Introduction to NOAA’s Hiring Plans
By ALEXA ST. JOHN and MATTHEW DALY
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Monday it will hire for “mission-critical field positions” amid expert warnings that the National Weather Service has been cut too sharply just as hurricane season arrives.
Background on the Cuts
An agency spokesperson said in a statement the positions will be advertised under a temporary reprieve from the federal government’s widespread hiring pause “to further stabilize frontline operations.” NOAA also said they are filling some field office openings by reassigning staff, including some temporary hires.
Impact of the Cuts on NOAA and NWS
The agency didn’t say how many jobs would be posted and refused to provide more details. Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency cuts gutted NWS and NOAA — which provide daily weather forecasts, up-to-the-minute severe storm warnings, climate monitoring and extreme weather tracking — earlier this year. Hundreds of weather forecasters were fired and other federal NOAA employees were put on probationary status in February, followed by a later round of more than 1,000 cuts at the agency. By April, nearly half of NWS forecast offices had 20% vacancy rates. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has also been affected.
Importance of New Hires
The new hires would be seen by the scientific community as especially imperative as the agency predicts a busy hurricane season and more tornados. In recent years, greenhouse gas emission-driven climate change has fueled more frequent, deadly, costly and increasingly nasty storms. The weather service’s mission includes warning people in danger with enough time to evacuate or find safe shelter. The cuts forced weather forecast offices to reduce their hours or no longer staff overnight shifts in less critical periods.
Expert Insights
Insiders and experts have warned of the consequences that a staffing shortage would mean for weather forecasting amid extreme weather and the U.S. economy. “In 2024, NOAA was able to offer some of its most accurate weather forecasting to date for active hurricanes,” said Union of Concerned Scientists science fellow Marc Alessi. “These incredibly accurate forecasts were made possible by a fully funded NOAA. Despite the worsening climate and extreme weather impacts being felt across the country, the Trump administration has proceeded with its inhumane agenda that will leave people on the frontlines of disasters at greater risk,” Alessi added.
Conclusion
The decision by NOAA to hire for mission-critical positions is a step in the right direction, but the extent of the impact of the previous cuts remains to be seen. As the country heads into hurricane season, the importance of a fully staffed and funded National Weather Service cannot be overstated. The consequences of understaffing and underfunding could be severe, and it is imperative that the agency receives the support it needs to continue providing accurate and timely weather forecasts.
FAQs
Q: What is NOAA hiring for?
A: NOAA is hiring for “mission-critical field positions” to further stabilize frontline operations.
Q: Why are the new hires important?
A: The new hires are important because the agency predicts a busy hurricane season and more tornados, and the weather service’s mission includes warning people in danger with enough time to evacuate or find safe shelter.
Q: What were the consequences of the previous cuts?
A: The previous cuts resulted in hundreds of weather forecasters being fired, other federal NOAA employees being put on probationary status, and nearly half of NWS forecast offices having 20% vacancy rates.
Q: How can I stay up to date on AP’s climate coverage?
A: You can read more of AP’s climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment.
