NWS Melbourne - Student Volunteer Page

NWS Melbourne Student Volunteer Program

Overview of the Program

The Student Volunteer Program involves volunteering with the NWS Weather Forecast Office in Melbourne, FL. The selected student volunteer will have the opportunity to shadow NWS forecasters during the volunteer experience, learn about NWS operations and may complete a project of interest. The students will also have a mix of other in-person experiences (i.e. participating in an outreach event and/or Cooperative Observer Program trip, meeting NWS partners, etc.). Additionally, the students will be able to learn more about NWS forecast and warning operations, partner support and have the opportunity to explore career options with the National Weather Service.

Available for: Undergraduate College students entering their Junior or Senior year or enrolled in a Graduate Level program.

Paid: No

Time of Year: During the 2025-2026 academic year

Length of Opportunity: approximately 4 months

Volunteer Oppurtunities Available: 2

1 student volunteer Fall Semester 2025, Aug 2025 – Dec 2025

1 student volunteer Spring Semester 2026, Jan 2026 – early May 2026

Application Process and Deadlines

Interested students should submit an application by e-mailing a letter of interest and copy of their resume to sr-mlb.webmaster@noaa.gov by Friday, May 2, 2025. The resume should include at least one reference from a professor, academic advisor or school official.

Two student volunteer opportunities are available on this announcement, one student volunteer opportunity for the Fall 2025 semester and one student volunteer opportunity for the Spring 2026 semester.

Since many students wish to volunteer these positions are competitive. Some factors for selection include:

Number of positions offered
Year In school and amount of coursework completed
Academic record
Activities outside of class (clubs, teams, volunteer work, etc.)
Favorable reference
Whether the student has previously volunteered for the NWS
United States citizenship (required)
Status as a current student (required)

Most students who volunteer at NWS Melbourne are completing coursework in atmospheric, environmental, marine or hydrologic science.

What to Expect

The student volunteer will volunteer in-person at the NWS Melbourne office between 6 and 12 hours a week. This is an unpaid volunteer experience.

Other Related Opportunities

NOAA offers several student opportunities, including paid student internships through the Pathways Program and undergraduate scholarships through the Hollings Scholarship Program.

Selection Process

A competitive selection for the volunteer position will be made by May 30th. The selected student will be notified regarding the required forms to be accepted for the volunteer opportunity.

Points of Contact

For additional information or questions, please contact our Science and Operations Officer and Student Volunteer Coordinator Matthew Volkmer (matthew.volkmer@noaa.gov)