As part of an online discussion forum, Wes Browning, Meteorologist in Charge of the National Weather Service Forecast Office in St. Louis, had this to say about the importance of communication skills.
…as an NWS hiring official, I’d like to point out the critical importance of communications skills and training in operational emergency management (NIMS). As Dave Parsons pointed out “communication as a minor and internship can help land a position in broadcasting”, however those skills are extremely important today in the NWS, as decision support services (DSS) is becoming increasingly important. At WFO St. Louis, we routinely provide official decision support to a variety of Emergency Managers. As an example, there were 5 events going on simultaneously last weekend alone for which we provided critical information during ongoing severe weather. At the request of local Emergency Managers, I am currently making final arrangements together with WFO Kansas City to deploy 2 of my staff to support the Missouri State Fair (350,000 attendance over 11 days last year). As we have seen more and more DSS success stories over the past several years at WFO St. Louis, demands for these services are increasing, and those applicants that cross my desk with training in effective communication will definitely have an edge.
