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Explorer-in-Training Program

Person wearing a headset working at a control panel with multiple screens displaying graphs and charts.
Explorer-in-Training Ingrid Martinson participates in mapping data collection in the control room aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska.
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About the Explorer-in-Training Program


NOAA Ocean Exploration is dedicated to exploring the unknown ocean, unlocking its potential through scientific discovery, technological advancements, and data delivery. By working closely with partners across public, private, and academic sectors, we are filling gaps in our basic understanding of the marine environment and providing critical data, information, and awareness needed to protect American livelihoods, strengthen national security, and promote a vibrant U.S. economy.

With priority placed on exploration of deep waters and the waters of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, NOAA Ocean Exploration executes its mission to explore the ocean for national benefit by using the latest tools and technologies to explore previously unknown areas of the ocean, making discoveries of scientific and economic value. By making collected data publicly available in increasingly innovative and accessible ways, we provide a unique and centralized national resource of critical ocean information needed to inform decision-makers on policy issues. And, through live exploration video, online resources, training and educational opportunities, and public events, we share the excitement of ocean exploration with people around the world and inspire and engage the next generation of ocean scientists, engineers, and leaders.

Since 2009, NOAA Ocean Exploration has hosted over 170 students in the Explorer-in-Training program. With a primary focus on ocean mapping and exploration, explorers-in-training gain hands-on experience supporting multibeam mapping, hydrography, data processing, and expedition operations. Over the years, the program has also offered interdisciplinary opportunities supporting other NOAA Ocean Exploration mission areas, including deep-sea biology, underwater cultural heritage, exploration technology, communications, education, and more. Explorers-in-training gain valuable, interdisciplinary experience in ocean exploration,equipping participants with skills to meet the current and future demands of the ocean exploration workforce. The Explorer-in-Training program is currently administered in partnership with the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research‘s Cooperative Program for the Advancement of Earth System Science (UCAR CPAESS).

Three people in a lab, one pouring liquid from a plastic bag into a container, with lab equipment around.
Explorers-in-Training Rebecca Ruiz, Rose Leeger, and Ranna Zahabi filter water samples for environmental DNA collection during the Seascape Alaska 2: Aleutians Deepwater Mapping expedition. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Seascape Alaska.
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Two people at a control station interacting with computer screens displaying data visualizations.
Explorers-in-Training Kathrin Bayer and Daryin Medley process mapping data in the control room aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Image courtesy of Caitlin Bailey, GFOE, 2022 Caribbean Mapping.
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Eligibility & Application Requirements

Visit the current opportunities section for specific eligibility and application requirements, including application guidance, essay prompts, and instructions for how to apply. See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information about program eligibility and application requirements, including U.S. citizenship, who qualifies as “recently graduated”, SAC clearances, and tips for putting together a strong application.

Eligibility
  • Applicants must:
    • Be a U.S. citizen.
    • Be at least 18 years of age.
    • Be currently enrolled in or have recently graduated (within one year) from an accredited academic institution. Undergraduate applicants must be rising juniors or seniors who have completed at least two years of coursework.
    • Be pursuing or intending to pursue a degree in a field relevant to NOAA Ocean Exploration’s mission.
    • Be willing to learn and follow NOAA Ocean Exploration protocols and policies related to health, safety, and conduct.
    • Successfully complete a Special Agreement Check (SAC) clearance upon acceptance into the program.
  • For expedition-based opportunities, applicants must also:
    • Possess a valid U.S. Passport
    • Complete required medical clearances.
    • Comply with NOAA shipboard safety and conduct requirements.
    • Complete any additional documentation or clearances, as required to access certain ports, military installations, government facilities, or other restricted locations.
Application Requirements
  • Submission of online application form, including contact information, academic information, eligibility confirmation, availability and travel information (as applicable for expedition-based opportunities).
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages).
  • Responses to three required essay prompts (maximum 250–500 words each).
  • Contact information for 1–2 professional references (professor, advisor, work supervisor, mentor, etc.).

Current Opportunities

No current opportunities. Check back later for available opportunities, key dates and expedition locations, application and essay requirements, and instructions for how to apply.

Resources & Contact

Resources

See the resources below to learn more about NOAA Ocean Exploration and our work, and explore other student opportunities, education and career resources, and employment opportunities available through NOAA, other federal agencies, our partners, and the broader ocean exploration community.

Contact

If you have any questions, need guidance, or experience technical difficulties, please contact the NOAA Ocean Exploration Internship Program Coordinator at oer.internships@noaa.gov.

FAQs

I am not a U.S. citizen. Am I eligible to apply?
The Explorer-in-Training program is only available to U.S. citizens. If you are interested in at-sea internship opportunities and are not a U.S. citizen, we recommend looking into the programs and resources listed on our Student Opportunities and Career and Education Resources pages, which includes opportunities with a variety of citizenship eligibility requirements.

What is a Special Agreement Check (SAC) clearance?
A Special Agreement Check (SAC) clearance is a streamlined background check process conducted by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). SAC checks are often used for initial screenings, particularly for temporary, volunteer, or intern positions within federal agencies with a term of less than 180 days. The SAC process requires fingerprinting and typically includes identity verification, criminal record check, terrorist watchlist check, public records review, and residency and employment verification.

Who qualifies as “recently graduated”?
We define “gap year students and/or recent graduates” as students who graduated within one year of the start date of the internship period to which they are applying. The specific graduation date requirements for each program year will be included in the eligibility requirements posted in the current opportunities page.

How can I make my application stand out?

  • Follow the guidelines: Make sure you meet all eligibility and application requirements, and keep your resume/CV and essay responses to the required word or page limits.
  • Tell us why you are interested in Explorer-in-Training: Demonstrate that you have read about our organization and understand the goals and responsibilities of the specific internship opportunity you are applying for. Be sure to highlight any relevant skills and experiences, and tell us how this opportunity will help you advance in your future career and educational goals.
  • Showcase your unique value: We receive many applications for Explorer-in-Training each year. Help us see why you are the best candidate for our program and organization. Tell us about your interests and passions, your personal journey, what you bring to the team, and how you hope to contribute to NOAA Ocean Exploration’s goal of building a diverse, inclusive, and safe community of people engaged in deep ocean exploration.
  • Polish your resume and seek feedback: There are many online resources with guidance on putting together professional resumes/CVs, applications and preparing for interviews. Many campuses and communities offer free services to help proofread essays, review resumes, and practice for interviews. Ask your professors, supervisors, mentors, and colleagues to review and provide feedback on your application materials.

How do I know that my application was received?
We receive a large number of applications for our opportunities each year and do not individually notify applicants about their application receipt or review status. Please consider the email copy of your application as your confirmation of receipt.

When will I hear back about my application status?
Application review and notification timelines vary by program year and may depend on the number of applications received and the time needed to complete the review and selection process. Specific application deadlines, review timelines, and notification dates will be posted on the current opportunities page.

When will my references be contacted?
Professional references are only contacted for finalists during the final phase of candidate selection, typically for applicants invited to interview with the selection team. The anticipated timeframe for interviews and reference checks will be provided on the current opportunities page.

What are the dates for Explorer-in-Training internships?
Internship dates and durations vary by opportunity and program year. Specific start and end dates, as well as other important program dates, will be posted on the current opportunities page.

What are the dates and locations for ocean mapping expeditions?
Expedition dates, locations, and days at sea vary from year to year. Specific expedition schedules and locations will be posted on the current opportunities page. You can also visit our Expeditions & Projects page for information about past, current, and upcoming expeditions.

I’m interested in the expedition-based, seafloor mapping internship but am still in school. How will I know if I can join the expeditions?
Our expedition season spans the academic year and summer. We understand that not everyone is able to miss 2–4 weeks during the school year or summer to participate in an expedition. Although the ship is equipped with high-speed internet to allow students to participate in remote classes or coursework, interns must still meet their expected 8-hour per day workload throughout their internship. However, we do not recommend this internship opportunity to students who are taking a full course load or synchronous classes, since we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate your class schedule while you are working on the ship. Check with your professors or advisors to see whether they support you taking a leave of absence during the 2–4 week expedition, or if they will allow you to reschedule any major assignments or exams.

How will I know which expedition I would go on?
When completing the online application form, please indicate which expeditions you have confirmed availability to sail. The review team will consider applicants’ availability against the expedition schedule to determine expedition assignments. Selected applicants will be notified as to which expedition they have been assigned to in their acceptance letters. Note: we consider applicants for each expedition independently. If you are selected to sail on one expedition, your offer cannot be deferred to other expeditions.

Why do seafloor mapping interns need a valid U.S. passport to participate in an expedition?
NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer often sails in international waters and may make use of international ports. In addition to the program eligibility requirements, applicants to the expedition-based seafloor mapping internship are required to possess a valid U.S. passport for travel to/from or in case of emergency requiring docking at international ports.

Can I conduct my own original research project through this internship?
Interns are not allowed to conduct their own original research projects through the Explorer-in-Training program. NOAA Ocean Exploration internships are focused on the scientific and operational needs of the office and our partners. Depending on the project, there may be flexibility to adjust or tailor the project to the intern’s specific skills and interests, however this will be determined on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with the internship mentors. All NOAA Ocean Exploration data are publicly accessible, including those collected on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, and available to use in pursuit of original research outside of the Explorer-in-Training program.

Will I receive feedback on my application?
Due to the high volume of applications we receive for Explorer-in-Training, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants. We encourage applicants to seek feedback on their application materials from professors, supervisors, mentors, and colleagues, etc. Many campuses and communities also offer free services to help proofread essays and review resumes.

Three people jumping on a ship's deck with the ocean and sky in the background.
Explorers-in-Training (from left to right) Abby Norstad, Nathanael Mathis, and Gina Knox on the back deck of NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Read about their experience as ocean mapping explorers-in-training in this expedition feature/Q&A. Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Beyond the Blue: Johnston Atoll Mapping.
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