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 month initial training program that includes Indoctrination 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 assignment 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.

For general information about the NOAA Corps, its history and career opportunities, see the NOAA Corps Recruiting Video and NOAA Corps Brochure below.

Descriptions of specific officer billets (asssignments) can be reviewed on the NOAA Corps Commissioned Personnel Website: http://www.corpscpc.noaa.gov/careermgmt/bdindex.html

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 further information, please contact the NOAA Corps Officer Recruiting Branch by calling 800-299-6622 or sending email to NOAACorps.Recruiting@noaa.gov.