Meteorologist

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration•Lakeland, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO), Aircraft Operations Center (AOC), and has two vacancies in Lakeland, Florida. The role is offered at GS-11 and GS-12 levels; GS-11 is developmental, with the duties described at the full-performance GS-12 level. The Meteorologist coordinates mission projects and provides technical guidance on monitoring, analyzing, and collecting remote-sensing and aircraft in-situ data in dynamic weather environments. The role supports scientific operations and aviation safety through real-time weather assessment, forecasting, briefings, and warnings. The incumbent serves as a NOAA Air Crewmember and participates in mission flights, potentially including flights into severe storms. The position requires meeting and maintaining aircrew medical requirements, following safety procedures, completing required safety training, and complying with pre-employment and random drug testing. It is designated as a testing-designated position and requires a Moderate Risk security clearance and background investigation. Travel within the United States and internationally is not uncommon. NOAA aircraft missions support activities such as hurricane reconnaissance and research, disaster response, emergency services, and other public-safety work. Work is divided between office and flight conditions. Fieldwork may take place worldwide and involve turbulent flights, aircraft noise above 85 decibels, less-than-adequate living and working conditions, and exposure to tropical heat or subzero Arctic cold. The employee must be able to climb an aircraft ladder and sometimes carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. An FAA third-class medical certificate or equivalent physical evaluation is required. Applicants must meet the positive education requirement for the 1340 series, including specified meteorology, physics, mathematics, and related coursework, or an allowed combination of education and experience. GS-11 applicants must also meet the stated specialized experience requirement or qualify through an education or combined education-and-experience substitution. GS-12 applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11. Transcripts are required when qualifying based on education, subject to the stated exception for certain NOAA employees.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship and suitability for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
Meet the positive education requirements for the 1340 series: a qualifying degree with specified meteorology/atmospheric science, physics, mathematics, and related coursework, or an allowed combination of education and experience.
Meet specialized experience requirements for the grade sought. At GS-11, this includes assisting with collection or analysis of real-time remote-sensing or aircraft data to assess current and forecast weather, and assisting with monitoring or evaluating validation and quality of real-time meteorological data; qualifying graduate education or a combination may substitute as described.
At GS-12, have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, including collecting or analyzing real-time remote-sensing or aircraft data to assess current and forecast weather; monitoring or evaluating validation and quality of real-time meteorological data; and analyzing aviation hazards, identifying risks, and recommending solutions to aviation customers.
Submit transcripts when qualifying based on education, subject to the stated exception for current NOAA 1340-series employees applying under competitive merit promotion procedures.
Meet and maintain aircrew medical requirements; an FAA Class 3 medical certificate without limitations is accepted as equivalent for AOC purposes.
Comply with pre-employment and random drug testing; a verified positive drug test prevents appointment.
Meet the Moderate Risk security clearance and background investigation requirements; continued employment depends on successful investigation and favorable adjudication.
Climb an aircraft ladder and sometimes carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Follow NOAA and FAA safety regulations and complete safety, aircraft-egress, and water-survival training.
Register for Selective Service, if applicable.
Meet qualification requirements by the announcement closing date; Federal employees seeking promotion must also meet time-in-grade requirements by that date.

Responsibilities

Coordinate team projects and missions and provide technical guidance and direction in monitoring, analyzing, and collecting remote-sensing and aircraft in-situ data in dynamic weather environments.
Monitor and evaluate real-time weather data, aviation and ground radar, and satellite imagery for scientific and safety purposes.
Analyze and assess current and forecasted weather at synoptic and mesoscale levels using relevant warning, advisory, and forecast products for pre-flight mission briefings.
Adapt general forecasts to observed local weather phenomena and prepare warnings and advisories.
Alert the public to immediate danger situations, including hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms, by providing briefings or weather updates to decision makers.
Serve as a NOAA Air Crewmember on mission flights, which may include flights into severe storms, while following required safety procedures and training.