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

Lynker Corporation

Senior Bioacoustics Scientist

Miami, FL

$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 · On-site

$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 ...

All JobsNoaa Pilot Jobs

Noaa Pilot information

See salary details

$49.5K

$130.9K

$201K

How much do noaa pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 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 are some typical missions or assignments NOAA Pilots may 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 is a NOAA Pilot job?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Noaa Pilot position, 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.

How to become a NOAA Corps pilot?

To become a NOAA Corps pilot, applicants typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as engineering, science, or technology, along with experience in aviation and a valid pilot certificate. Candidates must pass a physical exam, meet age requirements, and complete NOAA Corps training, which includes leadership and operational skills development.

How much do NOAA pilots get paid?

NOAA pilots, who operate aircraft for scientific and environmental missions, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, seniority, and location. They often require specialized certifications and flight hours, and may work irregular schedules during field operations.

Does NOAA hire pilots?

NOAA employs pilots, specifically NOAA Corps officers and contract pilots, to operate aircraft for scientific research, weather monitoring, and environmental missions. Candidates typically need a commercial pilot license, relevant flight experience, and often a background in science or engineering. Hiring processes include rigorous training and adherence to federal aviation standards.

Is it hard to get a job at NOAA?

Becoming a NOAA pilot is competitive due to the specialized skills required, such as aviation experience, scientific knowledge, and federal employment qualifications. Candidates often need relevant flight certifications, a strong background in science or engineering, and experience with government hiring processes, which can make the application process challenging.
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What cities are hiring for Noaa Pilot jobs? Cities with the most Noaa Pilot job openings:
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Noaa Pilot jobs near you
Infographic showing various Noaa Pilot job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,916 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Fisheries Program Analyst

Think Tank, Inc.

Silver Spring, MD • On-site

$102K - $120K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

*US Citizenship Required
*Full-time Onsite Position in Silver Spring, MD at NOAA Headquarters
*Period of Performance: Base: 07/06/2026 - 07/05/2027 | Option I: 07/06/2027 - 07/05/2028 | Option II: 07/06/2028 - 07/05/2029
*Position is Subject to Contract Award
Position Summary
Think Tank Inc. is seeking a Program Analyst to support the NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) Office of Policy. This position is embedded within the Policy and Administration (P&A) Team at NMFS Headquarters in Silver Spring, MD. The P&A Team manages the NOAA Fisheries Policy Directive System and facilitates corporate-level discussion and decision-making through the NOAA Fisheries Leadership Council. Work is often cutting-edge, cross-program, and cross-line-office, requiring nimble support of emerging agency priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Agency Priority & Executive Order Implementation (~30-40% of effort)
  • Support implementation of Administration and Agency priorities, including Executive Orders, legislation, strategic plans, 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 sustainability, industry resiliency, and seafood sector innovations
  • Conduct literature reviews, industry surveys, and related analytical support to develop market analysis recommendations supporting economic resilience and seafood sector development
  • Document Executive Order and NOAA Fisheries Seafood Strategy accomplishments, including support for a draft annual report and related reporting products

Policy Directive System & Procedure Development (~10% of effort)
  • Support revisions, updates, or creation of NOAA Fisheries policies and procedures, including products associated with the NOAA Fisheries Policy Directive System
  • Draft, review, revise, and coordinate agency policy documents with subject matter experts, NOAA Fisheries leadership, and external partners
  • Develop and maintain tracking tools: action item trackers, comment matrices, decision-support summaries, policy review schedules, and status reports

Leadership Council & Governance Support (~10-25% of effort)
  • Support NOAA Fisheries Leadership Council activities facilitating corporate-level discussion and decision-making
  • Plan and execute large multi-day meetings, monthly team meetings, and internal governance meetings, including agendas, pre-reads, logistics materials, meeting notes, and action item tracking (minutes due within 2 business days of meeting)
  • Coordinate with Headquarters, regional offices, science centers, and program offices to support timely information sharing and follow-through on assigned actions
    Policy & Regulatory Analysis
  • Analyze statutes, regulations, policies, draft legislation, Executive Orders, and NOAA Fisheries program materials; provide written analysis, options, and recommendations
  • Draft policy memoranda, issue papers, briefing materials, reports, presentation materials, and decision-support summaries on policy, regulatory, or program matters
  • Synthesize technical, policy, legal, and programmatic input into clear written products (average 2-4 documents or document sections per week)

NEPA Policy & Procedure Support (up to 5% of effort)
  • Support implementation of new or revised NEPA policies and procedures
  • Develop summaries, analyses, trackers, and collaboration/training materials for NEPA compliance
    Energy & Infrastructure Permitting Support (up to 10% of effort)
  • Support Office of Policy coordination on infrastructure and energy project permitting, including permitting streamlining efforts across NOAA and other Government agencies
  • Assist with analyses, coordination materials, tracking tools, and written products for timely document review
    Review & Comment Support
  • Review draft documents and provide timely, well-supported written comments (average 2-4 document reviews per week)
  • Coordinate comment consolidation across Office of Policy staff; use Government-directed formats including tracked changes, comment matrices, and annotated drafts

Communications & Outreach Support
  • Assist with communications projects: newsletters, print products, weekly headlines, rollout plans, priority documents, and ongoing outreach efforts
  • Support preparation of audience-appropriate materials consistent with NOAA Fisheries messaging and Government direction
  • Support planning and implementation of outreach activities, including authorized travel when required
    Administrative, Records Management & Task Order Reporting (~15-20% of effort)
  • Perform records management, file organization, tracker maintenance, scheduling support, and administrative documents as assigned
  • Participate in recurring status meetings and attend a task order kick-off meeting within 10 business days of award
  • Provide a monthly progress report due by the 5th business day of the following month, summarizing accomplishments, upcoming work, issues/risks, and recommendations
  • Store all Government information exclusively on Government-approved systems; no storage on personal drives or devices

Minimum Qualifications
The following qualifications are required by the Performance Work Statement. Candidates must demonstrate all of the following:
  • Interest in and/or knowledge of coastal or marine resource management and policy work/issues
  • Initiative; good written and oral communication skills; ability to synthesize information; strong interpersonal skills; a growth mindset/desire to learn; flexibility; and comfort with uncertainty
  • Experience working with federal agency policies and regulations applicable to marine resources management in state or federal waters
  • Knowledge of one or more of the following statutes: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), and/or Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
  • Ability to obtain a Public Trust designation; background investigation required prior to performance
  • Ability to work onsite at NMFS HQ, Silver Spring, MD during normal business hours on a full-time basis

Additional Strengths (Evaluated Favorably)
The Government will assess higher confidence in candidates who demonstrate any of the following:
  • NOAA Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship alumnus/alumna - Knauss alumni with experience producing leadership-ready policy products on short timelines, supporting NOAA/NMFS or similar federal marine resource policy work, or supporting Executive Order/regulatory/Agency priority implementation may be assessed as a strength
  • Demonstrated experience in a NOAA, NMFS, or similar federal natural resources or fisheries agency environment
  • Prior work on Executive Order or Agency-priority implementation, policy directive/procedure development, or Leadership Council/governance support
  • High-volume drafting and editing experience in a fast-paced federal policy environment
  • Familiarity with interagency coordination, stakeholder engagement, and Section 508 accessibility requirements for federal deliverables

Performance Expectations
The Program Analyst is expected to meet the following Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs) as defined in the PWS Performance Requirements Summary:
  • 95% of written work products and document reviews delivered on-time; fewer than 10% requiring major rework; zero critical factual, legal, or policy errors
  • Average of 2-4 draft documents or document sections produced per week
  • Average of 2-4 written document reviews provided per week
  • Meeting support materials (agendas, minutes, action items) delivered within 2 business days after each meeting
  • Respond to TOM inquiries and tasking acknowledgements within 1 business day during normal business hours
  • Complete and submit NOAA SASH training within 10 business days of task order award; annually thereafter

About Think Tank Inc.
Think Tank Inc. (TTI) is a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area. TTI holds certifications including CMMI L3 DEV/SVC, ISO 9001, 27001, 20000-1, 31000, and 42001, and operates under GSA MAS IT and the NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0 IDIQ. TTI delivers management consulting, IT, and program support services to federal agencies with a commitment to quality, compliance, and mission impact.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit a resume (no more than 2 pages) and a cover letter highlighting relevant experience, including specific statute knowledge (MSA, NEPA, ESA, MMPA) and federal marine resource policy work. If applicable, please identify Knauss Fellowship year, host office, and relevant work performed.
Think Tank Inc. | 301.608.0606 | www.ttinc.com
Think Tank Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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