The Student Volunteer Program at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Bismarck is a step above the job shadow program, offering students an opportunity to spend 1-2 days a week in a professional setting during a spring, summer or fall semester. The program is fully volunteer (non-paid) and gives students an opportunity to work one-on-one with members of the NWS Bismarck staff, while gaining valuable work experience in an operational environment. The volunteer program is competitive, and provides students with mentoring and the opportunity to conduct a research project focused on local topics. Student volunteer positions are best suited for High School Seniors, undergraduates, or graduate-level students actively exploring a career in meteorology, atmospheric science, hydrology, or climatology.

Application Deadlines

• Spring 2025: October 4th, 2024
• Summer 2025: February 7th, 2025
• Fall 2025: May 30th, 2025

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• High School Senior, Undergraduate, or graduate student
• Be able to provide fingerprints and pass a background security investigation

Application Process

Students interested in applying to a volunteer position at NWS Bismarck need to complete the following to be considered:

• Application Form - Click Apply 
• Submit a 1-2 page resume
• 1 Page Cover Letter stating your interest
• Submit a current College or High School transcript (An unofficial transcript is acceptable. Please do not include social security numbers or other Personal Identifying Information on transcripts)

Once the deadline for applications has passed, we will review all the submitted applications, schedule interviews by phone or Google Meet, and make a selection.

If you are selected you will need to submit fingerprints and pass a background security investigation. This is required for all volunteers or potential employees at federal agencies, and can take 6-8 weeks. Once the background check is complete, we will contact you to discuss a schedule for your volunteer period.

Expectations & Duties

Volunteer Hours: Students should expect flexible scheduling with a max of 16 hours per week volunteering at NWS Bismarck.

Research Project: During your first week volunteering, we will discuss and lay out a plan for a research project. Research projects are generally focused on a student’s area of interest with the goal of providing a tangible benefit to the office. An opportunity will be provided at the end of your volunteer period for you to present your research findings to the NWS Bismarck staff.

Additional Expectations

• Students will become familiar with NWS operations, policies and procedures, software and computer systems, and hydrological/meteorological products
• Assist meteorologists during severe weather operations
• Students may join NWS staff for COOP visits and assist in upper air duties
• Opportunities to participate in post-event severe weather verification may occur
• Students may be able to get college credit for their volunteer hours

Pathways Student Employment Program 

The most common form of paid employment opportunities for students in the NWS is through the Pathways Program. The Pathways Program is designed for both undergraduates and graduate students. This program offers participants formal periods of work experience directly related to their academic field of study. Participants in this program may be eligible for permanent employment without competition after successfully completing their education and work requirements. Guidelines and the number of openings are determined on a regional and national scale, and are subject to budgetary limitations. For more information, please check the links below. 

There is no set schedule for the announcement of NWS Pathways openings at this time. Therefore check the USAJOBS website frequently for any updates or openings in the Pathways Program within the NWS. They will be listed under the GS-1399 Series (place as a keyword in the search bar) and usually graded a 03/04.

Helpful Application Guidelines listed below (Note: Official guidelines can be found in each job announcement.)

• A resume listing your previous work experience, NWS Volunteer experience if any, completed college coursework, status as a U.S. citizen, registration to selective services (if applicable), and any other relevant information such as computer and programming skills, significant class projects, volunteer activities, research experience, participation in student clubs, etc.
• A transcript from your current University
• Proof of Enrollment from your University
• Proof of accomplishments/questionnaire answers must be included within your application/resume
• Availability to work at the location in which you are applying
• Double check the requirements section to make sure all have been met before applying

Additional information:

• USAJobs: Students and Recent Graduates
• OPM Pathways FAQs

Scholarships/Other Opportunities

• Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program 
• American Meteorological Society
• National Weather Association
• The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship

Have additional questions? Contact us:

Email Jason Anglin - jason.anglin@noaa.gov

Call office - 701-250-4224

Interested in applying to NWS Grand Forks? Get more details here: https://www.weather.gov/fgf/students

Where Are Past NWS Bismarck Student Volunteers