NOAA to Hire for ‘Mission-Critical’ Positions Amid Weather Service Cuts
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on Monday that it will be hiring for "mission-critical field positions" as the National Weather Service (NWS) faces severe staffing shortages just ahead of hurricane season. According to a statement from the agency, the new positions will be advertised under a temporary reprieve from the federal government’s hiring pause, with the aim of "further stabilising frontline operations."
As reported by the Associated Press, NOAA will also be filling some field office openings by reassigning staff, including temporary hires. However, the agency did not provide details on the number of jobs to be posted.
The move comes after hundreds of weather forecasters were fired and other federal NOAA employees were put on probationary status in February, followed by over 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 by the cuts.
Warnings of Consequences
Insiders and experts have warned of the consequences of a staffing shortage for weather forecasting amid extreme weather and the US economy. The weather service’s mission includes warning people in danger with enough time to evacuate or find safe shelter. However, the cuts have forced weather forecast offices to reduce their hours or no longer staff overnight shifts in less critical periods.
Marc Alessi, a science fellow at the Union of Concerned Scientists, told the Associated Press that "in 2024, NOAA was able to offer some of its most accurate weather forecasting to date for active hurricanes." He added that these accurate forecasts were made possible by a fully funded NOAA.
"Despite the worsening climate and extreme weather impacts being felt across the country, the previous administration has proceeded with its agenda that will leave people on the frontlines of disasters at greater risk," Alessi said.
Climate Change Fuels More Frequent and Deadly Storms
The new hires would be seen as especially imperative as the agency predicts a busy hurricane season and more tornadoes. According to the Associated Press, greenhouse gas emission-driven climate change has fueled more frequent, deadly, costly, and increasingly nasty storms in recent years.
The National Weather Service and NOAA provide daily weather forecasts, up-to-the-minute severe storm warnings, climate monitoring, and extreme weather tracking. The cuts to these agencies have raised concerns about the impact on weather forecasting and the ability to warn people of impending disasters.
Associated Press Climate Coverage
This article is part of the Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage, which receives financial support from multiple private foundations. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For more information on the AP’s climate coverage and standards for working with philanthropies, visit AP.org.
The Associated Press’ climate reporter, Alexa St. John, contributed to this article. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn. Reach her at [email protected].
