Wendy Sellers
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Office: NWS HQ, Office of Science & Technology Integration (OSTI)
Job Title: OSTI Research to Operations (R2O) Transition Manager
Educational Background:
- M.S in Atmospheric Science from North Carolina State University.
- B.S. in Meteorology from North Carolina State University
Describe the career path that led you to your current job with the National Weather Service.
- The first 11 years of my NWS career followed the typical path of a field forecaster. I began my career as a Meteorologist Intern at WFO Monterey, CA. After about two years, I took a promotion as a Journey Forecaster at WFO Charleston, SC. I gained very diverse experience in forecasting due to my work on both the West and East Coasts. However, after over a decade of forecasting, I felt that there might be other ways that I could contribute to the success of the organization. So, I came to NWS HQ under the two-year XO/PCO assignment and truly enjoyed diving into new experiences in everything from project management, communications, to making and facilitating connections.
What do you do for the NWS?
- As the OSTI R2O Transition Manager, I work across the NWS and NOAA line offices to ensure that the fascinating research funded by NOAA includes the necessary collaboration between research teams and potential NWS recipients of their innovations. This career allows me to dive into some of the most leading-edge science in the weather enterprise, provide insights into efficiently transitioning new technology or knowledge into NWS operations, and make the essential connections between researcher and NWS adopter.
What was the most interesting, exciting, or impactful weather/water event you experienced while working for the NWS and why does it stand out?
- The absolute highlight of my career in the NWS actually occurred in 2016, while I was on assignment as the NWS Program Coordination Officer (PCO.) I was able to meet President Obama after the Hurricane Awareness Briefing at FEMA HQ. [Everything else can stay the same.
What made you decide to pursue a career with the NWS?
- I have always been drawn to the mission of the NWS. We are not trying to sell anything...we are simply providing a life-saving service to the community. It is very rewarding to be in a career where all of the knowledge I gained in college is being put to operational and productive use each day. I am so proud of the work that we do as an organization.
What do you like most about working for the NWS?
- I have always been so proud of my colleagues in the NWS. We join this agency because of our passion and dedication to the mission, a dedication that persists despite the difficulties of shift work and the challenges inherent to this field of science. After 20 years with the NWS, I am so fortunate to have worked alongside such high-quality friends and colleagues in both the NWS field and NWS HQ.
What advice do you have for someone interested in a career with the NWS?
- I emphasize to prospective NWS employees that they should remain flexible when it comes to their career location and career path. There are amazing opportunities to support the mission at the local, regional, and national level...from coast to coast and even off the continent. I mention the changing role of the forecaster beyond just issuing a product and more toward assisting decision makers in interpreting the forecast and understanding impacts, highlighting the importance of communication skills.
What training or coursework would you recommend to someone interested in following your career path?
- I tell all potential candidates that key qualities for success for most all careers in the NWS include communication, organization, stress management, and flexibility. These are skills not easily learned through traditional coursework or training but can be fine-tuned via everyday experiences in their current jobs.
