Student Opportunities

1. Student Volunteer (Non-Pay)

The application period for the Spring 2025 Student Volunteer Program has now closed. 

Here's some important information regarding our Student Volunteer program:

• This program is intended for junior and senior undergraduates as well as graduate students who have an interest in operational meteorology and may also be considering the NWS for future employment.
• For the spring program, students MUST provide proof of enrollment.
• Students that pass the initial qualification check may be asked to participate in a brief interview (phone or video call) before final selections are made.
• The expectation is that the vast majority of the volunteer program will be conducted in person, however, a virtual component may be added.
• Students may be enrolled in an independent study/internship program through their school to participate for which the school may award academic credit for the student's activities in this program. See your local educational institution for details.
• Students work flexible hours as agreed upon in advance, including day or evening shifts.
• Target is approximately 30-40 hours per summer but can vary on the situation and is flexible on where the student travels from.
• The student volunteer period will begin in mid January and end in May. 
• Students will work operational shifts (usually 7 AM to 3 PM and/or 3 PM to 11 PM) as a part of their experience, so commuting to/from the NWS Wilmington office early in the morning and late in the evening is required. Those living more than an hour from the NWS Wilmington office should consider the toll (fuel expenses, fatigue, poor visibility, etc) that is required to meet the operational shift requirements of the position. 
• Background security investigation and fingerprinting are required  - these are accomplished by the NWS once accepted into the volunteer program. There will be a small fee that is collected by local authorities for the process of obtaining fingerprints, and that fee is the responsibility of the applicant. 
• This is NOT an intern position and should be noted as a Student Volunteer position when applying for future employment.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• A thorough background check will be performed as a part of this volunteer experience.

  Questions about the Volunteer Program? Contact: nate.mcginnis@noaa.gov, christine.aiena@noaa.gov

2. Job Shadow

Job Shadows are normally available at the NWS Wilmington, OH office during the school year (September through April). Job Shadows are limited to high school (junior and above) or college (freshman through senior) students considering the field of meteorology, or considering a career in the National Weather Service. Those below a junior in high school would be best served to wait until their junior year in high school due to the complexity of topics discussed during a shadow experience. If younger than a junior in high school and still wanting to experience the NWS, we strongly suggest a tour which can be set up in advance. Those who have graduated college may be accommodated in the Job Shadow program if space and time allow. Due to staffing considerations, interested parties should plan well in advance if a Job Shadow opportunity is wanted. Job Shadows may be cancelled at short notice if hazardous weather is in the forecast.

There are three levels of "Job Shadow" available to students.

U.S. Citizenship is required.

LEVEL 1 - Pre-College
This level is intended for pre-college (high school junior and senior) students interested in meteorology, atmospheric science, and hydrology. A tour of the NWS facility is provided for the student followed by a meeting with an appropriate NWS employee (meteorologist) observing and discussing job duties and career opportunities. Total Approximate Time: 1 hour or less

LEVEL 2 - Lower level Undergraduate Students
This level is intended for freshman through junior college students enrolled in a university, college or technical program majoring in meteorology, atmospheric science or hydrology. It is also for advanced college students considering these fields as a major. A tour of the NWS facility will be provided for the student followed by approximately one to two (1-2) hours with an appropriate NWS employee (meteorologist) observing and discussing career opportunities. The student may also meet with members of the local NWS management team to further discuss future career study options. Total Approximate Time: 1 to 2 hours

LEVEL 3 - Upper level Undergraduate or Recently Graduated Students
This level is intended for students (seniors or recent graduates) in the field of meteorology, atmospheric science or hydrology. The program is the same as level 2, however it can be expanded for up to a 2 to 4 hour day at the NWS office. The expanded time is intended to give the student a more comprehensive understanding of what it is like to work at an NWS Forecast Office. Prior participation in a Level 1 or 2 job shadow is permitted but not required. Total Approximate Time: 2 to 4 hours

Interested students, teachers and counselors in any of these programs should contact:

Education/Outreach

• NOAA Education Page
• NWS Education Page - learn science and safety from Owlie Skywarn!
• StormReady
• Weather Ready Nation
• Publications and Brochures
• NOAA Library
• NWS Glossary
• Be a Force of Nature!
• JetStream - online science and learning