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John Moore, III

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John Moore, III

Location: Silver Spring, MD
Office: NWS Operations Center
Job Title: Emergency Response Meteorologist 
Felecia Bowser
 


Educational Background:

  • BS Meteorology, Jackson State University

Describe the career path that led you to your current job with the National Weather Service.

  • My love for weather goes back as far as I can remember. By the first grade, all of my teachers and family knew I wanted to become a meteorologist. They encouraged this passion by providing resources and fostering experiences pertaining to the field of meteorology. I received a scholarship to my dream school, Jackson State University, which is one of the only Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)–and the only university–in my home state of Mississippipi to offer a degree in meteorology.

    At Jackson State, I became a NOAA Pathways Intern and started my career at the NWS Office in Memphis, Tennessee.
     

What do you do for the NWS?

  • As an Emergency Response Meteorologist, I work at the NWS Operations Center at NOAA Headquarters. I provide timely Impact-Based Decision Support Services (IDSS) to meet the evolving needs of NWS partners and stakeholders and support agency readiness by proactively collaborating and facilitating the exchange of critical information, setting operational posture, and briefing leadership.

What was the most interesting, exciting, or impactful weather/water event you experienced while working for the NWS and why does it stand out?

  • One of the most memorable weather events of my career was the 2020 Easter Tornado Outbreak when two EF-4 tornadoes impacted South Mississippi. My team at NWS Jackson and I were able to contribute to the preservation of life and property by issuing accurate forecasts, timely warnings, and even broadcasting live weather updates throughout the event.

What made you decide to pursue a career with the NWS?

  • My love for weather and my desire to serve the public.

What do you like most about working for the NWS?

  • I like that the work I’ve done since being hired by the NWS has been meaningful. Most of the events, projects, and programs I’ve been a part of have had direct benefits to communities at the local and national level.

What advice do you have for someone interested in a career with the NWS?

  • The NWS is in the process of making the agency more inclusive for all, but unfortunately, we’re not there yet. If you’re a person of color, be ready to face some challenges while recognizing that there is an opportunity to help shape the agency into the authentically equal and inclusive community that it can be.

What training or coursework would you recommend to someone interested in following your career path?

  • There are many different ways outside of meteorology to contribute to the mission of the NWS. Make sure your coursework and training opportunities are diverse and well-rounded. I would suggest taking courses and seeking training in emergency management, public speaking, computer science, and professional writing.