2024 NWS Slidell Student Volunteer Program

NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge

2024 Student Volunteer Program

CALL FOR STUDENT VOLUNTEERS!

Are you a college student studying atmospheric science and interested in learning what we do at the National Weather Service (NWS)?

If yes, consider volunteering this summer at the NWS Weather Forecast Office located in Slidell, LA

Our competitive program offers students majoring in atmospheric science or hydrology a baseline understanding of the structure, mission requirements, and duties of the NWS. If selected, you will:

Become familiar with NWS forecast operations, allowing you to see how your education could be applied to operational meteorology and gain hands-on experience with all aspects of the National Weather Service.

Have additional opportunities to participate in storm damage surveys, outreach events, upper-air balloon observations, or complete an operationally-focused research project.

Eligibility:

Full-time college students with a declared major of atmospheric science, meteorology, or hydrology are eligible. Preference will be given to those who are interested in a future career with the NWS⁽¹⁾ and who will be completing at least their sophomore year this spring although all are encouraged to apply. You do not need to receive credit through your academic institution to be eligible⁽²⁾.

Program Details:

This is an unpaid position. Selected students will be expected to volunteer at the office 2-3 days (16-24 hours) per week from mid May through early August. We can offer some schedule flexibility to work around other obligations you may have (e.g., school or work). Additional opportunities beyond the summer program could also exist.

How do I apply?

What happens after I apply?

Submit a complete application package by February 16, 2024. This includes:

Complete Form 1 (Questions) of the online application.
Submit copies of your résumé, unofficial college transcripts, and cover letter (optional) using Form 2 (Upload Documents) if you have a gmail account. If you do not have a gmail account, submit your documents to the contacts below.
Letters of recommendation are to be sent to the contacts listed on the bottom of this page.
Please make sure your application does not include sensitive personally identifiable information such as SSN, drivers license, place or date of birth, etc.

All application packages will be reviewed by the student volunteer program team at NWS Slidell in mid to late February.
Phone interviews will then be conducted for the top candidates starting in late February and continuing into March.
Applicants will be notified of their status by the end of March, so that summer plans can be arranged and/or background security checks completed in time (if selected).

NOTE: An incomplete application package will not be considered.

Want more information? Contact:

  Jared Klein
    Science and Operations Officer (SOO)
    NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge
Jared.Klein@noaa.gov

Jacob Zeringue
Student Volunteer Program Focal Point
NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge
Jacob.Zeringue@noaa.gov

(1) Participation in this program neither guarantees nor requires a future job with the NWS.

(2) Graduating seniors, however, will need to be enrolled in an academic program to be eligible for the program.