WFO OKX STUDENT PROGRAMS

There are 3 different students employment programs at the National Weather Service Office in Upton NY (OKX).
Paid Employment    Student Volunteer    Job Shadowing

Office contacts: Michael Wyllie (Meteorologist-In-Charge) or Jeffrey Tongue (Science and Operations Officer)

For more information on student and full time employment within the National Weather Service
and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, go to the NOAA Jobs Page.

1. Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP)

Job opportunities under this program offer you temporary employment. Employment can range from summer jobs to positions that last as long as you are a student. These employment opportunities need not be related to your academic field of study.

2. Student Career Experience Program (SCEP)
(formerly the Coop Program)

This program offers you valuable work experience directly related to your academic field of study. It provides formal periods of work and study while you are attending school. It requires a commitment by you, your school and the Department of Commerce. You may be eligible for permanent employment under this component after successfully completing your education and meeting work requirements.

Both types of positions are filled competitively on a regional basis. The existence and/or number of positions varies from year to year (primary due to budget limitations). The locations of positions also varies, and it is not known from year to year whether a position will exist at WFO Upton.

Interested students should send (or we can forward) their resume to Mickey Brown at National Weather Service Eastern Region Headquarters and Christine Hudson at the Eastern Administrative Support Center.  Students should include a cover letter stating their interest in the STEP and/or SCEP program at WFO Upton (and/or other offices).

Additional information: Department of Commerce Student Educational Employment Program

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This is WFO OKX's Student Volunteer Program, and is designed for students nearing the completion of their undergraduate studies (or in a graduate level program) in meteorology, atmospheric science, or hydrology. The number of students working under the STEP , SCEP or SVS programs at any given time will be limited to no more than 3. Students will be expected to work a minimum of 12 hours per week at the WFO for a total of at least 120 hours. It is required that students also earn academic credit for this program. During the time at WFO OKX, the student will do the following:

1. Work on an applied research or field program project that is of mutual benefit to the student's educational goals and the WFO OKX mission. This project does not have to be completed during the volunteer period, but a mutually agreed upon deadline will be determined. For example, a student volunteer may work collaboratively with WFO OKX personnel on a research project during the summer that subsequently evolves into his/her senior thesis project that is completed during the following academic year.

2. Spend at least 30 hours working with operational duty personnel on routine forecast and product preparation tasks.

3. Complete at least 2 computer-based training modules of their selection. If schedules permit, the student may also participate in other WFO OKX training activities such as tele-training sessions.
 

Applicant requirements:

1. Students must have completed their sophomore year in a meteorology, atmospheric science, or hydrology program.

2. Students should have an overall GPA of 2.8, with a GPA of at least 3.0 in core major and science courses.

3. Students must submit a project proposal. This proposal must be approved in advance by both the WFO OKX MIC, and a university faculty member. Proposals should be submitted at least 6 weeks prior to the proposed start date.

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LEVEL 1

This level is intended for pre-college students interested in meteorology as a possible career. The student spends 2-4 hours with a WFO OKX meteorologist observing the forecast process, and discussing National Weather Service career opportunities.

LEVEL 2

This level is intended for freshman and sophomores enrolled in a university meteorology, atmospheric science, or hydrology program, or a student in any other math or science program who is considering meteorology/atmospheric science, or hydrology for future study. The student will spend 6-8 hours at NWS OKX, observing the full range of WFO operations. The student will spend time with each of the duty staff members, observing them prepare and disseminate various forecast products. The student will also meet with members of the WFO OKX management team to further discuss future career and study options.

LEVEL 3

This level is intended for juniors, seniors, and graduate students enrolled in a university meteorology, atmospheric science, or hydrology program. The program is similar to Level 2, however it is expanded to up to 3 days at the WFO. The expanded time is intended to give the student a more comprehensive understanding of what it is like to work at a National Weather Service field office. Prior participation in a Level 1 or 2 job shadow is permitted but not a requirement.

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