Wildfire Meteorologist Intern

2025 DNR Wildfire Meteorologist Intern – Exempt
-Full-time to Part-time (Minimum 16 hours and up to 40 hrs/week), Flexible start date with 3-5 month duration.
-Anticipated employment is May-September, 2025
-Location: Natural Resources Building – Olympia, WA.
-Salary: 
Sophomore and below: $17.00/hr.
Junior: $18.00/hr.
Senior: $19.00/hr.
Graduate Students: up to $22.00/hr.
1-year Graduate program $20.00/hr.
2-year Graduate program $21.00/hr.
Higher $22.00/hr. *Housing stipend of up to $1,000/mo. may be available

Responsibilities:
Gain knowledge in operational fire weather forecasting

• Produce fire weather briefings and outlooks used to pre-position resources and enhance safety for firefighters and the public
• Produce aviation weather forecasts for pilots operating on wildfire incidents
• Participate in daily coordination calls with National Weather Service and Northwest Coordination Center
• Understand how the DNR Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) network functions and identify opportunities for improvement
• Participate in smoke forecasting and public messaging during wildfire events

Gain knowledge in fire regulations and the application of fire danger ratings

• Develop understanding of National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) and how it functions in relation to changing meteorological variables
• Apply fuel moisture and other fuel indices to determine Industrial Fire Protection Levels
• Assist coordination with local, state, and federal partners to determine burn restrictions/bans
• Analyze fuel/weather data to determine trends in fire danger

Research and Project Work

• Collaborate with DNR subject matter experts to identify research and project topics
• Conduct literature review related to the area of study and build relationships across DNR Fire
• Identify data collection methodology (statistical data, survey data, field data, etc.)
• Select methodology for data analysis (quantitative, qualitative, mixed method, etc.) and work with supervisor to assemble the tools necessary to complete the analysis
• Work with DNR subject matter experts to conclude from the analysis and present results

Site visits, field work, and formal training

• Collaborate with supervisor to determine useful hands-on wildfire-related opportunities 
  • Examples: Prescribed fire observation, S-130/190+ NWCG training, DNR region headquarters and fire unit visits, DNR aviation visit, forestry and forest health immersion activities, fire incident command post visit, post-burn landslide survey
• Provide brief report on lessons learned and feedback on the usefulness/relevance of each site visit, field survey, and formal training

Required Qualifications: 

• A current student in an undergraduate or graduate program majoring in Meteorology/Atmospheric Science or related field.
• At least 18 years of age at the time of hire.
• Strong attention to detail and scientific writing skills
• Proficiency using mobile and desktop devices and basic computer applications
• Experience presenting technical information to diverse audiences
• Contributes to a work environment that embraces diversity and brings together the strengths and perspectives of diverse groups.