METEOROLOGIST

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Group Coverage Qualification Standards for Professional and Scientific Positions, Individual Occupational Requirement for Meteorologist (IOR), Series 1340. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/meteorology-series-1340/ BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Degree: Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or other Natural Science major that included: 1. At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of credit in meteorology/atmospheric science including a minimum of: Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics. Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale) Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation. 2. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions. 3. Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations. 4. At least nine semester hours of course work appropriate for a physical science major in any combination of three or more of the following: physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and computer science.(*Prerequisite or corequisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations must be appropriate for a physical science major) OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: — course work as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-11, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes Applying a wide range of meteorological methods, techniques, theories, and practices including weather observation, forecasting, communications, meteorological equipment and support procedures; Formulating and recommending solutions and/or modifications to standard practices, processes, or techniques to resolve complex issues; Measuring meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-11 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-12 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: I. Knowledge of professional meteorology or atmospheric sciences or an equivalent experience level in applied meteorology is required, which includes specialized coursework or training in tropical meteorology, synoptic weather analysis, thermodynamic, observational meteorology and mesoscale analysis. 2. Thorough understanding of protocols and procedures utilized by weather reconnaissance flying units and the operational aspects of their aircraft, crews, and observing instruments to provide guidance, recommend solutions and/or modifications to standard practices, processes, or techniques sufficient to execute actions for a wide range of assignments involving combinations of complex features. 3. Knowledge of Department of Defense, Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), and other applicable Federal regulations, policies, and instructions related to aerial reconnaissance, meteorological data-observing strategies, and transmitted products. 4. Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, and general operations of Air Force and NOAA entities involved in aerial weather reconnaissance and skill in understanding conceptually how aerial­ weather reconnaissance provides value-added benefits for Federal tropical-cyclone and winter-storms warning and prediction programs. 5. Competency/skill in utilizing essential automation/computer systems, equipment, and software programs that analyze operational weather data and imagery. 6. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy, both orally and in writing, as well as the ability to make timely decisions and select a course of action under high stress conditions associated with severe weather and emergency situations. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Click on “Learn more about this agency” button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is: To serve as a team member of meteorologists in the CARCAH (Chief, Aerial Reconnaissance Coordination, All Hurricanes) unit at the National Hurricane Center to handle coordinating and planning of missions by military and civilian weather reconnaissance flying units to fulfill National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration request.