Patricia Sánchez-Rodríguez

Educational Background:

• B.S. in Theoretical Physics with a Minor in Atmospheric Science and Meteorology from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez

• M.S. in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from University of Miami – Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science

Describe the career path that led you to your current job with the National Weather Service.

• My career started in broadcast media. I worked as a Weather Producer for one of the local TV stations in the DFW Metroplex area for about a year. This helped me build skills that I use in my current job with the NWS, including graphic design, translation of technical data into understandable terms, effective communication, and building public trust. Following this, I joined the NWS as a Meteorologist at the Dallas/Fort Worth Weather Forecast Office.

What do you do for the NWS?

• As an operational meteorologist, I create the public and aviation weather forecasts and advisories/warnings for the 46 counties in our area of responsibility in North and Central Texas. I also provide Impact Based Decision Support Services (IDSS) to NWS partners during special events or high-impact weather events. This support can be on-site or virtual. Additionally, I provide forecast and weather briefings to press, radio, television stations, and social media both in English and Spanish. I am also an active member of the national Spanish-language team that provides IDSS and translations of forecast and outreach material for any of the 122 NWS Weather Forecast Offices across the country. I help coordinate and organize outreach activities, such as safety talks, career days, seminars, etc. I am also part of the team that develops web pages on our NWS website and graphics that helps with the dissemination of the weather information to the NWS partners and the general public.

What was the most interesting, exciting, or impactful weather/water event you experienced while working for the NWS and why does it stand out?

• There are several events that stand out, especially during my first years in the NWS (2017-2019), including the April 29th, 2017 Tornado Outbreak in East Texas. Working those first few severe/winter weather events and getting to know the operations – the long hours, how chaotic it can be and how everyone has an important role, from the warning forecaster to the IDSS efforts, and all the work/support needed even days after the event.

What made you decide to pursue a career with the NWS?

• Growing up in the Caribbean, I was fascinated by tropical storms and hurricanes. Visiting the San Juan WFO and getting a glimpse of their operations showed me how exciting it is to understand and try to predict these events while helping the community prepare for extreme weather.

What do you like most about working for the NWS?

• There are several things I really like about the job. First, no two weather events are the same. There's always something different and new to learn, which makes it challenging but also exciting. Secondly, is the people that I work with. There are so many good, smart, kind, and friendly men and women that make this a great place to work. Lastly, being a part of the effort to help the community become more resilient to extreme weather events is very rewarding.

What advice do you have for someone interested in a career with the NWS?

• Research the field and explore the different areas available in the NWS. Reach out to the local WFO to learn more about the job and get personal advice from those people already working in the field. Most importantly, take advantage of any available opportunities to volunteer and/or participate in internships. If interested in research, consider a graduate degree. There is more than one path to a career in the NWS, so don’t be afraid to take your own path.

What training or coursework would you recommend to someone interested in following your career path?

• In addition to the standard coursework for meteorology, I recommend taking other classes like Geographical Information Systems (GIS), computer programming, communications, public speaking, leadership, graphic design, and social science. This will help you build another set of skills important for the job. Take the time to do volunteer work at a local office or apply for summer internships. If you are not selected the first time, make sure to try again, be persistent!

Anything else you want to share?

• Don’t give up! It might take a while to get where you want…take one step at a time. Build your confidence!