NWS Twin Cities Student Volunteer and Shadowing Opportunities 

We are currently accepting student volunteer program applications through March 31, 2023.  The Student Volunteer Program will run through the summer months of 2023!

NWS Twin Cities Volunteer Position Description

The Student Volunteer Program involves working with the NWS Weather Forecast Office in Chanhassen, MN. The selected student volunteer will have the opportunity to work on a research project, shadow NWS forecasters, and/or assist with one of our team's (Science Technology and Training, Operations or Decision Support Services) goals. The selected student will also have a mix of other in-person experiences (participating in an outreach event, seeing the radar, going on an Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) preventative maintenance trip, etc.). The selected student will also be assigned a mentor to work with.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in meteorology or a related field

  (such as atmospheric science, environmental science, climatology, hydrology, etc.).

• Be in good academic standing as defined by the educational institution (at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale)  

What to Expect 

• The volunteer will work in-person shifts between 10-15 hours per week. The volunteer can occasionally work virtually if they choose​.

Application Process and Deadlines 

Your application must include the following:

• Cover letter detailing why you would like to volunteer for the National Weather Service. 
• A one-page resume.
• An unofficial transcript.
• Your application may also include a letter of recommendation from an academic professor in their field of study.

Applications must be submitted to Nick Carletta (nicholas.carletta@noaa.gov) with the subject "2023 NWS Student Volunteer Program" in order to be considered by March 31st, 2023.

Other Related Opportunities

Job Shadow Opportunities

Job shadowing opportunities are available to students at high school or college/university academic levels. The job shadow would follow an NWS Twin Cities Meteorologist on shift for a couple of hours to understand daily operations at our forecast office located in Chanhassen, MN. For inquires or requests to arrange a job shadow opportunity, please email nws.twincities@noaa.gov.

• Note: Any job shadow arrangement is weather dependent and could be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice. 

Pathways Program and the Hollings Scholarship Program

NOAA offers several student opportunities, including paid student internships through the Pathways Program and undergraduate scholarships through the Hollings Scholarship Program.

All opportunities will be advertised on USAJOBS (usajobs.gov). Use the keyword search "1399." The 1399 Series is for Student Trainee nationwide vacancies. 

Students are welcome to schedule a tour of the office or a shadow shift, where they can watch a weather balloon launch and see the forecast process in action. Please send an email to the point of contact below for more information.

Points of Contact

For more information, please contact:

Student Volunteer Coordinators: Nick Carletta (nicholas.carletta@noaa.gov) and Ryan Dunleavy (ryan.dunleavy@noaa.gov).