Veteran intern Antonio Jones at an oyster farm in Drayton Harbor, Washington, checking traps for European Invasive Green Crab. Credit: Northwest Straits Commission
Mission Support Careers
Calling all communication specialists, education and outreach coordinators, science writers, librarians, and more! Explore these mission support careers and other employment opportunities at NOAA Fisheries.
From inspiring the next generation of marine stewards to administering grants to partners, mission support roles are essential. No matter what your interests are, there’s something for everyone in mission support. You can explore different mission support careers with NOAA Fisheries, meet some of our mission support professionals, and learn more about how these roles contribute to the agency’s scientific goals. For students pursuing degrees in these fields, consider applying for our internship and scholarship opportunities.
Communications Specialist
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What is a Communications Specialist?
A communications specialist promotes the messages and mission of the agency. They may write web stories and newsletters, assist with web development, manage social media channels, create visual products, and develop national or regional communications plans and strategies. Communications specialists may have a certain area of focus, such as aquaculture or habitat conservation.
Required Education and Coursework
Most communications specialists have a degree in journalism, English, writing, communications, biology, natural resource management, or a related field.
Most have completed coursework in communications, journalism, science communication, graphic design, environmental science, natural resource management, biology, and related courses.
Meet a Communications Specialist
Science Writer
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What Is a Science Writer?
A science writer shares stories about conservation, management, and research. They work with experts such as fisheries biologists to write stories that are engaging and accessible for the general public and stakeholders. They may also help to develop outreach products and social media content.
Required Education and Coursework
Most science writers have an undergraduate degree in journalism, English, communications, biology, chemistry, natural resource management, or a related field. Many science writers also have an advanced degree in journalism, science communication, or a related field.
Most have completed extensive coursework in journalism, communications, English, natural resource management, biology, chemistry, environmental science, and science communication. A strong background in the sciences and scientific research is often helpful for this career path.
Meet a Science Writer
Education and Outreach Coordinator
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What is an Education and Outreach Coordinator?
Education and outreach coordinators design and deliver programs that connect the public with NOAA’s mission. They engage the next generation of marine stewards through teacher professional development workshops, student programming in the classroom and the field,visits, and curriculum and learning resource development. Through exhibits, booths at public events, and habitat restoration events, they engage the public in NOAA science, service, and stewardship. Our coordinators also play a vital role in recruiting the next generation of NOAA employees by supporting the professional growth and development of our interns. They may also assist with developing outreach materials such as posters, social media content, and webinars.
Required Education and Coursework
Most education and outreach coordinators have degrees in education, communications, biology, or a related field.
Most have completed extensive coursework or have significant experience in education, curriculum development, environmental education, environmental science, program design and evaluation, and social marketing or behavior change.. A background in teaching may be useful for this career path.
Meet an Education and Outreach Coordinator
Fish Passage Engineer
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What is a Fish Passage Engineer?
A fish passage engineer designs new fish passage facilities, retrofits old facilities, and inspects operating fishways. They spend a large amount of time in the field inspecting the infrastructure of fish passageways.
Required Education and Coursework
Most fish passage engineers have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in engineering or a related field.
Most have completed extensive coursework in engineering, physics, mathematics, fisheries science, geology, environmental science, thermodynamics, and related courses.
Meet a Fish Passage Engineer
Librarian
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What is a Librarian?
Librarians work to support the agency’s regional libraries and their services. They help to organize library systems and documents, develop library programs, expand access to digital resources, and support national and regional education and outreach initiatives.
Required Education and Coursework
Most librarians have a master’s degree, in library and information science or a related field.
Most have completed coursework in library and information science, museum studies, business administration, public administration, English, education, environmental science, and related courses.
Meet a Librarian
Tribal Coordinator
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What is a Tribal Coordinator?
A tribal coordinator works to strengthen communications between Indigenous groups and governments and engage Indigenous communities in local research and discussions on resource use. They ensure that Indigenous perspectives are considered when developing marine resource management policies.
Meet a Tribal Coordinator
Investigative Support Technician
What is an Investigative Support Technician?
An investigative support technician assists with law enforcement activities and programs. They perform administrative and evidence-gathering duties that relate to criminal investigations and judicial processes.
Required Education and Coursework
Most investigative support technicians have an undergraduate degree in criminology, political science, psychology, sociology, public administration, or a related field.
Most have completed coursework in criminology, political science, public administration, and related courses.
Meet an Investigative Support Technician
Acquisition Management Specialist
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What is an Acquisition Management Specialist?
An acquisition management specialist helps the agency obtain the best goods, services, real estate, or employees. The job titles for these positions may range based on their duties.
Meet an Acquisition Management Specialist
Human Resources Administrator
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What is a Human Resources Administrator?
The human resources administrator is the first point of contact within the organization for all human resources-related inquiries. Specific tasks include handling employment contracts, recruiting, and setting up interviews for open positions in the organization. Additionally, human resources administrators oversee other human resources personnel.
Required Education and Coursework
Most human resources professionals have an advanced degree, such as a master’s degree, in human resources, business administration, or a related field.
Most have completed extensive coursework in human resources, business administration, and related courses.
Meet a Human Resources Administrator
Network Manager
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What is a Network Manager?
A network manager is in charge of the computer systems for an organization. Their main duties include maintaining computer networks with software updates and hardware upgrades, providing technical support, and training other employees on best practices. As part of a larger technology team, they are also responsible for installing new hardware and software on workstations and ensuring systems are functional at all times.
Required Education and Coursework
Most network managers have an undergraduate degree in computer science, information technology, mathematics, software engineering, or a related field.
Most have completed coursework in computer science, mathematics, and related courses.
Meet a Network Manager
More Information
More Information
Veteran intern Antonio Jones at an oyster farm in Drayton Harbor, Washington, checking traps for European Invasive Green Crab. Credit: Northwest Straits Commission
