There are three tiers to the student program here at NWS Buffalo:

Tier I - Paid Employment 

These positions are filled on a competitive basis at a Regional NWS level. The existence and/or number of positions varies from year to year (primarily due to budget considerations).  The locations of positions also varies, and it is not known from year to year whether a position will exist at NWS Buffalo. 

The Student Educational Employment Program provides employment opportunities to students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment as degree seeking students taking at least a half-time academic, technical, or vocational course load in an accredited high school, technical, vocational, 2 or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school. The program comprises two components: the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP).

1. Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

Job opportunities under this program offer you temporary employment. Employment can range from summer jobs to positions that last as long as you are a student. These employment opportunities need not be related to your academic field of study.
Click here to get more information on STEP.

2. Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)

This program offers you valuable work experience directly related to your academic field of study. It provides formal periods of work and study while you are attending school. It requires a commitment by you, your school and the DOC. You may be eligible for permanent employment under this component after successfully completing your education and meeting work requirements.
Click here to get information on SCEP.

Program Features Under Both Programs

  • Students may be employed year round
  • Flexible schedule of work assignments.
  • Open to all students...high school, undergraduate, graduate, and vocational/technical.

Eligibility Requirements are:

  • A student enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student (diploma, certificate, etc.).
  • At least the minimum age required by Federal, State or local laws and standards governing the employment of minors.
  • Taking at least half-time academic or vocational and technical course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • At the beginning of each semester/quarter, each student will produce a letter of verification from their educational institution showing proof of enrollment in school for the upcoming semester/quarter. 

Salary and Promotions: The pay you receive will depend on the education and work experience you already possess. As you advance in your education you may be eligible for promotions based on your work performance, grade point average, and credits earned.

Interested students should send their resume by e-mail or regular mail  to:


Dave Zaff
Science and Operations Officer
National Weather Service
587 Aero Drive
Buffalo, NY 14225
david.zaff@noaa.gov

Additional information on the DOC Student Educational program can be found by clicking here.

 

Tier II - Student Volunteer

NWS Buffalo's Student Volunteer Program is designed for students nearing the completion of their undergraduate studies, or in a graduate level degree program in meteorology, atmospheric science or hydrology. Here are some of the details of the program:

  • The number of students working under the Tier I and Tier II programs at any given time will be limited to no more than 4.
  • Students will be expected to volunteer 8-10 hours per week at the WFO for a total of at least 80-100 hours.
  • For internships during the Fall or Spring semesters, it is possible (although not required) for students to earn academic credit for this program.  However, the intern plan must be agreed upon ahead of time between the NWS Science and Operations Officer (SOO) and the student's advisor.  For internships that do provide college credit, some type of applied research project is necessary.
  • For summer internships, a research project is not necessary.  No class credit is gained, but the summer program is designed to give students a taste of what it is like to work in the forecast office.  
 

 During the time at NWS Buffalo, the student will do the following:

  1. For programs involving college credit, the student will work on an applied research or field project that is of mutual benefit to the student's educational goals and the mission of NWS Buffalo.  The project does not have to be completed during the volunteer period, but a mutually agreed upon deadline will be determined.  For example, a student volunteer may work with NWS Buffalo personnel on a research project during the fall as part of his/her senior seminar course but may not complete the research until some time during the spring semester.
  2. Spend at least 20 hours with operational duty personnel on routine forecast and product completion tasks.  As an example, this might include the preparation of short term forecasts, the analysis of select weather maps, writing their own Area Forecast Discussions (AFD's) and observing the entire process of the radiosonde preparation, launch and data reduction.

  3. Completion of at least 2 computer-based training modules of their selection.  If scheduling permits, the student is encouraged to participate in other NWS training activities such as teletraining.

Applicant requirements

  • Students must have completed their freshman year in college, preferably in a meteorology, atmospheric science or hydrology program.
  • Students must have an overall GPA of 2.5 with a GPA of at least 3.0 in their major course of study.
  • For those planning to receive college credit, submit a project proposal. The proposal must be approved in advance by both the NWS Buffalo SOO, and a university faculty member.  Proposals should be submitted at least 6 weeks before the proposed starting date.

These positions are generally split into three time frames, fall semester, spring semester and summer break.  Students are urged to get their applications in by the following dates for each period:

  • Spring semester by October 15th
  • Summer break by April 15th
  • Fall semester by July 15th 

Interested students should send their resume (by email or regular mail) to:


Dave Zaff
Science and Operations Officer
National Weather Service
587 Aero Drive
Buffalo, NY 14225
(716) - 565 - 0204
david.zaff@noaa.gov

 

Tier III - Job Shadow

NWS Buffalo Job Shadow program consists of three levels:

  • LEVEL I
    This level is intended for pre-college students interested in meteorology as a possible career.  The students spend 2-4 hours with an NWS Buffalo meteorologist observing the forecast process, and discussing NWS career opportunities.

  • LEVEL II
    This level is intended for freshman and sophomore students enrolled in a university program in meteorology, atmospheric science, or hydrology, or in any other math or science program who is considering meteorology/atmospheric science or hydrology for future study.  The student will spend 6-8 hours at NWS Buffalo, observing the full range of NWS operations.  The student will follow select staff forecasters and technicians, observing them prepare and disseminate various forecast products.  The student will also meet with members of the NWS Buffalo management team to further discuss future career study options.

  • LEVEL III
    This level is intended for juniors, seniors, and grad students enrolled in a university meteorology, atmospheric science, or hydrology program.  The program  is similar to level II, however it is expanded up to 3 days at the office.  The expanded time is intended to give the student a more comprehensive understanding of what it is like to work at an NWS field office.  Prior participation in a Level 1 or 2 job shadow is permitted but not required. 

Interested students should contact:


Dave Zaff
Science and Operations Officer
National Weather Service
587 Aero Drive
Buffalo, NY 14225
(716) - 565 - 0204
david.zaff@noaa.gov

This page was last updated on: January 19, 2006