Jobs & Internships
NOAA Ocean Exploration: Explorer-in-Training Program
NOAA Ocean Exploration
Application for the 2025 Explorer-in-Training Program is now open!
This year, the Explorer-in-Training program will feature two paid internship options: (a) 10-week, summertime opportunities and (b) 2-4 week expedition-based opportunities. The 10-week internships provide students an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge through long-term projects supported by mentors in NOAA Ocean Exploration and partner organizations. The 2-4 week expedition-based internships involve participation in NOAA Ocean Exploration-supported expeditions aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer supporting seafloor mapping operations, giving participants the chance to contribute to mission efforts while gaining tangible skills that can benefit their future pursuits.
Informational Webinar
NOAA Ocean Exploration will hold a 60-minute virtual webinar for interested applicants on January 9, 2025 from 4:00-5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). The session will provide an overview of the Explorer-in-Training program, including available internship themes for 2025, eligibility and application requirements, important dates, and available resources. Register here to attend.
Application Deadlines
Applications for the 10-week summer internship opportunities will be accepted until January 31, 2025. Applications for the 2-4 week expedition-based ocean mapping internship will be accepted on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of January 31, 2025.
Internship themes available in 2025 are listed below, and additional details may be found on the Explorer-in-Training webpage. Applicants may only apply for one internship theme per year.
Internship Themes
- Midwater ROV Annotations (10-week summer internship)
- Emerging Technologies/eDNA (10-week summer internship)
- Maritime Heritage Communications (10-week summer internship)
- Science and Native Hawaiian Cultural Communications (10-week summer internship)
- Ocean Mapping (2-4 week expedition-based internship)
Eligibility
- U.S. citizenship
- Must be at least 18 years of age by internship or expedition start date
- Students (undergraduate or graduate) who are currently enrolled in or recently graduated (within one year of graduation date) from an accredited academic institution
- Degree, major, or intent to major in a field relevant to NOAA Ocean Exploration’s mission, including but not limited to: STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields, social sciences, communications, education, business operations/administration, and ocean policy/management
- Willingness to learn and follow office policies and/or shipboard standard operating procedures
- Clearance of a Special Agreement Check (SAC) upon acceptance into the program
- Valid U.S. Passport (2-4 week, expedition-based ocean mapping internship only)
For questions and additional information, or if you experience technical difficulties, please contact NOAA Ocean Exploration Internship Program Coordinator at oer.internships@noaa.gov