This position is part of the National Weather Service (NWS), National Centers for Environmental Protection (NCEP), Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). SWPC delivers space weather information by providing vital observations, forecasts, watches, warnings, alerts, and decision support services. SWPC empowers risk-informed decisions across energy, defense, emergency management, communications, transportation, spaceflight, satellite operations, and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing sectors.
Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy. To qualify for the 1301 series: BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience OR substitution of education for experience OR combination (if applicable) in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements: A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. -AND- SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To qualify at the GS-11 level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following: Applying observations, models, and technology towards atmospheric environmental analysis. OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the total experience requirements. Note: Only graduate-level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience. To qualify at the GS-12 level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following: Interpreting remotely sensed data and probabilistic and deterministic atmospheric environmental model; Providing assistance in developing operational atmospheric environmental analysis, forecasts, watches, warnings, or alerts; and Applying and evaluating new technology or innovations towards making atmospheric environmental-based determinations. To qualify at the GS-13 level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following: Evaluating and interpreting remotely sensed data and probabilistic and deterministic atmospheric environmental models; Creating and delivering operational atmospheric environmental analyses, forecasts, watches, warnings, or alerts; and Contributing to product design, development, evaluation, or implementation of new technologies.
As a Space Weather Forecaster, you will perform the following duties: Monitor, evaluate, interpret and apply a wide range of remotely sensed data and a wide variety of probabilistic and deterministic space weather models while collaborating with various engineers, operators and ground station personnel to ensure high quality data. Develop policies, procedures, and recommendations regarding space weather research, operations, or mitigation while designing, testing, and supporting incorporation of new technologies or innovations into the space weather program. Develop and deliver high level briefings and targeted outreach and education along with providing interviews or responding to media requests and providing input or review for technical papers or reports concerning space weather. NOTE: These duties are described at the full performance level of the GS-13; the GS-11/12 is developmental leading to such performance.