Melinda Bailey

Location:Silver Spring, MD
Office: Analyze, Forecast, and Support Office (AFSO)
Job Title: National Marine Program Manager

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Meteorology from Texas A&M University

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

• While being good at math and science seems like the logical reason for someone to be interested in meteorology, I leaned toward the field because I recognized that weather affects people's daily routines and also impacts their planning for weekends and events. I wanted to be a part of that and help people.

What do you do for the NWS?

• I am the NWS National Marine Services Program Manager.  I help implement services, provide guidance, and implement new policies related to marine and coastal services for forecasters and the marine community. 

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

• I was so moved by the deep impacts of the 2004 earthquake and resulting devastating tsunami in Indonesia that I realized we still need to be better prepared in areas of the United States. Therefore, I led an effort (with a great team of colleagues!) to implement a Tsunami Warning System for the southern and eastern United States.

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

• I was an intern with the NWS during my summers while going to Texas A&M for my degree. I was very impressed and in awe of how impactful the everyday decisions of the forecasters were to the general public, media, partners, and emergency managers. So much so, that I yearned to be a part of the great NWS team. The NWS also has a great career ladder that is tough to pass up.

What do you like most about working for the NWS?

• The weather affects everyone's life every day. Also, I work in a customer service position and I love helping others. Since the NWS is the epitome of helping others because we issue warnings for safety and daily forecasts for decisions, I can honestly say I love coming to work every single day to help others.

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

• Do your research on the different meteorology programs.
• The NWS has NUMEROUS locations in the U.S. to work out of and also has a great career path that you can stay with your entire life!

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

• Take many math and science courses. Further, social science is becoming a more integral part of decisions and that type of training would help as well.