Our NWS Office

Organization and Mission Statement

Our office is part of the National Weather Service, which is an agency in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA itself is part of the Department of Commerce, a branch of the federal government. The NWS is the world's largest weather organization, employing approximately 4,700 personnel. This includes nearly 2,000 meteorologists, with the balance comprising hydrometeorologic technicians, electronic technicians and administrative personnel.

Our mission statement follows:

"Provide weather, water and climate data, forecasts, warnings, and impact-based decision support services for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy."

In a nutshell, our job is to provide severe weather warnings and outlooks, as well as routine forecasts, which allow any person or entity to extract information which will aid in the protection and improvement of their lives, property, or business.

Staff

Our staff is currently comprised of 25 dedicated men and women whose job is to provide high-quality service to the people of the central Appalachians and the middle Ohio Valley. These include:

Management

Meteorologist in Charge (MIC) - The MIC is the top position held at an office. The MIC's job is to make sure the office is running efficiently. The MIC has many functions, including scheduling and personnel management. The MIC can also fill in as a forecaster if needed.
Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM) - The WCM coordinates the warning function of the office with the outside world. This would include heading the Skywarn Program, conducting spotter training, and being a voice to the local media for the office.
Science and Operations Officer (SOO) - The SOO is responsible for implementing new technology and data sets into our operations. The SOO is also responsible for all training and scientific research conducted in the office.
Observation Program Leader (OPL) -The OPL oversees data collection, quality, and dissemination in the forecast office. This includes the area cooperative observer program, climate data, and the upper air observations.
Service Hydrologist - The Service Hydrologist is in charge of the office's hydrology program, including procurement and maintenance of gages and other equipment in the office's hydrologic service area. He/She will also provide training and consult the working meteorologists about flood potential and guidance.
Electronic Systems Analyst (ESA) - The ESA is responsible for the oversight and management of all electronic programs in our office. This person ensures that all the technology we use functions properly and is current or ahead of the other offices in the NWS. Our office is used as a test-bed for a variety of new technology and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt and incorporate the latest technology with what we already have.
Administrative Support Assistant (ASA) - The ASA serves as the principal administrative assistant to the Meteorologist-In-Charge, and performs a
wide range of administrative functions for and assistance to the staff management team.

Other staff

Lead Forecaster (5 positions) - The Lead Forecaster is the head meteorologist on a shift. The Lead oversees the issuance of all forecast and warning products on a shift, and also helps with their preparation. He/she also has administrative responsibilities ranging from handling basic paper work on shift to deciding if a meteorologist must work overtime during severe weather.
General Forecaster (9 positions)- This type of forecaster will perform the same duties as the Lead without the administrative responsibilities.
Electronic Technicians (ETs or El Techs) (2 positions)- The Electronic Technician is responsible for the day to day maintenance and repair of all the equipment used by the office. This includes multiple computer systems, automated observing systems, NOAA Weather Radio transmitters, and a wide range of electronic equipment.
Student Trainee - We also have a Student Trainee, who assists with various projects as assigned by other staff members.

Tours

Tours of the office are usually given during normal business hours on Monday-Friday, and are usually scheduled in advance. This is to assure that sufficient staff are present in order to give a proper introduction and explanation of our services. School groups usually should be at or above 6th grade, although accommodations can be made for younger groups if weather is being studied in class. There may be other requirements as well. Call the office during normal weekday business hours for more information.