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Noaa Pilot Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Think Tank, Inc.

Fisheries Program Analyst

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$102K - $120K/yr

... NOAA Fisheries initiatives, and related policy direction * Support implementation of E.O. 14276 (Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness), including pilot initiatives focused on U.S. seafood ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Fisheries Program Analyst

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

$102K - $120K/yr

... NOAA Fisheries initiatives, and related policy directionSupport implementation of E.O. 14276 (Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness), including pilot initiatives focused on U.S. seafood ...

Lynker Corporation

Senior Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Lynker Corporation is seeking a Senior Bioacoustics Scientist to support NOAA Fisheries' Southeast ... and pilot passive acoustic monitoring studies. The work supports research on oceanic cetaceans ...

Lynker Corporation

Senior Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

Overview Lynker Corporation is seeking a Senior Bioacoustics Scientist to support NOAA Fisheries ... and pilot passive acoustic monitoring studies. The work supports research on oceanic cetaceans ...

Lynker Corporation

Senior Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Overview Lynker Corporation is seeking a Senior Bioacoustics Scientist to support NOAA Fisheries ... and pilot passive acoustic monitoring studies. The work supports research on oceanic cetaceans ...

Lynker Corporation

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA

$45K - $90K/yr

We are seeking individuals who can help our team support our contract with NOAA Uncrewed Marine ... The primary duty of a UxS Operator is to stand pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining ...

Lynker Corporation

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

We are seeking individuals who can help our team support our contract with NOAA Uncrewed Marine ... pilot watches with the responsibility of maintaining the safety of the public and of the vessel ...

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Noaa Pilot information

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$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do noaa pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for noaa pilot in the United States is $130,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Noaa pilot?

A NOAA Pilot is a highly trained aviator responsible for operating aircraft in support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's scientific missions. They conduct aerial surveys, environmental monitoring, and emergency response operations, often flying over oceans, coastal regions, and remote areas. NOAA Pilots work closely with scientists and meteorologists to collect critical data for weather forecasting, climate research, and resource management. They must hold FAA certifications and typically have extensive flight experience, including specialized training for flying in challenging conditions.

What typical missions or assignments does a Noaa pilot undertake, and how do these impact the work schedule?

NOAA Pilots frequently participate in specialized missions such as hurricane tracking, coastal mapping, snow and ice surveys, or marine mammal research, which often require flying in challenging conditions and remote locations. These assignments can demand irregular schedules, extended travel, and flexibility to respond to rapidly developing weather events or scientific needs. Teamwork is essential, as pilots regularly collaborate with scientists, engineers, and mission planners to ensure successful data collection and mission safety. The dynamic nature of these assignments makes the work both demanding and rewarding, offering the chance to contribute directly to important environmental research and public safety initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Noaa pilot, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NOAA Pilot, you need an FAA commercial pilot license (with multi-engine and instrument ratings), extensive flight experience, and a background in meteorology or related sciences. You must be adept at using advanced avionics, GPS navigation, and mission-specific scientific equipment for atmospheric or marine data collection. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial for coordinating with scientists and ground crews. These skills ensure accurate data gathering and safe operations in often challenging weather and mission environments.

Does NOAA hire pilots?

Yes, NOAA hires pilots for specialized roles such as flying research aircraft and conducting scientific missions. Candidates typically need a commercial pilot license, relevant flight experience, and often a background in science or engineering. These positions may require additional certifications and adherence to federal aviation standards.

How much do NOAA pilots make?

NOAA pilots, who operate aircraft for scientific and environmental missions, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and seniority. Salaries can vary based on federal pay scales and additional allowances for specialized skills or remote work environments.

How to become a NOAA Pilot?

To become a NOAA Pilot, candidates typically need a commercial pilot certificate with instrument and multi-engine ratings, along with significant flight experience. Applicants often require experience in flying aircraft used for scientific or environmental missions and must pass FAA medical and background checks. NOAA pilots also undergo specialized training related to their aircraft and mission requirements.
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Noaa Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Noaa Pilot job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Electronic Monitoring (EM) Fisheries Specialist

Think Tank, Inc.

Newport, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

*Position is Subject to Contract Award*Work may be performed remotely or at NOAA facilities in Seattle, Washington or Newport, Oregon. POSITION DESCRIPTION:The Electronic Monitoring (EM) Fisheries Specialist provides technical support to NOAA Fisheries' Fisheries Observation Science (FOS) Program, supporting both the Electronic Monitoring (EM) regulatory program and the Machine Learning Assisted Scientific Electronic Monitoring (ML EM) pilot program. The position focuses on reviewing commercial fishing video footage, validating fisheries data, supporting quality assurance activities, and collaborating with NOAA staff and third-party vendors to improve fisheries monitoring technologies.This role is ideal for candidates with fisheries science experience who possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to accurately identify Pacific fish species using video imagery.RESPONSIBILITIES:Perform secondary review of Electronic Monitoring (EM) video to verify fishing activity, species identification, and catch estimates submitted by third-party reviewers.Conduct quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews and provide feedback regarding reviewer performance.Support NOAA's Machine Learning Assisted Electronic Monitoring (ML EM) pilot program.Develop Vessel Monitoring Plans (VMPs) for vessels participating in the ML EM pilot.Conduct primary and/or secondary review of EM video footage to:Annotate fishing eventsIdentify fish speciesEstimate fish lengths and weightsDocument retained and discarded catchMaintain accurate video annotations and documentation.Prepare feedback reports and provide status updates to NOAA Fisheries staff.Coordinate and communicate with Electronic Monitoring service providers and ML EM pilot contractors.Assist NOAA staff in advancing fisheries monitoring technologies and improving data quality.REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Natural Resources, or a related field; orTwo (2) years of equivalent professional fisheries experience.Ability to successfully complete and pass a NOAA background investigation (processing may take approximately 60–90 days).Knowledge of fisheries monitoring and commercial fishing operations.Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.Ability to accurately identify marine species from video imagery.Experience working independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.Excellent organizational and time management skills.Proficiency with computer-based data management and video review applications.Ability to communicate technical findings clearly and professionally.Preferred Qualifications:Candidates with one or more of the following qualifications are highly desirable:Undergraduate coursework (20 or more science credits) demonstrating training in the scientific method and basic statistical methods.Experience using dichotomous keys for fish and invertebrate identification.Demonstrated experience identifying Pacific fish species.Previous experience as a fisheries observer aboard commercial fishing vessels on the U.S. West Coast.Experience reviewing Electronic Monitoring (EM) video.Strong written and verbal communication skills.