Student Volunteer Opportunities at NWS Columbia

Not Currently Accepting Applications

This webpage will be used to announce Student Volunteer Opportunities at NWS Columbia, SC. These internships are typically in person and held over the summer months. If opportunities are available for the upcoming summer, a call for applications will be posted during the late winter. This link will take you to a webpage for all NWS Student Volunteer Opportunities throughout the NWS.

Students will be selected through a competitive application review and interview process. Volunteer positions will be in-person at the NWS Forecast Office located in West Columbia, SC. This program will allow current college students to:

Gain exposure to NWS Weather Forecast Office operations by shadowing operations
Participate in NWS personal development opportunities
Conduct a guided research project
Present research findings to an audience of meteorologists

Program Overview

The National Weather Service Columbia, SC Forecast Office has forecast and warning responsibility for the Midlands of South Carolina and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) of eastern Georgia, including the cities of Columbia and Augusta. During the summer months, there is a range of weather that can impact the region, including severe convection and tornadoes, flash flooding, extreme heat, and tropical cyclones.

Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with NWS operations, policies and procedures, software and computer systems, and hydrological/meteorological products. Additionally, students will work with a local meteorologist to conduct meaningful research that will help our office better serve our partners and assure the protection of life and property.

Requirements

Must be a United States citizen
Must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program
Must be majoring or minoring in Meteorology, Atmospheric Sciences, or a related field
Must pass a security screening to have access to the building and computers
Preferred: At least 6 credit hours of course work in Meteorology or Atmospheric Sciences

Duties

The expected duties of the student will be:

Volunteer approximately 16 hours per week from approximately late May through early August.
Gain valuable experience by shadowing forecasters in operations.
Work on a collaborative research project focusing on the local forecast area.
Participate in professional development and training opportunities.

This is a volunteer program; Students will not be paid for their time in the office. It may be possible for the student to gain class credit for their time spent at the office, which will be determined by the student's academic advisor or department head. If seeking class credit, please include the school's requirements with your application.