Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor . . .
Science, service, and stewardship: NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, ocean, and coasts; to share that knowledge and information with others; and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. This mission makes NOAA the federal government’s premier ocean, weather, space, and coastal conservation and management agency.
Legal services of the highest quality: NOAA GC’s mission is to advance the mission and objectives of NOAA by delivering legal services of the highest quality. In an environment fostering innovation and professional development, NOAA GC staff apply the rule of law with integrity, respect for people, and commitment to excellence and the public trust.
NOAA GC Value Statements
Integrity, Innovation, Teamwork, Professional Excellence, Effective Communication, Public Service
For more information about NOAA’s commitment to hiring veterans and individuals with disabilities is available at the NOAA Work With Us page.
The Role of NOAA GC
Learn more about the work of NOAA GC
NOAA GC provides legal advice on a wide variety of cutting-edge, complex, and interesting legal issues, including:
- protecting and managing marine resources, such as U.S. and international fisheries, marine mammals, and endangered and threatened marine species;
- conserving and managing ocean and coastal areas and marine sanctuaries;
- enforcing NOAA regulations and laws under NOAA’s jurisdiction;
- assisting U.S. Department of Justice attorneys in the defense of cases brought under NOAA-related statutes challenging NOAA actions;
- assessing and seeking restitution from responsible parties for damage to NOAA-managed resources;
- predicting and communicating weather forecasts;
- planning and managing Earth-observing satellite systems;
- negotiating multilateral international environmental agreements;
- licensing of commercial satellites;
- implementing administrative and federal law requirements and procedures under statutes like the Administrative Procedure Act and the National Environmental Policy Act;
- and more!
Client Service and Client Agencies
Client service is central to NOAA GC’s legal practice. NOAA GC attorneys work closely with our NOAA line and staff offices, other bureaus within the U.S. Department of Commerce, and other federal agencies to advance NOAA’s mission. Line offices include:
- National Ocean Service (NOS)
- National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
- National Weather Service (NWS)
- National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)
- Office of Marine & Aviation Operations (OMAO)
- Office of Oceanic & Atmospheric Research (OAR)
In addition, NOAA GC advises on cross-cutting issues involving natural resources damage assessment, environmental review, enforcement, and international matters.
How to Apply
Embark on a new career with NOAA GC
We welcome applications from candidates who are interested in positively contributing to the mission of NOAA GC, and we hope that you will consider joining the dedicated public servants at NOAA.
If you are interested in a career with NOAA, please check:
- USA Jobs -- we suggest that you specifically filter for NOAA jobs and enter “0905” in the keywords search field for attorney positions; enter “0301” for program specialist positions; and enter “0950” for paralegal positions.
- NOAA Work with Us.
If you are interested in starting your legal career as a NOAA GC Honors Attorney, please visit our Attorney Honors Program page.
If you are interested in a legal internship/externship with NOAA GC, please visit our Legal Internships/Externships page.