The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps (NOAA Corps) is one of the nation’s eight uniformed services and NOAA Corps officers are an integral part of NOAA. With approximately 330 officers and growing, the NOAA Corps supports nearly all of NOAA’s programs and missions. The combination of commissioned service and scientific expertise makes these officers uniquely capable of leading some of NOAA’s most important initiatives. Meet NOAA Corps officer Rear Adm. Amanda Goeller.
Where did you grow up?
I was raised on the eastern shore of Maryland in a small town called Snow Hill, where everyone did know your name. You had your parents and your friends' parents looking out for you! Growing up in a small town cultivated my desire to want to work for a team oriented organization, I also really wanted to travel, see the world and everything it had to offer. I’m fortunate that I was able to find the perfect balance within the NOAA Corps and also still readily get back “home.”
Where did you go to school and in what subject did you get your degree(s)?
I graduated from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Marine Science and a minor in Mathematics. After joining the NOAA Corps, I earned my Master’s of Science degree in Environmental Policy with a concentration in Public Administration. The NOAA Corps has also put me through two other amazing learning opportunities: NOAA’s Leadership Competencies Development Program and Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellows Program.
What inspired you to become a NOAA Corps officer?
My junior year in college I was accepted into a summer internship program working for NOAA Fisheries in Gloucester, Massachusetts. It was spectacular. I worked in the policy shop, mostly focused on marine mammals and learned a lot. It made me realize that not only did I not want to pursue a doctorate track, I also didn’t want a career in policy, but I still loved research, the ocean, travel, and being busy.
It was during that internship that I met two NOAA Corps officers, a pilot and a mariner. I realized later, true to form, the mariner sat me down and showed me the career potential, what the pay/entitlements would be, what a 401K meant, and the pilot told me all the great places I could be stationed, the amazing work I could do and how much fun I could have. So I got the best of all information to base my decision. I knew I wanted to be a NOAA Corps officer because I wanted to continue to support research, scientific achievement and the scientific community, but I didn’t want to focus on one area of research and I wanted to remain mobile and travel. So I applied, and fortunately was accepted!
What do you do as a NOAA Corps officer?
I was recently selected to become a rear admiral (lower half) and be the next Deputy Director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. In this role, I support the OMAO Strategic plan by focusing on continuing to cultivate and prioritize a respectful workplace climate and safety culture, supporting the recapitalization of the research fleet of aircraft, ships, and facilities to meet our operational requirements as well as expanding uncrewed operations. I look forward to partnering within NOAA and external stakeholders to expand our operations, knowledge, and to find collaborations that will streamline business practices, and benefit both our personnel and the science we support. I’m excited for this opportunity and to build on my varied career experiences.
What was one of your favorite missions or experiences?
This is a hard question to answer. I’ve been stationed on ships that conduct research in Alaska, Hawaii and the South Pacific, and I have helped bring a new ship online, working alongside our scientific partners to conduct the very first research objectives. I have also been the Assignment Coordinator (our one person to serve as the entire NOAA Corps detailer), a chief of staff for our rear admiral, and commanded the Atlantic Fleet. I decided to answer this with two assignments, same ship.
I was fortunate to be a plankowner, someone who is part of the crew when the ship is commissioned, on NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada as the Operations Officer. I later became the ship’s Commanding Officer. It is well known that the ship has “Shimadatude” and it just exudes competency, challenge, camaraderie, and fun. It was an honor to serve with the crew on that ship twice in my career.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a NOAA Corps Officer?
Be adventurous, be flexible, be honest, and be trustworthy. This career brings so much joy, but a ton of hardship as well. You will meet some of the most amazing people and do some of the most amazing things but this means you are often away from family and friends, missing major life events. Expect to move often, which is rewarding and challenging. Have a strong support system in place and be ready for a non-traditional work environment with unique, long working hours. In your application find a way to showcase your ability to be adaptable, resilient, and that you have grit.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, this will surprise no one, I love cheering for the Baltimore Ravens. My father and I have gone to games together ever since we officially got the team in 1996 and I am still able to attend today. Now, I bring my father with me in spirit, but I can pretty much use his words throughout the entire game (“Defense wins Championships”). I also very much enjoy hiking with my husband, reading mystery novels and taking relaxing walks with my spaniel, Coco.