U.S. Department of Commerce - NOAA
Federal Government Jobs - $100,000/year positions - Civil Service Exams - Federal Benefits
Shipboard Employment - Adminstrative Positions
Working for a government agency like NOAA is an aspiration for many commercial
mariners. This agency oversees the protection of oceans and marine life. The
federal government offers attractive salaries, solid benefits, and room for growth.
Jobs with NOAA are multi-disciplinary, meaning that vacancies arise in a wide
range of areas, from shipboard personnel to scientific research positions to
fisheries management to contract and finance positions. NOAA regularly posts a
good number positions - Career Opportunities with NOAA . Salaries with this
government employer will depend on a candidate's level of education and training.
As a federal employer, NOAA
uses a system of "Gold" for
best qualified applicants,
"Silver" for highly qualified
applicants, and "Bronze" for
qualified candidates. In
general, job applicants with the
federal government may be
asked to specify the grade they
apply for, for instance GS-11,
GS-13, GS-15, etc. These
grades are identified by the skill
sets defined in a position's job
description.
The government research vessel McArthur II  is operated by the federal agency NOAA,
under the United States Department of Commerce. She is 224' long, 43 wide, with a draft of 15'.
Displacing 2,301 tons, the compact ship has a cruising speed of 11 knots and range of 8,000
nautical miles. She has a crew of 17, not including 14 scientists. Commissioned in 2003, she is
powered by two 800 horsepower General Electric diesels turning two four bladed 8.5' manganese
bronze propellers. Auxiliary power is furnished by four Caterpillar-Kato 250 kW generators. She
carries 224,000 gallons of no. 2 and 4,063 gallons of fresh water. The government vessel has an
endurance of 45 days, accommodating her crew in 18 single staterooms, 8 double staterooms,
and one quadruple stateroom. Technical Specs - United States Department of Commerce - NOAA
The salary for a Third Assistant Engineer (currently posted) is in the range of
$42,000 per year. The salary for a General Vessel Assistant is in the range of
$32,000 per year. The salary for a Budget Office Director is in the neighborhood of
$119,000 per year. The salary for a Supervisory Information Technology Specialist is
in the range of $123,000 per year.