The tech in question helps operate the National Weather Service and several branches of the U.S. armed forces.

The agency stands to lose hundreds of people from its current workforce due to firings, early retirements and voluntary separation programs.

Specialists who can help decode weather patterns in an increasingly volatile climate are becoming sought-after outside the insurance world. 

Conservative critics called for NOAA to be broken up and its responsibilities and assets redistributed.

New York, New England and the rest of the Northeast have seen little rain for weeks.