Last Update 03/15/07
Copyright © 2007

January 22, 2007 -- Joe Facundo, Chief of the NOAA/NWS Observing Systems Branch

• Jessica opened the meeting by reviewing the trip to San Antonio for the AMS Conference. It was well attended by our chapter, with around 25 making the trip to Texas. Multiple members presented or had posters at the conference.

• Jessica announced that we are still collecting printer cartridges.

• Clark discussed the banquet. It will be on February 27 from 7pm to 10pm at the Holiday Inn Select on West Tennessee St.

o Tickets are $17 for member, $22 for non-members and will be available until Feb. 20.
o The speaker will be Ben Nelson, state meteorologist of Florida.
o Those attending will have the option of chicken, grouper, veggie, or sirloin dinners.
o The dress attire will be business formal.

• Clark also discussed the ice skating social.

• Matt Bloemer announced the Relay for Life, which will be on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. 10-15 dedicated members are needed to have a team.

• Charlie stated our account balance is $1177.

• Charlie announced Project StormReady. Our chapter will be working on making FSU a StormReady campus this semester in coordination with the NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Bob Goree and FSU Emergency Manager Dave Bujak.

• Mike Porter discussed Science Olympiad, Science Fair, and Hazardous Awareness Week.

• Chris Floyd from the Red Cross encouraged our chapter to reach out to our community and local high schools. He gave us 3 events to become involved in and Mike passed out sign-up sheets for the following.

1. February 8- Statewide Poster Judging Contest
a. 11am at the Red Cross located at 187 Plaza Drive
b. 2 ½ hour judging time

2. Hurricane Biz Exercises
a. Help business practice recovery drills for hurricane disasters

3. May 12, Full Scale Hurricane Disaster
a. Hurricane Zeus, volunteer victims needed

• Dave Bujak, the FSU Emergency Manager has three potential projects for our chapter.
1. StormReady
2. Hazardous Weather Awareness Week (promotion, table at the student union)
3. Help developing weather scenarios for training events

• Dr. Joseph Facundo, Chief of the Observing Systems Branch (NOAA/NWS Field Systems Operations Center) spoke about the job application process and career opportunities with the National Weather Service. Key advice he gave in his speech included:

1. Be Persistent, Don’t Be Discouraged
o It’s very difficult to get in with a government job, but you have to fight for it.
o Dr. Facundo was told he had a job and then called back saying he didn’t have one, he fought for a position and eventually ended up with one.

2. Find Your Way into the Federal Government
o Get status (3 years with NWS)
o Take any job you can get

3. There are few front doors, a lot of side doors
o Realize what you want to accomplish in your career
o Take advantage of opportunities to meet people and to attend meteorology related conferences

• Dr. Facundo also discussed the NWS structure and pay scale. He mentioned that 40% of NWS employees are 3-5 years within retirement.

• Dr. Facundo mentioned the Quick-Hire process and offered advice for applying for jobs.
o Answer questions honestly, finish application thoroughly
o If selected as top 3-6 candidates:
 Talk effectively in interview
 Answer questions completely and honestly

• Dr. Facundo’s final point was not to wait until the end. Planning your career ahead of time gives you a lot more options down the line.

For more information: Jessica Fieux, northflams@gmail.com. Report submitted by Charlie Woodrum, Treasurer.