NOAA Ocean Exploration is excited to announce that the application for the 2024 Explorer-in-Training Program is now open!
This year, the Explorer-in-Training Program will feature two paid internship options: (a) 2 to 4-week expedition-based opportunities supporting ocean mapping operations on the Okeanos Explorer and (b) 10-week spring and summertime opportunities.
The 10-week internships give participants an experiential learning opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge through long-term projects supported by NOAA Ocean Exploration mentors. The expedition-based internships provide support for specific NOAA Ocean Exploration expeditions, giving participants the chance to contribute to mission efforts while gaining tangible skills that benefit their future pursuits.
Applicants may only apply for one internship option. Please see below for eligibility requirements and application instructions:
Eligibility
U.S. citizenship
Currently enrolled students (undergraduate or graduate) or recent graduates whose completed their degree programs the previous year; must be enrolled in or have received a degree from an accredited academic institution
Degree, major, or intent to major in a field relevant to NOAA Ocean Exploration’s mission; these can include, but are not limited to: STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields, social sciences, communications, education, and/or ocean policy/management
Willingness to learn and follow NOAA Ocean Exploration’s office and shipboard standard operating procedures
Application Requirements
To learn more about projects available for 2024, please visit the Explorer-in-Training website.
Submission of online application form
Short answer response to each of the following required prompts:
What attracts you to ocean exploration? (maximum 250 words)
What are your expectations for an Explorer-in-Training internship? What skills and/or experience are you hoping to gain to advance your future career goals? (maximum 500 words)
NOAA Ocean Exploration is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Tell us about your journey and how you would like to contribute to NOAA Ocean Exploration's goal of creating a more diverse global pool of talent engaged in deep ocean exploration. (maximum 500 words)
Current resume or curriculum vitae (Note: if you have never created a CV before, here is some guidance from the National Science Foundation)
Contact information for at least one academic (professor, advisor, teacher, etc.) and one character reference (community member, work supervisor, mentor, etc.). These references should be able to speak to your character and your professional and/or academic background.
Please submit all application requirements via this Google Form.
Applications for the 2-4 week expedition-based opportunities will be accepted on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of January 31, 2024. After this priority deadline, applications will still be accepted until all slots are filled for the 2024 field season.
Applications for the 10-week shore-based opportunities will be accepted until January 31, 2024.
If you have any questions, need guidance, or experience technical difficulties, please contact NOAA Ocean Exploration Acting Internship Program Coordinator, Logan Kline, at oer.internships@noaa.gov.
More information about the Explorer-in-Training Program can be found on NOAA Ocean Exploration’s website.