This position is located in the National Weather Service (NWS), National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), Ocean Prediction Center (OPC), with two vacancies in College Park, MD.
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. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements: To qualify for the 1340 series: EDUCATION: A. 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. * There is a prerequisite or corequisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations. Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major. OR B. Combination of education and experience: course work as shown in A above, 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-14 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-13 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following: Participating in the development or preparation of severe weather forecasts or warnings such as severe storms, flash floods, winter storms, or marine warnings; Communicating and collaborating with other forecasters or personnel to develop action or preparedness plans for severe weather; Analyzing and evaluating weather forecasts to ensure quality and accuracy; and Providing project support or guidance to a team or personnel to ensure goals and objectives are met such as assigning work and setting priorities.
The Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) provides analyses, warnings, forecasts, specialized marine weather and sea ice data, and decision support products and services for the north Atlantic, north Pacific, Arctic and Antarctic Oceans to protect life and property at sea and enhance the national economy. OPC products are distributed to other federal and state agencies, foreign weather services, and both private and public interests to ensure the safety and security of marine transportation and activities. As a Lead Meteorologist, you will perform the following duties: Serve as the Senior Marine Forecaster, leading and providing technical guidance and assistance to forecasters. Develop and issue forecasts for the service area concerning a number of hazardous weather conditions, such as severe storms, flash floods, winter storms, or marine warnings and forecasts. Coordinate with other field offices, the agency, and other governmental units to provide accurate and timely high seas analyses and forecasts. Provide weather advice and guidance to critical decision makers during high impact weather situations. Serve as the primary contact with other governmental agencies over matters involving the initiation and implementation of immediate/emergency public health and safety measures. Serve as an interpretive expert on operational numerical models. Ensure the quality and timeliness of all forecast products prepared and issued by the National Center shift staff. Lead and coordinate staff efforts and provide direction, guidance, instructions and assistance to the shift staff. Ensure that the strategic plans, missions, visions and values are communicated and integrated into work plans and work products and services. Learn more about NWS and its mission here: https://www.noaa.gov/www.noaa.gov/regional-collaboration-network/regional-videos. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 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 requires periods of acute mental alertness and produces considerable mental stress. Adverse weather conditions may require the Lead Meteorologist to work hours longer than the usual shift, adding to mental and physical stress.