Wage Mariner
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Enjoy an exciting career while gaining experience and training to advance your mariner or personal credentials.
NOAA's fleet of 16 research ships operate world-wide in direct support of NOAA's diverse environmental information programs, environmental stewardship services and applied scientific research. NOAA ships are run by a combination of NOAA commissioned officers and civilian wage mariners. The ships' officers and crew provide mission support and assistance to embarked scientists from various NOAA laboratories as well as the academic community.
NOAA regularly has openings for civilian mariners aboard NOAA research vessels in support of NOAA's mission. The wage marine personnel include licensed masters, mates, and engineers, and unlicensed members of the engine, stewards, and deck department. In addition, survey and electronic technicians operate and/or maintain the ship's mission, communication and navigation equipment.
NOAA's wage mariners are an integral part of understanding the condition of the ocean and atmosphere. They also add a seaman's know-how to NOAA's scientific research by directly participating in the operation and handling of scientific gear in the tumultuous ocean environment. The highly-skilled and technical workforce provides NOAA the ability to achieve success in the conduct of nautical charting, bathymetric mapping, fisheries research, ecosystem assessments, marine environment baseline assessments, coastal-ocean circulation, and oceanic and atmospheric research.
NOAA also employs a number of civilians to work at one of the three Marine Operations Centers (MOCs) and at the smaller port offices that assist the MOCs. Positions involve the performance of a number of duties including contracting, facility maintenance, administration, procurement, ship engineering, and information technology.
Benefits
NOAA shipboard mariners have an excellent total compensation benefits package which includes health insurance (optional), life insurance (optional), paid annual leave, sick and shore leave, retirement plan, participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (similar to 401k). Annual Leave As a Federal employee, you will earn hours of leave per pay period, depending on years of service credited:
- Up to 3 years of Federal service, you will earn 4 hours of leave/per pay period.
- 3-15 years of Federal service, you will earn 6 hours of leave/per pay period.
- 15 or more years of Federal service, you will earn 8 hours of leave/per pay period.
Shore Leave
You will earn an additional 8 hours of leave for every 15 days away from your home port / more than 50 miles away.
Federal Employee Health Benefits
As a Federal employee, NOAA Wage Mariners can elect health insurance (approx. 20 plans to choose from) including family coverage as well as life insurance options, vision and dental coverage.
To view all benefit information, please visit the NOAA Workforce Management Office's webpage.
To apply for job vacancies submit your resume to WMApplicants@NOAA.gov or fax it to 757-441-6495. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to be considered.
Any questions may be directed to the Marine Personnel Branch via email at moc.recruiting@noaa.gov.
Job Descriptions
Descriptions of the departments and positions can be found here. (See "Current Vacancies" below for the latest job openings.)
- Unlicensed Deck Department
- Licensed Engine Department
- Unlicensed Engine Department
- Steward Department
- Survey Department
