NWS Charleston, SC - Student Volunteer Program

The application period for the summer 2025 program is expected to open early 2025

Call For Applications

Summer Student Volunteer Program

National Weather Service Charleston, SC Weather Forecast Office

Program Overview | R equirements | D uties | T o Apply | C ontact

The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Charleston, SC is accepting applications through February 23, 2024 for volunteer intern positions for the summer of 2024. This program allows current college students to gain hands-on operational experience in a Weather Forecast Office as well as conduct a guided research project that will be presented at the end of the summer. Students will be selected through a competitive application review and phone interview process.

Program Overview

Competition for positions within NOAA’s National Weather Service has increased in recent years, and it has proven beneficial for recent college students to have prior forecasting operational experience when they apply for positions within the National Weather Service. Students will have the opportunity to become familiar with NWS operations, policies and procedures, software and computer systems, and hydrological/meteorological products. Additionally, students will conduct meaningful research that will help our office better serve our partners and assure the protection of life and property.

The National Weather Service Charleston, SC Forecast Office is responsible for south coastal South Carolina and north coastal Georgia, including the Charleston and Savannah metro areas. A myriad of forecast challenges stem from our diverse user base, ranging from the thriving marine community and commerce hubs along the coast to the rural agricultural interests of our inland areas.

Requirements

Must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program
Must be majoring or minoring in Meteorology, Atmospheric Sciences, or a related field
Must be a United States citizen
Must pass a security screening to have access to the building and computers

Duties

The expected duties of the student will be:

Volunteer 10 to 16 hours per week from late May through early August (4th of July week off). This program will likely be conducted as a mix of virtual and in-person sessions.
Work on collaborative research project focusing on the local forecast area. This work will be done alongside a local forecaster, and the result may be eligible to present at scientific conferences at the end of the internship.
Shadow forecasters and assist with operational tasks.

This is a volunteer program, students will not get paid for their time in the office. It may be possible for the student to gain class credit for their time spent at the office, which will be determined by the student’s academic advisor or department head.

To Apply

Students wishing to apply to the Student Volunteer Program must submit:

An application (Google Form)
A 1-page resume
A complete transcript of all college coursework (unofficial is acceptable). Please include your name on top of each page.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact Emily McGraw at Emily.McGraw@noaa.gov

Other Student Opportunities

NWS Student Volunteer Programs
The Internship Program (replaces Student Career Experience Program and Student Temporary Employment Program) - paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while completing their education.
NOAA Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship - 10-week, full-time paid internship at NOAA facility during the summer
NOAA Student Opportunities - Other fellowships, internships, scholarships