Help Us Build a Stronger Weather and Response Network Across Central Appalachia
The Central Appalachia Weather Authority is building a volunteer team to support severe weather monitoring, public information, community outreach, field response, and disaster support across the region.
Many roles do not require prior experience. If you care about weather, public safety, preparedness, or helping communities, there may be a place for you here.
Volunteer Divisions
CAWA volunteers support the organization across four divisions. Each division is led by a Chief, with Coordinators leading individual roles and team members supporting the work on the ground.
Weather Operations
Chief of Weather OperationsSituational awareness, storm monitoring, radar, alerts, mapping, weather data, and forecasting.
Field & Storm Response
Chief of Field & Storm ResponseObservation, reporting, damage assessment, disaster support, and field deployment.
Media & Communications
Chief of Media & CommunicationsPublic outreach, social media, events, communications, and administrative support.
Administrative Support
Chief of Administrative SupportGrants, finance, technology, and partnerships that keep CAWA running and growing.
Find Your Best Fit
Not sure where you belong yet? Select the options that sound most like you, then click the button below for a suggested volunteer path.
What We Look For
Mission Alignment
We value people who care about public safety, preparedness, severe weather awareness, and supporting communities across Central Appalachia.
Reliability
Experience is helpful, but reliability, communication, and follow-through matter just as much when building a strong volunteer team.
Willingness to Learn
Not every volunteer role requires prior training. We welcome people who are ready to learn, grow, and contribute where they can.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Some roles benefit from prior experience, but many do not. Training and onboarding may be provided depending on the position.
Yes. Many opportunities can be done remotely or in a hybrid format, especially in Weather Operations, Administrative Support, and Media & Communications.
No. Many volunteers will never need to deploy in the field. Field and Storm Response roles are only one of four divisions within CAWA.
Each role has two levels. Team members carry out the day-to-day work of a role. Coordinators lead that role, manage the team members within it, and report to their Division Chief. Most new volunteers start at the team member level.
Yes. Depending on the role, CAWA may require additional onboarding, safety guidance, training, or screening before participation. Field and storm response roles in particular may have additional requirements.
Our team will review your submission and may follow up with additional questions, role details, or onboarding steps based on your interests and availability.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you are interested in weather operations, community outreach, field response, or support work behind the scenes, we would love to learn more about you.