Physical Scientist

United States Fleet Forces Command•Gulfport, MS

About The Position

Serve as a Physical Scientist in the Curriculum Development Department of NAVMETOCPRODEVCEN, supporting Naval Meteorology and Oceanography processes and operational METOC forecast products and services. The work emphasizes environmental effects relevant to Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) and Mine Warfare (MIW). The position plans, conducts, evaluates, and reports oceanographic and acoustic studies and technical analyses that influence Fleet training requirements, tactical applications, and operational practices. The incumbent studies complex environmental variables affecting ASW and MIW, including acoustics, remote sensing, hydrography, hydrology, currents, obstructions, navigability, and meteorological climatology. The role also instructs Advanced Forecasting Techniques and teaches scientific analysis, environmental interpretation, METOC forecasting, acoustics, remote sensing, and tactical decision aids. Instruction is developed from scientific studies, validated analytical methods, and technical conclusions, and includes addressing complex questions and operational scenarios. The position liaises with METOC professionals, Fleet operators, scientists, engineers, and system developers to incorporate emerging scientific and technological developments into advanced course content. It hosts and participates in scientific seminars, studies, panels, and workshops related to METOC analysis, training requirements, testing materials, and learning technologies. The incumbent develops, maintains, and periodically updates ASW and MIW training pipelines for Naval Oceanographers and Aerographer's Mates.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship and suitability for federal employment.
Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements if a current federal employee applying for a GS position.
Obtain and maintain the required interim and/or final security clearance before entering on duty.
Successfully complete a pre-employment drug test and be subject to random testing.
Complete the required Basic Instructor Course qualification and Navy NEC 805A requirements.
At least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level, applying scientific principles and practices in oceanography, meteorology, acoustics, or related physical environmental sciences to evaluate effects on operational systems, platforms, and sensors such as ASW or MIW.
At least one year of specialized experience planning, conducting, and analyzing physical science, oceanographic, or acoustic studies, including setting study objectives, evaluating environmental data, and preparing scientific findings and technical reports.
At least one year of specialized experience evaluating and validating operational concepts, scientific models, tactical decision aids, or environmental prediction tools for technical soundness, operational applicability, and scientific standards.
At least one year of specialized experience translating scientific findings, analytical methods, or METOC procedures into technical documentation, instructional materials, or formal training curricula.
Meet the basic education requirement: a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics including 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science; or equivalent education with at least 24 semester hours in those fields plus appropriate experience or additional education. Transcripts are required.
Pass a medical screening examination before embarking on a U.S. Navy vessel afloat and away from shore for more than 24 hours.
Be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods.

Responsibilities

Plan, conduct, evaluate, and report oceanographic and acoustic studies and technical analyses relevant to Fleet training, tactical applications, and operational practices.
Study environmental variables affecting ASW and MIW, including acoustics, remote sensing, hydrography, hydrology, currents, obstructions, navigability, and meteorological climatology.
Instruct Advanced Forecasting Techniques and provide instruction in scientific analysis, environmental interpretation, METOC forecasting, acoustics, remote sensing, and tactical decision aids.
Develop and present instruction based on scientific studies, validated analytical methods, and authoritative technical conclusions; respond to complex questions and operational scenarios.
Liaise with METOC professionals, Fleet operators, scientists, engineers, and system developers to incorporate scientific and technological developments into advanced course content.
Host and participate in scientific seminars, studies, panels, and workshops concerning METOC analysis, training requirements, testing materials, and emerging learning technologies.
Develop, maintain, and periodically update ASW and MIW training pipelines for Naval Oceanographers and Aerographer's Mates.