Shadowing

Status: Due to limited staffing availability, requests for shadowing experiences will be suspended on March 1, 2025, until further notice. We are very sorry!

Students enrolled in high school or in college are welcome to visit our office to shadow for a day. You'll see what our staff does on a day-to-day basis, and learn what skills and courses you need to work for the National Weather Service. Here are details about shadowing at NWS Paducah:

Who Can Shadow: Students enrolled in high school or in college with an interest in pursuing a career in meteorology. Students will need to have transportation to our office. 

When Can Students Shadow: Students may shadow year-round, though periods may be limited due to staff availability. 

Other Details:

• A day shadowing typically lasts three to six hours, mainly between 10 AM and 4 PM on weekdays. 
• Parents, guardians, or teachers of a student shadowing are welcome to be in the office while they shadow. 

How to Arrange a Shadowing Experience: Contact Derrick Snyder by email at derrick.snyder@noaa.gov. 

Summer Student Volunteers

Status: Due to limited staffing, the student volunteer program will be canceled for 2025. We are very sorry!

Students studying atmospheric science, meteorology, climatology, hydrology, or a related field who have completed their freshman year can apply to be a summer student volunteer. Volunteers will shadow forecasters and staff at our office, go on outreach visits to core partners, and work on a research project that will be presented to the staff at the end of the semester.

Space is limited to one to three students per summer. Depending on staff availability, we may also be able to accomodate virtual student volunteers that do not live in in the local area. Recruiting for summer student volunteers takes place during the spring semester. Below are details on how to apply: 

Student Volunteers Must Meet the Following Program Requirements: 

1. Be enrolled at least half time at a college or university and majoring in atmospheric science, meteorology, climatology, hydrology, or a related field.  
2. Have completed your freshman year. 
3. Be available to commit at least eight hours per week to volunteering. We can work with your schedule to fit your needs. Some work with your summer research project may be able to be completed virtually. 

How to Apply:

Please email the following information in separate PDF files to derrick.snyder@noaa.gov using the email subject "Summer Student Volunteer Application."

1. A resume containing the following information:
   • Legal name.
   • Preferred name or nickname (if applicable). 
   • Email address.
   • Mailing address.
   • Phone number.
   • The university you are attending, your major, and your anticipated graduation date.
   • If you can volunteer in-office or need to volunteer virtually. 
   • Contact information for your academic advisor.
   • Work, volunteer, and leadership experiences you have done either inside and outside of school. 
   • Any academic, professional, or personal references. 
2. A copy of your most recent college transcript (unofficial transcripts are OK).
3. A one or two page statement of interest introducing yourself, why you would like to be a student volunteer, and what your career aspirations are (if you don't know yet, that is OK!). 

Typical Application Timeline:

1. Applications Period Opens: Now through March 21, 2025. 
2. Reviewing Applications: Late March.
3. Interviews with Finalists Scheduled: Early April. 
4. Finalists Interviewed: Early to mid-April.
5. Final Selections: Late April. 
6. Security Clearance Process for Volunteers: May. 
7. Volunteer Period: Early June through Early August. 

For More Information:

Please email questions to Derrick Snyder at derrick.snyder@noaa.gov.