NOAA Coastal Resilience Fellowship Program

Established in 2024, this fellowship provides a unique, two-year opportunity for early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience.

Successful applicants will support Climate Resilience Regional Challenge grant recipients as they implement projects that build climate resilience within coastal communities. Each project includes a focus on serving marginalized, underserved, and underrepresented communities. Project descriptions for each of the 33 fellowship opportunities will be posted in late 2024.

Duration

This two-year opportunity begins in June 2025 and concludes in June 2027.

Location

The work will vary by host and location. Fellowship opportunities are available in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Virginia-Maryland-Delaware area, and Washington State. Fellows are required to relocate to their designated fellowship location. A map of the project locations for the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge is available, and specific fellowship locations, along with fellowship project descriptions, will be posted as they become available.

Benefits

Each fellowship offers a competitive salary, medical benefits, and reimbursement for travel and relocation expenses. Salaries range from $42,000 to $56,000 annually, depending on the cost of living adjustment in the fellowship location. Exact salaries will be listed in the position descriptions when the fellowship application period opens. Fellows also receive travel funds to cover the following: a required peer-to-peer sharing event with other grant recipients and fellows in the spring of 2027; project-related travel up to a designated amount; and training, conferences, and meetings that will advance professional growth.

Eligibility

Candidates must possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent and demonstrate a strong interest in climate resilience and coastal management.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit the following in one pdf file named “last name, first name”:

• Resume (two-page limit)
• Statement of interest, where the candidate describes what they hope to gain from the fellowship experience and what they can contribute. Also highlight any connections to or special interests you have in the region, including Indigenous or local knowledge and relevant life experiences. (500-word limit)
• Unofficial academic transcripts (or joint services transcript for veterans)
• Two professional or academic references (names and contact information)