National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Listed on Orbital Diplomat 4 Sept 2026
This position is part of NOAA's Office of General Counsel Honors Attorney Program, based in Silver Spring, Maryland. Selected candidates will work alongside experienced NOAA scientists and policy specialists on legal matters spanning natural resource management, conservation, and environmental regulation. Duties include conducting legal research, reviewing applications for governmental approval, presenting to agency decision-makers, and participating in adversarial proceedings under statutes such as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Notably, NOAA OGC also provides legal advice on the licensing of commercial satellites, giving this role relevance to space regulatory affairs. The position is developmental, with promotion potential up to GS-15, and candidates are expected to begin in September 2027.
Must be a U.S. Citizen Must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school (awarded by June 30, 2027) or be completing a judicial clerkship or legal fellowship by September 2027 Graduate law students with a J.D. pursuing an L.L.M. or other graduate law degree by June 30, 2027 are also eligible Must pass a bar examination and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) within 14 months of entry on duty Significant academic achievement (top 20% of class, honors graduation, law review participation, or judicial clerking experience) is favorably considered Must agree to a three-year employment commitment Must complete a background investigation and financial disclosure (OGE Form 450) Male applicants must be registered for Selective Service Transcripts and proof of Bar membership must be submitted with the application