Lead Meteorologist

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration•Monterey, CA

About The Position

This position is with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), at a Weather Forecast Office (WFO). WFOs issue local warnings and forecasts, inform the public about weather hazards, and work with emergency management partners to reduce the impacts of weather and water hazards. The Lead Meteorologist serves as shift leader and is responsible for the quality and timely issuance of WFO forecast and service products, warnings, and advisories. The role includes monitoring and interpreting weather data, preparing forecasts and warnings, briefing decision makers, and coordinating with government and emergency-response partners. The position also handles administrative matters that arise during a shift. WFOs operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and rotating shifts are routinely required. Work is generally sedentary, with movement among desks and equipment. Duties involve tight deadlines. Threatening or rapidly changing weather can require acute mental alertness, create considerable mental stress, and necessitate working beyond the usual shift, adding mental and physical stress.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen and suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
Be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
Meet the education requirements for the 1340 series: a qualifying meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science degree with specified coursework, or the specified combination of coursework and appropriate experience or additional education.
Submit transcripts if qualifying based on education, except for the stated exception for current NOAA 1340-series employees applying under competitive merit promotion procedures.
Possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower Federal grade level; for GS-13, this must be one year (52 weeks) equivalent to GS-12.
For GS-13, have experience providing briefings to government or other decision makers on hazardous weather or water events; analyzing and assessing current and forecast weather at synoptic and mesoscale levels; and devising, formulating, and disseminating hydrometeorological forecasts, watches, warnings, and advisories.
Meet qualification requirements by the announcement closing date; Federal employees applying for promotion under merit promotion procedures must also meet time-in-grade requirements by that date.
Obtain and maintain the required Moderate Risk Security Clearance and successfully complete the security investigation and favorable adjudication.
Serve a one-year probationary period if required; continued employment during that period is subject to written certification that continued employment advances the public interest.

Responsibilities

Lead the shift and ensure the quality and timely issuance of WFO forecast and service products, warnings, and advisories.
Conduct weather watches, interpreting Doppler radar data, satellite imagery, and other hydrometeorological data.
Prepare WFO warning, forecast, and service products, including individual briefings.
Serve as the primary contact for Federal, state, and local agencies on matters involving immediate or emergency public health and safety measures based on NWS forecasts, warnings, and watches.
Handle shift administrative matters, including augmenting staff and approving overtime and leave.