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Jan 06, 2026
Work With UsBuilding a Weather-Ready Nation and managing the nation’s weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings requires a talented and dedicated workforce.National Weather Service (NWS) employees support all aspects of public safety by helping communities prepare for and respond to weather, water, and climate hazards. Our mission is to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy through timely, accurate, and trusted information.The federal hiring process can feel unfamiliar or overwhelming, especially for first-time applicants. This page brings together clear guidance, practical tips, and resources to help you understand what to expect as you explore opportunities to serve the public through the NWS!
Careers at the National Weather ServiceWorking at the NWS means contributing directly to public safety and national resilience. Employees help deliver timely, reliable information that supports communities before, during, and after hazardous weather and water events. Our workforce includes meteorologists, hydrologists, scientists, information technology specialists, communicators, and administrative professionals located across the country. NWS employees collaborate with partners at the local, state, tribal, and federal levels and support a wide range of operational, scientific, and mission-support functions nationwide.
Current Job OpeningsJob openings with the NWS and NOAA are posted on USAJobs.gov.Applicants can explore current NWS vacancies and NOAA-wide job opportunities. Each job announcement includes information about duties, qualifications, required documents, and application deadlines. Applicants should review announcements carefully before applying. Current openings in the NWSCurrent openings across all NOAA Line Offices
Benefits of Working with UsThe NWS offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance.
Work-Life BalanceFlexible work schedules*Paid holidays*Separate annual and sick leave accruedFamily LeaveHealth and WellnessMedical benefitsLife insurance optionsHealth and wellness programs
Career and CommunityIncentives and awardsEmployee resource groupsProfessional development opportunitiesRetirement and Financial SecurityRetirement & Savings Plans*If applicable. Some positions require working on holidays.
How to ApplyApplying for a federal position through USAJobs requires an account and profile on login.gov.To apply for a position, carefully review the desired job announcement and prepare the appropriate application materials. The application must meet specific requirements in order to be reviewed.Application RequirementsCitizenship: You must be a United States citizenResume Length: Resumes must be no more than 2 pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed for eligibility and qualifications.No Photos: Resumes with photos cannot be reviewed and will be disqualified.Identifying Part-Time Work: Clearly identify part-time hours per week. If not listed, work will be assumed to be full-time. Typically, part-time schedules are between 16-32 hours per week.
Resume Tips and Best PracticesUSAjobs allows applicants to store and submit multiple resumes, making it easier to tailor applications for different job series or positions. Many applicants maintain a longer “master resume” to work from.The following recommendations can help strengthen your resume:Highlight directly relevant experience: Focus on work directly related to the position. Summarize unrelated roles briefly. Omit or shorten tasks that do not support the qualifications.Word choice: Match the language in the job announcement. Do not assume reviewers will be familiar with your specialty and infer experience.Describe experience level: Clearly indicate whether you supported a task or led it.Be specific: Use concrete examples and numbers rather than broad statements.Be concise but thorough: Use bullet points to clearly address every requirement listed in the announcement. Maintain enough detail to describe the complexity of your work.Simple Formatting: Use the USAJobs resume builder or follow the USAJobs suggestions for resume file type and styles.Time Management: Don’t wait until the last day to complete and review the required materials. Examples:Supporting Role: Assisted in the preparation of daily weather briefings by compiling and organizing meteorological data for lead meteorologist review.Ownership Role: Led the development and execution of a new data analysis protocol, improving the accuracy of severe weather predictions by 15%. Cover LettersApplicants are highly encouraged to include a cover letter that highlights accomplishments, certifications, and awards. While the cover letter is not used to determine qualifications, it is provided to the hiring manager as part of the application package.
Essays and Written StatementsMost job applications include short essay questions designed to better understand your experience, perspective, and approach to public service. While responses are not required and are not rated, you are encouraged to address each question thoughtfully. They are provided to the hiring manager as part of the application package.Essay GuidelinesMaximum of 200 words per responseResponses must be written in your own wordsApplicants must attest that no version of AI was usedWrite in a clear, personal voiceUse specific examples rather than general statementsAlign with mission and policy when applicable Essay Questions:Commitment to the Constitution – How have the Constitution and founding principles inspired you to pursue a federal role? Use a personal, academic, or professional example.Improving Government Efficiency – How would you use your skills to make government more efficient or effective? Include specific examples where you improved outcomes, reduced costs, or streamlined processes.Advancing Executive Orders or Policies – How would you support key Presidential Executive Orders or policy initiatives in this role? Pick 1–2 relevant policies and explain how you'd help apply them.Strong Work Ethic – How has your work ethic contributed to your success, and how will it help in this position? Give 1–2 specific examples from your academic, professional, or personal life.
Required DocumentationThe documents required for an application vary by position and eligibility. Always refer to the required documents section of the job announcement. Depending on the positions, applicants may be required to submit: ResumeSF50 for current or former federal employeesUnofficial transcripts for positions with education requirementCertificates or licenses, if requiredVeterans:A copy of your latest DD214 that shows the character of serviceVA letter that shows dates of service or service connected disability AND character of serviceSF15 – If you are eligible to claim 10 point veterans preference. You must submit supporting documentation (e.g. disability letter from the VA, and DD214) as described on Standard Form-15 (SF-15)Individuals with disabilities applying under special hiring authority: Schedule A letter
Assessments and Hiring ProcessThe hiring process may include skills-based and competency-based assessments designed to evaluate how applicants perform job-related tasks. These assessments are separate from the written essays and are used only for certain positions.Competencies describe the knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors and characteristics needed to perform job functions successfully, not just what tasks are completed. Technical and alternative assessments: Allows applicants to demonstrate essential skillsProvide insight beyond resumes and educationHelp agencies make a more informed hiring decisionSome assessments measure general competencies, such as reading comprehension or decision-making, while others measure technical skills related to the position and grade level. Applicants may access USA Hire practice assessments prior to applying.
Applicant ResourcesMeteorologist Qualification StandardsDescribes the specific Meteorologist Education requirements and applicable courses.USAJobs How-To GuidesVarious topics for federal job seekers including Resume Building and the Federal Application process.USAJobs Application Process FAQsAddresses the steps of the Federal Application process and applicant tracker capabilities.
