NOAA Fisheries Is Hiring
Find details about positions to be posted on USAJOBS.gov at NOAA Fisheries.
NOAA Fisheries is hiring! USAJOBS remains the only way to apply for federal positions with our agency. However, we will share additional details on this page for group job announcements, including positions with duties that might vary slightly by location. You can also stay up to date through our careers directory and by signing up for notifications with USAJOBS.
We will also share announcements before they post to USAJOBS, since positions sometimes have a short window to accept applications. They also might close after a certain number of applications are received. We hope the information below will be helpful as you prepare your resume.
See below for upcoming positions, as well as details on how to apply on USAJobs.
Open Positions
Consumer Safety Officers
- Serve as a Senior Consumer Safety Officer, providing leadership on compliance strategies and trade-related policies for the Seafood Inspection Program; develop and implement program initiatives addressing issues related to seafood safety and quality standards
- Lead and mentor a team of technical experts by planning and prioritizing work; manage assigned projects and contribute to resource planning to ensure alignment with organizational objectives
- Identify stakeholder groups (including internal customers, external customers, and the public) and their interests relative to the organization to keep the program management informed of emerging issues and concerns regarding seafood supply chain management
- Provide authoritative expertise in seafood inspection protocols and food safety science; evaluate inspection activities by interpreting technical and analytical data to drive the improvement of the Seafood Inspection Program
Applications are due by July 20, 2026.
Supervisory Research Fish Biologist
We are hiring two Supervisory Research Fish Biologists, which will perform the following duties:
Prepare, coordinate, and direct the implementation of a research program or project involving ecosystem and fisheries science; develop data applications and systems designed to collect and assess scientific information in support of the program or project
Develop and advise on new techniques in support of ecosystem fisheries research; provide technical guidance to other functional specialists both internal and external to the organization; investigate and assess complex fisheries research problems or situations and provide recommendations on methods and procedures for solving problems
Plan, oversee and/or conduct experiments, making recommendations for future work required; collect, analyze, and interpret data and present recommendations on the impact of changes
Plan and distribute work to be accomplished by subordinates; develop performance standards and prepare schedules for the completion of work.
Supervisory Management and Program Analysis Officer
We are hiring two Supervisory Management and Program Analysis Officers, which will perform the following duties:
- Serve as Director of the Operations, Management, and Information Division and senior advisor to the Director and Deputy of NOAA Fisheries Science Center or Regional Office to direct operational program areas and ensure effective use of resources in support of fisheries management. Provide oversight for non-programmatic functions supporting the mission
- Partner with stakeholders to perform budget management, human resource management, Information Technology management, grants management, facilities management, vessel operations, environmental compliance and safety functions, personal property management, procurement and acquisition, vehicle management, and all associated administrative processes and procedures
- Direct and oversee team operations by performing the full range of supervisory functions, including planning, assigning, and reviewing work; provide essential technical guidance and direction while delivering constructive feedback on completed tasks.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to support all facets of human capital, operations, and administrative programs (i.e. approving ordering office supplies, purchases, contracts, services, time and attendance, telework, equipment, and other administrative procedures, etc.)
- Coordinate functions, such as following up on issues coming to resolution, reorganizations and realignments, Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act, feasibility studies, human resources metrics, and other items, in order to ensure compliance with policy and guidelines; provide guidance, insight, and input to management on developing directives, Standard Operating Procedures, memoranda, policy statements, or proposals and other written guidelines; plan and implement organization-wide policies, procedures, programs, and initiatives supporting human capital and administrative operations.
- Coordinate, develop, prepare, monitor, and execute the organization's annual operating budget; make recommendations on the execution of the annual budget, prepare annual financial operating plans, initiate and execute quarterly reviews; complete monthly budgetary requirements and maintain fiscal controls (cuff records/spreadsheets) to ensure compliance with stated allocations and allotments
Potential locations are listed in the announcement. This opportunity is only available to Department of Commerce employees. Applications are due by July 15, 2026.
Natural Resources Specialist (Recent Graduates)
We are hiring Natural Resource Specialists in several locations. They will perform the following duties:
- Support natural resource management actions related to the following: Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Magnuson-Stevens Act, Essential Fish Habitat, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
- Participate in site visits to observe and report on the effectiveness of resource management actions
- Assist in routine field-based biological studies, habitat assessments, and environmental monitoring programs; catalog data relating to the effectiveness of conservation and preservation programs
- Support services on watershed, coastal and oceanic issues, scientific research, and policy
Apply by July 13, 2026.
View the position descriptions and potential locations
Natural Resources Specialist (03)
We are hiring Natural Resource Specialists in several locations. They will perform the following duties:
- Conduct analysis and review of statutory or regulatory compliance, and support natural resource management actions related to the following: Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Magnuson-Stevens Act, including Essential Fish Habitat, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
- Observe and report on the effectiveness of resource management actions; assist in evaluating the effectiveness of conservation and preservation programs and formulate strategic improvements
- Conduct biological studies, habitat assessments, and environmental monitoring programs to formulate solutions for intricate problems related to resource management; verify all applicable survey protocols were consistently and systematically applied
- Provide technical advice, assistance, products and services on watershed, coastal and oceanic issues, scientific research, and policy
Applications are due by July 13, 2026.
View the position descriptions and potential locations
Natural Resources Specialist (03/04)
We are hiring several Natural Resource Management Specialists (ZP-0401-03/04). In this role, you will perform the following duties:
- Conduct complex analysis and review of statutory or regulatory compliance, and support natural resource management actions related to the following: Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Magnuson-Stevens Act, Essential Fish Habitat, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
- Evaluate the effectiveness of resource management actions and conservation and preservation programs and formulate strategic improvements
- Lead complex biological studies, habitat assessments, and environmental monitoring and permitting programs to formulate solutions for intricate problems related to watershed, coastal and ocean resource management
- Provide expert advice, assistance, products and services on watershed, coastal and ocean issues, scientific research, and policy
Apply by July 13, 2026.
View the position descriptions and potential locations
Submit your application through USAJobs
Physical Science Technician
We are hiring a Physical Science Technician (ZT-1311-2/3) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts or Narragansett, Rhode Island. This position will perform the following duties:
- Collect hydrographic, chemical, and biological data; conduct complex tests to analyze data collected and evaluate the quality of the data
- Record data, review results for consistency, and prepare written reports on technical approach and findings
- Select analytical equipment, define sampling protocols, and review standardized procedures, technical requirements, and regulations to ensure compliance with community standards and established practices
- Alter and develop procedures, and design highly technical approaches to solve complex issues to meet project needs
Applications are due by July 13, 2026.
Updates to the Federal Hiring Process
The federal hiring process has recently changed. Please review the latest information to ensure you’re ready when it’s time to apply for a new position.
We will now only accept resumes that are two pages long or less. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
You can also answer these four optional narrative questions. They must be written in your own words, without the use of AI, in 200 words or less.
- How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
- In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
- How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
- How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
Candidate Inventory
When applicants apply to a USAJobs announcement, they can elect to have their application added to the Candidate Inventory. If they are qualified for the position, managers from across the country will be able to access these applications for up to 240 days. They can select an applicant from the Inventory without putting out a USAJobs announcement when they are recruiting for the same position/series/grade.
When we advertise positions, we will list all potential locations, including those for future vacancies. Applicants should apply to vacancies based on the position description—if they are not selected for that announcement, their application can be used for future job openings in other locations.
Application Package Tips
Your application should paint a clear picture to hiring managers of your knowledge and experience. Make sure to include all required documents.
- Transcripts: For all professional ZP positions, you must upload all your official transcripts. If any of the courses listed are not easily identifiable from the course number or name, attach a separate document that includes the course summary.
- Resume: For each position, ensure your two-page resume includes details on how you meet the specialized experience. The experience must be documented in one of your previous positions.
- Cover letter: We encourage you to use a cover letter to highlight additional relevant experience or education that could not be included in your resume.
Immediate Actions for Prospective Applicants
All applicants should ensure they can still log into their USAJOBS account and update their resume to meet the new two-page requirement and upload it to their account documents.
- Federal employees: Download your most recent performance appraisal and SF-50s that show your series and grade and that you have 1 year in your grade; upload to your account documents
- Veterans: Ensure your military documentation is uploaded to your account documents
- Applicants with a disability: Ensure your medical verification is uploaded to your account documents
Applicant Resources
Use these tips and resources when applying for positions at NOAA Fisheries.
Stay Up to Date on Job Postings
Search “National Marine Fisheries Service” on USAJOBS and save your search to get updates on new jobs as they become available.
Have Your Resume Ready
Learn how to create an account, profile, and draft resume in advance on USAJOBS. View the resume requirements for the positions before you apply so you know what to include.
Check Your Time Zone
All job postings and deadlines for these positions will be in Eastern Time. We cannot grant requests for extensions.