Meteorologist

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO), Aircraft Operations Center (AOC), with two vacancies in Lakeland, FL. This position is also announced under vacancy number OMAO-27-13083249-DE, which is open to all US Citizens or Nationals. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.

As a Meteorologist, you will perform the following duties: Coordinate team projects/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 both scientific and safety purposes; analyze and assess current and forecasted weather situations at both the synoptic and mesoscale levels, utilizing all necessary warning, advisory and forecast products required for pre-flight mission briefings. Adapt general forecasts to conform to observed local weather phenomena and prepare warnings and advisories. Warn or alert general public of immediate danger situations such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms by providing briefings and/or weather updates to decision makers in accordance with procedures. NOTE: These duties are described at the full performance level of the GS-12; The GS-11 is developmental leading to such performance. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The position requires that the incumbent engage in mission flights, which may include flights into severe storms to perform the duties of this position and NOAA Air Crewmember duties during these flights. The incumbent is required to meet and maintain the Air Crewmember medical requirements as described in the Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) Operations Manual and the AOC Medical Policy. For AOC purposes, a valid Class 3 FAA Medical Certificate without limitations will be deemed equivalent to an Aircrew Medical Examination. The position requires strict adherence to safety procedures and training due to exposure to potentially severe weather conditions and hazardous flight environments. This position is designated as a flight crewmember with critical safety or security responsibilities and as such, has been designated as a testing designated position (TDP); as a condition of employment, the incumbent of a TDP is subject to a random drug test that occurs without suspicion that an individual is using illegal drugs. The position contributes directly to NOAA fulfillment of public safety responsibilities and delivery of essential activities which likely protect life and property. NOAA aircraft operate throughout the world providing a wide range of capabilities including hurricane reconnaissance and research, marine mammal and fisheries assessment, flooding, fires, disaster response, emergency services, and coastal mapping. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is split between office and flight conditions. Serves as a crewmember onboard government aircraft. Assignments often entail flying into dynamic and hazardous weather environments. Must be able to climb an aircraft ladder, and at times be able to carry equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. Position requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 3rd class or equivalent physical evaluation, based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) aviation policy. Traveling across the US and to foreign countries is not uncommon. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Incumbent serves as a NOAA Air Crewmember on missions which may include flights into severe storms. Flying environment may be turbulent. Aircraft noise levels may be greater than 85 decibels. Fieldwork may occur anywhere in the world, under less than adequate living and working conditions. Deployed areas may require exposure to extremes from tropical heat, or subzero arctic cold. Incumbent receives training in safety procedures, aircraft egress, water survival, and must follow all NOAA and FAA safety regulations related to the position. Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.

Key Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation. More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Additional Information. Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov) Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. If you are a Federal employee applying for a promotion (under merit promotion procedures) you must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Additional Considerations: One year probationary period may be required.* Payment of relocation expenses (PCS) is not authorized. Payment of relocation incentives OR recruitment incentives may be authorized. Note: Relocation incentives are for current federal employees only. This position is in the bargaining unit and is covered by NWSEO Branch 9-10. This position is subject to both pre-employment and random drug testing as a condition of employment. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test is received. This position requires a Moderate Risk Security Clearance. Background investigation will be required. Continued employment is subject to applicant's successful completion of security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, for those required to serve a 1-year probationary period, we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: Your performance and conduct; Needs and interests of the agency; Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of then Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.