Over the course of his career Noel worked in 8 national parks, including three in Southern Utah. 19 of his 38 years with the NPS were as Superintendent of 4 different parks. After retiring in 2007, he and his wife moved to Kanab.

Noel joined Grand Staircase Escalante Partners in 2008, and shortly after was invited to join the Board of Directors. He resigned from the Board in December 2018 after serving as President, Vice-President, and Executive Director. In January the Board appointed him to one of two Emeritus Trustee positions. He remains an active volunteer for Grand Staircase Escalante Partners.