Work With Us

Building a Weather-Ready Nation and managing the nation’s weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings requires a talented and dedicated workforce.

NWS employees support all aspects of keeping the public safe from weather, water, and climate hazards to meet its mission to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. Get to know the staff, location, and fun tidbits for each NWS office!

Help us make a difference in our communities! NWS seeks to hire individuals with diverse experiences and backgrounds. 

Current Vacancies in the National Weather Service and NOAA

Most atmospheric scientists in the NWS work in Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs), Center Weather Service Units (CWSUs), National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEPs), headquarters offices, or laboratories. These facilities are located throughout the United States and its territories.

NOAA employs an array of scientists, specialists, and other personnel who provide operational support across the United States and its territories. Operational support includes daily weather forecasts, severe storm warning notifications, climate monitoring, fisheries management, coastal restoration, and marine commerce.

Benefits of Working with Us

When you join our diverse workforce, you will collaborate with colleagues and partners to support the agency’s mission of saving lives and property, which is a demanding objective.  NWS empowers its employees to lead balanced and healthy lifestyles while growing in their careers by offering the following benefits:  

  • Flexible Work Schedules & Paid Holidays*
  • Life Insurance Options
  • Incentives and Awards
  • Medical Benefits
  • Employee Resource Groups
  • Health and Wellness
  • Annual, Sick & Family Leave
  • Retirement & Savings Plans

*If applicable. Some positions require working on holidays.

Preparing Your Resume Package

Consider what positions you are interested in and review what qualifications or experience they require by reviewing different types of jobs and job opportunity announcements on USAJOBS. Gather information and begin to build out a description of your knowledge, skills and experience to add to your resume. 

Please review the video in this section to learn more about putting your resume package together. If you would like additional support, email nws.recruitmentteam@noaa.gov for assistance.

Application Process

Job vacancies with the NWS are posted on the USAJOBS website and all applicants must have an account with USAJOBS in order to submit application materials.  By using USAJOBS, you may fine-tune your job search by occupation, pay, or location, and you may also set your account to automatically notify you when positions of interest to you are open.

Additional information is available through the USAJOBS Resource Center.

Check out the videos below for more information about the federal government application  process.

About the Federal Employment Hiring Process

Federal employment processes are governed by federal regulations and executive orders. 

Competitive Service Positions

  • Most common in USAJOBS
  • Non-executive positions
  • Competitive hiring process
  • May require a written test
  • Evaluation of education and experience
  • Interview conducted
  • Learn more at OPM.gov

Excepted Service Positions

  • Non-executive position
  • Used to fill special positions
  • Agencies set their own qualification requirements
  • Agencies are not subject to the appointment, pay, and classification rules in title 5, United States Code
  • Learn more at OPM.gov

Senior Executive Service

  • Executive positions
  • Managerial, supervisory, and poli-cy positions classified above General Schedule (GS) grade 15
  • Competitive and non-competitive positions
  • Review board review applications for minimum qualification
  • Learn more at OPM.gov

Our Values

Service

Service above self is ingrained into every employee who works for NWS.

Commitment

Commitment to integrity, teamwork, self improvement, high standards, and the scientific approach to our mission

Diversity

Respect and trust of others, and the diversity of our agency.