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National Weather Service Hiring Hundreds of Entry-Level Staff After 2025 Cuts
The agency is filling hundreds of predominantly entry-level meteorologist, hydrologist and technician positions more than a year after losing about 600 employees. Officials say more than 300 new hires are already onboard and recruitment will continue through September.
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The National Weather Service is recruiting hundreds of entry-level meteorologists, hydrologists and electronics technicians after losing roughly 15 percent of its workforce in 2025. The agency has already placed more than 300 new employees and plans to add another 150 entry-level meteorologists at forecast offices nationwide, spokesperson Erica Cei said.
Hiring authority granted last August allows the service to bring on up to 450 additional staff through September.
Federal data reviewed by CBS News showed NOAA employed nearly 300 fewer meteorologists and hydrologists at the end of May than in January 2025. About 500 experienced workers accepted early retirement or buyouts, while roughly 100 probationary employees were dismissed.
Several forecast offices entered the 2025 hurricane season short-staffed, leading some locations to suspend full-time operations or reduce weather-balloon launches.
Former meteorologist Alan Gerard, who retired after 35 years, said new staff need time working alongside experienced colleagues to develop local forecasting skills. Rick Thoman noted that Alaska offices lost specialized high-latitude expertise that cannot be quickly replaced.
Cei said neighboring offices provide mutual aid during temporary staffing gaps and that the agency continues 24-hour operations. Union legislative director Tom Fahy said some offices have made significant hires while others remain understaffed.
Upper-air observations collected by weather balloons have declined at multiple sites since early 2025, according to records cited by former employees. Cei attributed the change to temporary resource and equipment constraints. Cei stated hiring will continue as needed and that the agency is positioned to maintain forecasts and warnings for the public.
