The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations will be holding two hiring events in Washington later this month to recruit professional mariners to work aboard NOAA’s ocean research ships. The first event will be in Seattle on April 25 and the second in Tacoma, Wash., on April 27.

NOAA staff will be available to answer questions and expedite the hiring process for qualified individuals. In particular, NOAA is hiring for positions in the deck, engine, steward and electronic departments. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. More details on what applicants should bring to the events can be found here.

NOAA operates a fleet of 15 hydrographic survey, oceanographic research and fisheries survey vessels. NOAA ships operate in the U.S. and around the world. The ships are run by a combination of NOAA commissioned officers and civilian professional mariners. 

NOAA’s civilian professional mariners are federal employees and include licensed masters, mates and engineers, and unlicensed members of the engine, steward and deck departments. In addition, survey and electronic technicians operate and/or maintain the ship's mission, communications and navigation equipment.