John Hurley

Location: Honolulu, HI
Office: Honolulu Weather Forecast Office
Job Title: Director of Operations

Educational Background:

• Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, Jackson State University

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

• I’m a former Air Force Weather Officer and served our country for 8 years. After leaving the service, I supported the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) as a meteorologist. I provided weather forecasts that supported aviation operations from New Zealand to Antarctica within Antarctica that supported scientific research. From July 2020 to May 2023, I was the Meteorologist-In-Charge (MIC) of the Minneapolis Center Weather Service Unit (CWSU). These experiences provided me with the opportunity to lead weather staff and prepared me for my current position as Director of Operations at the Honolulu Weather Forecast Office(HFO).

What do you do for the NWS?

• As HFO Director of Operations, I manage the day-to-day forecast operations, direct administrative management and provide mentorship and guidance for a staff of 20+ meteorologists ranging from GS-3 Pathways Interns to GS-14 Lead Forecasters. The Honolulu Weather Forecast Office has an unique area of responsibility which vary depending on the service program, ranging from high seas forecasts across the west and south Pacific Ocean to coordinating sigmets with Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines to tropical cyclones between NHC's East Pacific basin and Tokyo Typhoon Centers NW Pacific basin to WFO CWA forecast services across the state of Hawaii.  We provide IDSS at all levels including FEMA and coordinate many NWS offices: WFO's in Guam and American Samoa, and several NCEP offices (NHC, OPC, AWC, WPC, and NWC).

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

• During my time as a forecaster at the Chicago CWSU (Apr 2018-Nov 2018), I provided continuous weather updates to Traffic Management Unit (TMU) personnel during the June 2, 2018 thunderstorm event that impacted much of Chicago Center’s airspace. I presented the timing of convection that impacted major areas to help planes deviate from weather. Lauded by the operations manager for accuracy of timing of thunderstorm impact at O’Hare Airport.

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

• Working for the NWS has always been a dream job of mine since I was in high school. I knew I wanted to study the weather and was happy that Jackson State University offered a degree in meteorology.

What do you like most about working for the NWS?

• Everyday when I’m working the forecasting desk, I like providing weather briefings to FAA supervisors and operations managers who rely on the critical weather information that CWSU meteorologists provide to ensure the efficiency and safe routing of aircrafts across the National Airspace System.  

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

• Don’t give up if you have a passion for weather and serving your community to warn them of hazardous weather conditions.  

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

• Be good at math, science, reading comprehension, and language. Please seek out internships or volunteer opportunities at your local Weather Forecast Office, River Forecast Center, and Center Weather Service Unit. Join the military. Getting the on-the-job training is crucial and can be valuable when applying for NWS positions.