities Database
NOAA’s student opportunities database includes searchable opportunities for students of any level — from kindergarten through high school, undergraduate and graduate, and recent graduates. Opportunities include one-day events, summer internships at NOAA, multi-year fellowships, and more.
Careers with the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations
Interested in working on a NOAA vessel? Check out this page to learn more about opportunities with the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, including serving as a wage mariner.
Careers with NOAA Corps
Interested in serving as a commissioned officer in the NOAA Corps, one of the nation’s seven uniformed services? Check out this page to learn more about the Corps and to apply.