The National Weather Service (NWS) is the agency of the Federal Government charged with providing weather, water, and climate data, along with forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. Achieving this goal is a team effort, requiring input from numerous scientists and technical experts across the country. To maintain expertise within the agency we are always looking to foster interest and learning in the next generation of potential NWS employees. Thus we offer a variety of opportunities for interested students that range in complexity from a basic introduction to the NWS, to in-depth on-the-job training.
Opportunities for students in the NWS fall into three main categories:
Job Shadowing
A good option for students who are interested in or undecided about a career in meteorology, hydrology, atmospheric science, or climatology.
Student Volunteering
Suggested for college-level students (junior standing or above) who are actively pursuing a degree or career in meteorology, atmospheric science, hydrology, climatology, or engineering.
Paid Internships
An excellent option for those planning or seeking a career with the National Weather Service. These are highly competitive and are generally only offered to actively enrolled university or college students with junior, senior, or graduate-level standing.
*It is entirely possible for a student to progress through all three of the options above on their way to a career with the NWS. To get more details about each of the opportunities above, check out the tabs to the right.
For additional information or help with applying to NWS Omaha, please contact brian.barjenbruch@noaa.gov
Job shadowing is the most basic program offered by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Omaha. It is aimed at students who are interested in a possible career in meteorology, hydrology, atmospheric science, climatology or engineering, with an emphasis on the operational forecast environment. As part of a job shadow, students receive a tour of our office, spend 1-6 hours with an NWS Omaha meteorologist observing the forecast process, and discuss career opportunities. Parents or guardians are welcome to join their students (encouraged for pre-college level students). There are four levels of job shadow available.
Level 1
A virtual option, this is a quick and straightforward way for students who are exploring career options in meteorology, atmospheric science, hydrology, climatology or engineering to learn more about careers with the National Weather Service (NWS). These meet and greet sessions with 1 to 2 NWS meteorologists generally last around 1 hour and afford students an opportunity to learn more about our job responsibilities and organization. Bring your questions and be ready to engage in a fun and valuable discussion. Times and dates for a job shadow of this kind are flexible.
Total Approximate Time: < 1 hour
Level 2
This level is intended for pre-college students who intend to pursue a career in meteorology, atmospheric science, hydrology, climatology or engineering. It typically involves a tour of our office and approximately 1 to 2 hours shadowing an NWS meteorologist. This is intended to give the student a basic understanding of the job responsibilities of an NWS meteorologist, while allowing them time to ask questions of and discuss career opportunities with a current professional. While we are flexible on time, the best time for this level of job shadow is often in the evening when it can coincide with the daily weather balloon launch.
Total Approximate Time: 1 - 2 hours
Level 3
This level is intended for undergraduate or graduate students who are either enrolled in or considering a major in meteorology, atmospheric science, hydrology, climatology, or engineering. As with Level 2, we provide a tour of our facilities for the student. Time allotted for discussion, job shadowing, and asking for career advice from one of our meteorologists is a bit more extensive at 2 to 4 hours. The student may also have time to meet with a member of the local management team to discuss future career options and the goals of the NWS. Times for a job shadow of this kind are flexible, but we generally recommend a period during the afternoon and evening to coincide with the evening weather balloon launch.
Total Approximate Time: 2 - 4 hours
For additional information or help with applying to NWS Omaha, please contact brian.barjenbruch@noaa.gov
The Student Volunteer Program at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Omaha is a step above the job shadow program, offering students an opportunity to spend 1-2 days a week in a professional setting during a spring, summer or fall semester. A virtual option is also available for students attending school outside of the Omaha region. The program is fully volunteer (non-paid) and gives students an opportunity to work one-on-one with members of the NWS Omaha staff, while gaining valuable work experience in an operational environment. The volunteer program is competitive, and provides students with mentoring and the opportunity to conduct a research project focused on local topics. Student volunteer positions are best suited for junior, senior, or graduate-level students actively majoring in meteorology, atmospheric science, hydrology, climatology, or engineering.
Application Deadlines
Requirements
Application Process
Students interested in applying to a volunteer position at NWS Omaha need to complete the following to be considered:
Once the deadline for applications has passed, we will review all the submitted applications and make a selection. An interview by phone or Skype may be requested as part of the selection process.
If you are selected you will need to submit fingerprints and pass a background security investigation. This is required for all volunteers or potential employees at federal agencies, and can take 6-8 weeks. Once the background check is complete, we will contact you to discuss a schedule for your volunteer period.
Expectations & Duties
Volunteer Hours: Students should expect to spend 8-12 hours per week volunteering at NWS Omaha.
Research Project: During your first week volunteering, we will discuss and lay out a plan for a research project. Research projects are generally focused on a student’s area of interest with the goal of providing a tangible benefit to the office. An opportunity will be provided at the end of your volunteer period for you to present your research findings to the NWS Omaha staff.
Additional Expectations
For additional information or help with applying to NWS Omaha, please contact brian.barjenbruch@noaa.gov
Paid internship positions within the National Weather Service (NWS) can be a challenge to find and are generally very competitive. They are not offered directly by local forecast offices (though local offices including NWS Omaha routinely host paid interns), but rather determined at the national level. That said, they offer one of the most in-depth and challenging introductions to a career with the NWS. It is highly recommended that anyone seeking a career with the NWS consider applying for these positions when they become available.
Paid internships with the NWS are offered through the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pathways Program. This program offers students an opportunity to work directly for the NWS while in school, and the chance to be converted to a full-time employee upon successful completion of the program.
For additional information or help with applying to NWS Omaha, please contact brian.barjenbruch@noaa.gov
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