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I am a meteorologist. Believe it or not this is a small field and is currently experiencing an extremely tight labour market making it very tough to get the best jobs which are in the NWS (national weather service). I currently live in the northeast and would like to apply for a job opening with the NWS in Williston, where I will have a good shot at getting in, but am reading about how it's extremely hard to find housing - especially a decent place to rent at a fair price. Is it still this bad? I am about 30, single, and this job would involve shift work so I'd actually be a bit picky about where I wanted to live - (don't want too much noise during the day when I'm sleeping!). Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I am a senior meteorologist at NWS Grand Forks....
My advice yes apply. It is very very competitive even for places like Williston. So if you want to get in, apply everywhere. If you would go to Williston, you would be there for a short time 1 1/2 yrs on average and then they would transfer you to a full service WFO as a intern so you can gain more experience. WSO Williston doesnt have any forecast responsibility, and would be a good place to take all the modules you need in the intern position.
Private message me if you desire to discuss more about the NWS.
As for the housing, etc there is a lot of info on these boards. I will let others chime in on the town, housing, costs, etc.
I talk to a lot of people moving here or who have just moved here because of my job. Right now apartments have waiting lists over a year long. I have met people who are living in little "apartments" where there are only 2 rooms, no bathrooms or running water, 4 guys living in it and they are paying a total of $800 a month. Brand new 2 bedroom places were built and they were $1,400 a month. I saw some 3 bedroom places that they wanted to lease to a corporation for $4,000 a month. I've also seen people trying to rent RV's for over $1,000 a month.
I'd suggest getting on waiting lists. Also, with winter here I've actually seen hotels have a vacany every now and then. Not long term vacancies... but I haven't seen a vacancy sign since I moved here.
stormguy80...I would check with Candlewood Suites and another (owned by the same hotel) called HomStay Suites (under construction, but supposed to be opening in a couple months). I'm guessing if you call the Candlewood Suites, they can give you vacancy info and prices for both hotels. What is really nice...BOTH of these hotels are across the street from the airport and National weather service...and I mean ACROSS the street. (not a busy 4 lane highway, etc...) people get off the planes at the Williston airport, and carry their luggage across the airport parking lot and into the hotel lobby of the Candlewood...and...HomStay is even closer. I would seriously look into these 2 extended stay hotels if you get the job. The same company is getting ready to build a 3rd hotel (Holiday Inn) on the same block across the street from the airport as well.
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