The $1M a year isn't paid to the employee. It's funds designated to continue operation in one location where that employee works. If NWS can get an employee to take a job there.
The balloons launch every 6 hours. You need about 5 FTEs for 24/z. I think this reduces the 5 FTEs to about 3, which makes the math much more reasonable. Basically, the 0600z launch is remotely monitored, day shift reloads the machines, so you need about 2 FTEs to get 7 day/week local coverage. plus some allowance for 3 shifts of remote monitoring and management.
Balloons launch every 12 hours. Not 6. Unless there's a request for a special release, which is rare in Alaska.
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The $1M a year isn't paid to the employee. It's funds designated to continue operation in one location where that employee works. If NWS can get an employee to take a job there.
The balloons launch every 6 hours. You need about 5 FTEs for 24/z. I think this reduces the 5 FTEs to about 3, which makes the math much more reasonable. Basically, the 0600z launch is remotely monitored, day shift reloads the machines, so you need about 2 FTEs to get 7 day/week local coverage. plus some allowance for 3 shifts of remote monitoring and management.
Balloons launch every 12 hours. Not 6. Unless there's a request for a special release, which is rare in Alaska.