Lead Meteorologist

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration • Calera, AL

15d

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 forecasts and warnings, inform the public about weather hazards, and work with emergency management partners to mitigate weather- and water-related impacts.

The Lead Meteorologist serves as the shift leader responsible for the quality and timeliness of WFO forecasts, warnings, advisories, and other service products. The role includes conducting weather watches; interpreting Doppler radar, satellite imagery, and other hydrometeorological data; preparing products and individual briefings; and serving as the primary contact for federal, state, and local agencies on matters involving immediate or emergency public health and safety measures based on NWS information. The position also handles shift-level administrative matters, including augmenting staff and approving overtime and leave.

The WFO operates 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 and can require acute mental alertness and produce considerable mental stress during threatening or rapidly changing weather. Adverse weather may require working beyond the usual shift, adding to mental and physical stress.

Applicants must meet the specified meteorology education requirements and have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower federal grade. For the GS-13 level, specialized experience must include briefing 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. A Moderate Risk Security Clearance and background investigation are required. Relocation expenses may be authorized.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen and suitable for federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• Meet the positive education requirement for the 1340 series: a qualifying degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or another natural science with the specified meteorology, physics, differential equations, and related physical science coursework; or the specified combination of coursework and appropriate experience or additional education.
• Possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower federal grade level.
• For GS-13, possess one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-12 that includes briefing government or other decision makers on hazardous weather or water events; assessing current and forecast weather at synoptic and mesoscale levels; and devising, formulating, and disseminating hydrometeorological forecasts, watches, warnings, and advisories.
• Submit transcripts when qualifying based on education, subject to the stated exception for certain NOAA 1340-series applicants.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements, if applicable.
• Meet the Moderate Risk Security Clearance and background investigation requirements; continued employment is subject to successful completion and favorable adjudication.
• Meet qualification requirements by the announcement closing date; federal employees applying for promotion must also meet time-in-grade requirements by that date.

Responsibilities

• Lead the shift and ensure the quality and timeliness of WFO forecast and service products, warnings, and advisories.
• Conduct weather watches by 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 concerning immediate or emergency public health and safety measures based on NWS forecasts, warnings, and watches.
• Handle shift-level administrative matters, including augmenting staff and approving overtime and leave.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Relocation expenses may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior