About Clay Widener

How did you become interested in your profession?

I come from a 20 year career in the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Technician.

What led you to a career with the NWS (National Weather Service)?

Finding a position similar to my previous U.S. Navy career advertised on USAjobs with NWS.

How did you end up in Pendleton?

I grew up in Hermiston, OR, earning an Associate's Degree in Business Management from BMCC, in 1997, then joined the U.S. Navy and completing a 20 year career, moving between multiple contracting positions in Colorado Springs, CO, Cloud Support in Seattle, WA, then moving back to Hermiston, OR for my current position.

What do you enjoy most about working for the NWS?

Working with great people and similar equipment to my previous jobs.

What is your favorite type of weather and why?

I love fall and the cooler, crisp weather, snowball fights with my daughters and spouse, along with the foliage color shifts.

What is the most memorable weather event you've ever experienced?

Colorado Springs, CO hail storms in 2018, with the Springs and Fountain, CO being decimated by softball size hail stones.

What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?

Working with my daughters on their 4-H Goats, fixing the family vehicles, and working on home renovations.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I see myself with NOAA/NWS and doing great things, with an overseas family vacation of a lifetime completed, one daughter in college and one preparing for it, while my spouse and I prepare for our eventual retirement in the following 6-7 years.