National Weather Service Hiring 126 New Employees

The National Weather Service (NWS) is seeking to hire 126 people, including at least some meteorologists, after massive layoffs at the agency left several offices understaffed.

Background on the Hiring Process

Tom Fahy, legislative director at a union that represents NWS employees, told The Hill that the weather service would conduct the hiring. Positions that would be open include meteorologists, hydrologists, physical scientists, and electronics technicians. Fahy, with the National Weather Service Employees Organization, said that the physical scientists category includes some meteorologists, while the electronics technicians maintain equipment like radars.

Confirmation from the National Weather Service

A spokesperson for the National Weather Service confirmed via email that the agency was taking some steps to fill vacancies at the agency. “NOAA leadership is taking steps to address those who took a voluntary early retirement option. NWS continues to conduct short-term Temporary Duty assignments (TDYs), and is in the process of conducting a series of Reassignment Opportunity Notices (RONs) to fill roles at NWS field locations with the greatest operational need,” said spokesperson Erica Grow Cei.

“Additionally, a targeted number of permanent, mission-critical field positions will soon be advertised under an exception to the Department-wide hiring freeze to further stabilize frontline operations,” she added.

Reasons Behind the Hiring

The move comes after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fired hundreds of workers, including some at the weather service, as part of an effort to shrink the size of the government. It also comes after an internal document stated that the department was seeking to reassign staffers to fill vacancies in “critically understaffed” offices and was leaked last month.

Affected Areas

The document said that the weather service was looking to fill positions including meteorologists in disaster-prone areas such as Houston and Miami. The move to hire more staff was first reported by CNN.

Timing of the Hiring

It also comes alongside the arrival of hurricane season, which began Sunday. This timing is crucial, as the NWS needs to ensure that it has enough staff to handle the increased demand for weather forecasting and warning services during this time.

Types of Jobs Available

The NWS is looking to fill a variety of positions, including:

• Meteorologists: These are the scientists who study the weather and provide forecasts and warnings.
• Hydrologists: These are the scientists who study the movement and distribution of water on Earth.
• Physical scientists: This category includes some meteorologists, as well as other scientists who study the physical world.
• Electronics technicians: These are the technicians who maintain the equipment used by the NWS, such as radars.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the National Weather Service is hiring 126 new employees, including meteorologists, hydrologists, physical scientists, and electronics technicians. This move comes after massive layoffs at the agency left several offices understaffed, and is crucial for ensuring that the NWS can provide accurate and timely weather forecasts and warnings. The hiring process is expected to take place in the coming months, and will help to stabilize frontline operations at the agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the National Weather Service hiring new employees?

A: The National Weather Service is hiring new employees to fill vacancies left by massive layoffs at the agency. The layoffs left several offices understaffed, and the NWS needs to ensure that it has enough staff to provide accurate and timely weather forecasts and warnings.

Q: What types of jobs are available at the National Weather Service?

A: The NWS is hiring meteorologists, hydrologists, physical scientists, and electronics technicians. These positions are crucial for ensuring that the NWS can provide accurate and timely weather forecasts and warnings.

Q: Where are the jobs located?

A: The jobs are located in various offices across the country, including in disaster-prone areas such as Houston and Miami.

Q: When will the hiring process take place?

A: The hiring process is expected to take place in the coming months. The NWS will advertise the positions and accept applications from qualified candidates.

Q: How many employees is the National Weather Service hiring?

A: The National Weather Service is hiring 126 new employees.