Student Opportunities at NWS Bismarck
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Overview
An excellent option for those planning or seeking a career with the National Weather Service. These are highly competitive and are generally only offered to actively enrolled university or college students with junior, senior, or graduate-level standing. These are paid internships.
Job Shadow
Are you considering a career in meteorology but are still wondering if it is right for you? Whether you are a High School or College student we encourage you to come and Job Shadow one of our meteorologists.
Still interested? Click apply today!
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.
Requirements
Application Process
Students interested in applying to a volunteer position at NWS Bismarck need to complete the following to be considered:
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
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.)
Additional information:
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
Eleanore Horning | Attending college |
Brett Muscha | NWS Meteorologist at Amarillo,Texas |
Adam Roser | NWS Lead Meteorologist at San Diego, California |
Michael Hollan | NWS Meteorologist at Bismarck, North Dakota |
Chauncy Schultz | NWS Science and Operations Officer at Bismarck, North Dakota |
Chris Hammer | NWS Science and Operations Officer at Northern Indiana, Indiana |