Interning at Mount Washington Observatory provides the opportunity to gain real-world experience while living atop the Northeast’s tallest peak at one of the most famous weather stations in the world. Interns learn basic weather observation and recording procedures, assist with research projects, share the Observatory’s work with the public, and help maintain the weather station. Each internship is different and will vary based upon the skills, interests, and motivation level of the intern. Interns work the normal summit shift week, which runs from Wednesday to the following Wednesday. Each shift week is followed by six days off. Shared bunk-room accommodations and all meals at the summit are provided, as is round-trip transportation from the base of Mount Washington to the summit. Interns are responsible for their own living arrangements off the mountain, and for getting themselves to the base of the mountain each week. Read the full internship description here: Mount Washington Summit Internship Job Description

Duration

The Observatory offers three internships each year: summer, fall, and winter. The summer internship runs from mid-May to late August, the fall internship runs from late August to late December, and the winter internship runs from January to mid-May.

Fall interns who perform exceptionally well may be invited to stay for a winter internship. If you are interested in staying for a second internship season, please let us know in your application.

College Credit

The Observatory internship program is highly regarded amongst many top institutions, and we will happily work with your college or university if they offer credit for work/study programs.

Requirements

Interns must:

• Have an interest in meteorology and atmospheric science (though most applicants are typically studying or have recently graduated from a meteorology program, qualified applicants from all backgrounds will be considered)
• Be mature, responsible, and comfortable living with others in close quarters
• Want to live on a remote mountaintop for eight days at a time
• Be friendly, outgoing, and enjoy engaging with the public
• Be a proficient computer user, with an advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Be physically able and meet all of our health and safety requirements for summit visitors
• Have outdoor experience and be excited about working outside in the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather”
• Not be afraid of hard work, like shoveling or heavy lifting
• Have a positive, “can-do” attitude and a high tolerance for adversity
• Be well-groomed and presentable, and feel comfortable representing the Observatory to the public
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a U.S. resident

The best interns:

• Are highly motivated and ambitious, and want to utilize each and every day to learn as much as possible
• Love extreme weather
• Make friends easily and get along with everyone
• Can’t wait to share their knowledge of and enthusiasm for weather with the public
• Have advanced computer skills, perhaps with computer programming experience

Compensation

All Observatory internships are supported by a generous stipend to cover travel, housing, and living costs. Payment is spread equally across our 14-week Summer and Fall internships, and increased slightly for our 16-week winter internships. Internships with our partners in the United States Forest Service, Appalachian Mountain Club, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service, Howard University, or Jackson State University may come with differing benefits and sources of support.

Deadline

Summer Internship applications are accepted from January 15 to March 5. Individuals are encouraged to apply early for this popular internship, as interviews during spring break fill quickly. Fall Internship applications are accepted from May 15 to July 15. Winter Internship applications are accepted from August 15 to October 15.