NOAA Basic Officer Training Class - Aviation

How To Apply

Thank you for your interest in joining the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Commissioned Officer Corps. By submitting your information, you are applying to join the Basic Officer Training Class (BOTC) 146, which starts in April 2025.

To Be Considered For The Position, Follow These Steps

• Click “Apply” to be redirected to the NOAA Corps eRecruit application portal.
• Once redirected, follow the step-by-step process to verify your eligibility. You must complete all sections of the form to successfully verify your eligibility.
• After completing the form, you will be prompted to register and create a new account.
• Once your account has been created, sign into your account and click “Apply” next to position BOTC 146. You must complete all sections and submit all required documents to submit your application.
  
  

Job Description

Join the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and start a career that's about more than just work; it's about making a difference. As a NOAA Corps officer, you'll be actively involved in understanding and responding to environmental changes, working at the heart of the U.S. government's efforts in climate, weather, ocean, and coastal sciences. Whether you're an experienced aviator, a skilled mariner, or bringing expertise from another branch of service, your day-to-day duties will vary, ranging from operating research vessels and aircraft to leading scientific expeditions and contributing to vital environmental projects. This role offers a unique mix of hands-on operational work and strategic planning, all in the service of protecting our planet. You'll collaborate with a diverse team of experts, continually learn new skills, and have the chance to grow within a respected federal agency. With competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities to travel and explore new environments, this position is not just a job—it's an adventure that contributes to global environmental understanding and policy.

WHY NOAA?

As a NOAA Corps officer, you're not just joining an organization; you're joining a mission-driven community dedicated to protecting and understanding our planet. At NOAA, you will be at the forefront of addressing critical environmental challenges. Here, you will find a platform for personal and professional growth, where your contributions directly inform national and global environmental policies. In this mission-driven environment, every task you undertake has the potential to influence environmental policies both in the United States and globally. If you're ready for a career that includes unparalleled opportunities for adventure, scientific discovery, and service, the NOAA Corps is your gateway to a rewarding career path.

SALARY LEVEL

• Salary varies based on a combination of base pay, assigned duties and location, and other factors. Compensation can include incentive pay based on assigned duties (e.g., diving, sailing, flying) and will include allowances for housing and subsistence determined by assigned location.
  
  

DUTIES

• Ensure the safe and efficient operation of NOAA aircraft, including vessels, aircraft, and uncrewed systems, which can include planning, navigating, deploying equipment, and executing emergency procedures.
• Operate NOAA’s specialized aircraft, manage research and survey vessels, and support data collection missions, including fisheries surveys, atmospheric sampling, and coastal mapping.
• Provide leadership and support necessary for day-to-day operations within your assigned NOAA unit.
• Provide technical, operational, and managerial expertise to other areas of NOAA, particularly in aviation, maritime, and inter-service transfer missions.
• Participate in collecting and analyzing environmental data across various NOAA missions.
• Work collaboratively with other government agencies, research institutions, and NOAA teams on scientific and operational missions.
  
  

Key Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must pass a military physical examination.
• Must be able to obtain, and maintain, a security clearance level of “Secret.”
• Must hold a bachelor's degree from a postsecondary institution accredited by the U.S. Department of Education that includes the completion of at least 48 semester (72 quarter) hours in STEM course work pertaining to NOAA's missions.