Weathering the Storm National Weather Service Rebuilds After Trump Cuts

National Weather Service Rebuilds After Trump-Era Cuts: Hiring to Stabilize Operations

Following a period of significant staff reductions, the National Weather Service (NWS) is embarking on a crucial hiring initiative to "stabilize operations" across its field offices. This move comes after public concern and a clear recognition of the vital role the NWS plays in protecting communities nationwide.

Earlier this year, under the Trump administration, the NWS experienced substantial cuts, losing nearly 600 positions. This reduction led to operational challenges, including instances where some field offices were no longer staffed around the clock and reductions in weather balloon launches – a critical component of data gathering for accurate forecasting.

Now, with a renewed focus on bolstering its workforce, the NWS is authorized to fill 126 new positions. According to Tom Fahy, legislative director with the union representing NWS employees, these positions span essential categories:

• Meteorologists: The backbone of weather forecasting, responsible for analyzing data and predicting weather patterns.
• Hydrologists: Experts in water resources, crucial for predicting floods and managing water supplies.
• Physical Scientists: Professionals who study various aspects of the environment, contributing to a broader understanding of weather phenomena.
• Electronic Technicians: Highly skilled technicians responsible for maintaining and repairing vital equipment, including weather radar installations.

Fahy emphasizes the importance of electronic technicians, stating that "Radar is an essential part of our national weather infrastructure to protect the American people from severe weather and dangerous storms."

Erica Grow Cei, a National Weather Service spokesperson, notes that the new hires will be strategically placed in field offices with "the greatest operational need." This targeted approach aims to address the most pressing gaps in service and ensure comprehensive coverage across the country.

Mary Glackin, a former undersecretary at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the NWS' parent agency, views this hiring surge as an acknowledgment that the previous cuts went too far. "We're in the middle of a severe weather season, and I know that's put quite a strain on the system," she says, highlighting the importance of adequate staffing, especially during hurricane season.

While the NWS has been granted an exemption to a government-wide hiring freeze, the process of filling these critical roles will take time. Glackin estimates that it could be September before many positions are filled. She also points out that even with these new hires, the NWS remains short several hundred positions, suggesting that "This is kind of putting a band-aid on a rather large wound."

There's hope that some of the approximately 100 probationary NWS employees who were terminated during the previous job cuts may reapply for these new openings. Fahy suggests that many of these individuals may already possess the necessary training and certifications, potentially streamlining the onboarding process.

The National Weather Service's commitment to rebuilding its workforce is a positive step toward ensuring accurate and timely weather information for the American public. While challenges remain, this hiring initiative signifies a renewed focus on preparedness and public safety, particularly during severe weather seasons. It's a vital investment in protecting lives and property, demonstrating a commitment to providing the best possible weather forecasting services for the nation.

Tags: National Weather Service, weather jobs, NWS hiring, meteorologist, hydrologist, weather radar, Trump cuts, weather service, science jobs, weather forecast, NOAA, weather balloon launches

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/03/nx-s1-5422198/nws-national-weather-service-hires-again-trump-cuts