Second Symposium on Careers in Operational Government Meteorology and Hydrology

Abstract Information

Abstracts are closed! The deadline was 11 August 2026 at 11:59 PM ET

Abstract Fee and Author Instructions
All presenters must also register for the meeting.

The Second Symposium on Careers in Operational Government Meteorology and Hydrology is sponsored by the American Meteorological Society and organized by the AMS Board for Operational Government Meteorologists.

Few scientific careers carry the public impact of operational government meteorology and hydrology: this work directly saves lives. Building on the inaugural symposium, this session brings together students and early-, mid-, and late-career professionals to explore what a career in public service science truly looks like. Sessions cover federal hiring processes and career pathways, the realities of work-life balance in operational environments, and how emerging technologies are reshaping roles across agencies like the NWS and Department of War. Come ready to be inspired, ask hard questions, and connect with people who've built careers worth pursuing.

Call for Papers

The Second Symposium on Careers in Operational Government Meteorology and Hydrology invites abstract submissions from attendees working across the spectrum of government agencies, particularly from the state and local levels. This symposium is designed to inform and inspire students and scientists who are exploring opportunities in operational government meteorology and hydrology: and connect those individuals with the people doing that work every day.

We welcome presentations on topics including:

  • Emerging technologies and tools shaping operational forecasting and hydrologic monitoring, from AI-assisted guidance and high-resolution modeling to advanced observing systems
  • Research to Operations (R2O) — experiences and insights from those working to transition scientific research into operational practice, including the collaborative processes, institutional challenges, and career opportunities that exist at the research-operations interface

We are also soliciting for panelists who would like to share their insights and experiences on the following topics:

  • Career pathways and job opportunities in government meteorology and hydrology, including hiring processes and agency cultures at organizations such as the National Weather Service, Department of War/Defense, NASA, and others
  • Mental health and well-being in operational careers, including strategies for managing the unique stressors of shift work, high-stakes forecasting, and responding to high-impact weather events
  • Innovative Roles in Operational Government Meteorology and Hydrology – individuals who are on the cutting edge of fully integrating into government decision spaces.
  • Calling All Operational Hydrologists! We’re looking forward to hearing from employees of federal, state/provincial, and local agencies — including NWS River Forecast Centers, US Army Corps of Engineers, and especially state/provincial and local water resource agencies — who can share what drew them to public service, what their work looks like day-to-day, and why the need for skilled hydrologists has never been greater.

Speakers and panelists are encouraged to share personal career journeys, practical advice, and honest perspectives on what operational government service looks like — including both its rewards and its challenges. First-person accounts and lessons learned are especially welcome. Presenters are invited to submit via the Call for Papers process, while those interested in serving as panelists may contact the event POCs directly:

Patricia Vollmer ([email protected])
Nicole Rockwell ([email protected])

Student Award Opportunities

Student Participation Support

The Second Symposium on Careers in Operational Government Meteorology and Hydrology is awarding three (3) Student Participation Support awards of up to $265 each  to allow students to attend the AMS 107th Annual Meeting in Denver, CO 10-14 January 2027. The award should be used to offset travel related expenses (registration fees, transportation, lodging and meals only). It is open to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, who must submit a letter of recommendation from their advisor. In the application, students will be asked to provide information on their academic background, conference participation, funding needs, and any other financial support they receive. Awards are reimbursed after the conference upon submission of receipts, with registration fees optionally applied in advance. The support prioritizes students with financial need and those whose participation will benefit their research and professional development. Students must be enrolled at a college or university through the application deadline and the Annual Meeting. Abstract submissions are not required for this award. Click the button below to apply.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Deadline for applications: 22 October 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern

Recipients will be notified on or before: 27 October 2026

Conference Contacts

For additional information, please contact the program chairs: Patricia Vollmer ([email protected]), Nicole Rockwell ([email protected]), Derek Dornsife ([email protected]), and Matthew Walter ([email protected]).