Additional contacts may include state and local officials with decision authority in the event of weather threats and natural disasters. Contacts with other agencies include the FAA, FEMA, State emergency management, environmental and air pollution agencies, NASA, Corps of Engineers, agricultural agencies, community action, other special purpose groups and cooperative storm spotters, the Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Forest Service. Contacts are made also with the general public, the mass news media, and specialized users. Though much of the senior forecaster's general public contact is through the mass media, the public and specialized users may contact the WFO directly for general and specialized advice on existing and forecast weather conditions. The work is generally sedentary, although there is considerable moving about among various desks and equipment.
Routine duties require meeting tight deadlines.
During periods of threatening weather or rapidly changing weather conditions, the increase in workload and the necessity for rapid dissemination of weather warnings and updates requires periods of acute mental alertness and produces considerable mental stress. Adverse weather conditions often require the senior forecaster to work hours longer than the usual shift, adding to mental and physical stress. Working on rotating shifts is routinely required with the WFO in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The work environment most closely resembles that of an office with added specialized equipment for communications, radar, and NOAA Weather Radio.