Student Opportunities

There are three types of student programs here at NWS Buffalo:

Paid Employment
Student Volunteer
Job Shadow

Paid Employment

Although paid student programs are not directly available through the local NWS office, the Department of Commerce has a new program called Pathways. For more information, please see:

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Student Volunteer

NWS Buffalo's Student Volunteer Program is designed for students nearing the completion of their undergraduate studies, or in a graduate level degree program in meteorology, atmospheric science or hydrology. Here are some of the details of the program:

The program generally will last 3 months. The first three weeks are dedicated to shadow shifts and other basic training within our operations area, some online coursework, and observing a radiosonde (balloon) launch. The next several weeks are devoted to a small research project or helping out with various tasks within the office such as updating various databases and/or webpages. The last few weeks are set aside for writing up a summary of your experiences and a write-up of any completed or ongoing research projects. Throughout the 3 months, you will be working with our staff to issue some basic NWS products such as our Regional Weather Summary.

Students will be expected to volunteer 8-10 hours per week at the WFO for a total of at least 80-100 hours. Depending on your school, you might be able to obtain 1-3 credits, usually as an independent study, and with a required research project as designed by the NWS Science and Operations Officer (SOO) and/or the student's advisor.

A total of four students are allowed to participate in the volunteer program per year, usually during the summer break. However, in some instances students may be allowed to participate during the Fall or Spring semester.

Applicant requirements

Students must have completed their freshman year in college, preferably in a meteorology, atmospheric science or hydrology program.

Students must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0.

To apply, send:

A cover letter

A resume

The most recent transcript to:

Dave Zaff
Science and Operations Officer
National Weather Service
587 Aero Drive
Buffalo, NY 14225
(716) - 565 - 0204
david.zaff@noaa.gov

Applications are due by March 15.

Job Shadow

The NWS Buffalo Job Shadow program is intended for students interested in meteorology as a possible career. The students spend around 2-4 hours with a NWS Buffalo meteorologist observing the forecast process, and discussing NWS career opportunities.

Interested students should contact:

Dave Zaff
Science and Operations Officer
National Weather Service
587 Aero Drive
Buffalo, NY 14225
(716) - 565 - 0204
david.zaff@noaa.gov