Student Volunteer Program at NWS Huntsville

Student volunteers at NWS Huntsville spend approximately 50% of their time shadowing NWS meteorologists and gaining operational experience, and 50% of their time on small-to-medium scale projects that benefit NWS Huntsville operations. A training checklist will be provided to guide them through a variety of experiences. Students may also have the opportunity to assist with or participate in office outreach opportunities.

Students will also have opportunities outside of the office, such as partner visits, outreach events, decision support services experience, and damage surveys, to name a few.

Requirements

Student volunteers must be enrolled at an accredited college or university at the time of the volunteer program.  High school students may not participate in the student volunteer program at this time.

Prospective volunteers should be prepared to have a consistent, routine weekly work schedule at the NWS office; in other words, students should expect to work at approximately the same time every week (classes, exams, studies, etc. permitting). The student will work with local NWS management to determine their weekly hours. Simply coming in “whenever time allows” on a regular basis is not permitted.

How Do I Apply?

Applications for student volunteers for the 2025-2026 school year will open Tuesday, February 11th and be due on Tuesday, February 25th at 11:59 PM CT. After initial review of applications, interviews will be scheduled in early March. Interested students should submit ALL the following before the specified deadline to this Google Form:

• Cover Letter, detailing why you want to volunteer at NWS Huntsville (no more than 1 page)
• Resume
• Unofficial transcript

Students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to work with their college or university program to acquire class credit for their experience.

Contact our Student Volunteer Coordinator Huntir Cramer (huntir.cramer@noaa.gov) for additional information, including the submission process.  Our Science Operations Officer, Katie Magee (kathleen.magee@noaa.gov), can also be contacted concerning this program.

(Updated Feb. 2025)