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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Meteorologist

Lakeland, Florida $74678 - $116362 PA GS Closes Oct 19, 2026
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Summary

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience OR substitution of education for experience OR combination (if applicable) in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements: To qualify for the 1340 series: EDUCATION: A. Degree: meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science major that included: At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of credit in meteorology/atmospheric science including a minimum of: Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;* Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale); Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions.* Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations.* At least nine semester hours of course work appropriate for a physical science major in any combination of three or more of the following: physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and computer science. * There is a prerequisite or corequisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations. Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major. OR B. Combination of education and experience: course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. AND SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. To qualify at the GS-11 level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following: Assisting with collecting or analyzing real-time remote sensing or aircraft data to assess current and forecasted weather situations; and Assisting with monitoring or evaluating the validation and quality of real-time meteorological data. OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science or in a directly related field or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree. OR COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the total experience requirements. Note: Only graduate-level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience. To qualify at the GS-12 level: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following: Collecting or analyzing real-time remote sensing or aircraft data to assess current and forecasted weather situations; Monitoring or evaluating the validation and quality of real-time meteorological data; and Analyzing aviation hazards, identifying risks, and recommending solutions to aviation customers.

Major Duties

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.

Requirements

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.

Required Documents

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (may be: (1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or (2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments): 1. Resume: Your resume must be no more than 2 pages. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Please review the USAJobs Help Center for additional requirements. You are encouraged to make your resume and profile searchable https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/profile/searchable. You are highly encouraged to use USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all required information is included in your Resume. If you use your own resume or curriculum vitae, for each work experience at a minimum, your resume should include; job title(s) (including job series and grade, if Federal); description of duties or work performed; starting and ending dates (month and year). Part-Time work must be clearly identified and include the number of hours per week; if not identified, then work will be assumed to be Full-Time. (NOTE: A full-time work schedule requires most employees to work 33-40 hours during the work week. A part-time schedule requires an employee to work less than full-time, typically 16-32 hours per week.) 2. SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action: If you are a current or former Federal employee, you must provide the most current Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50) that verifies career/career-conditional status, title, series and grade (do not submit an Award SF-50). Also provide the SF-50 that reflects the highest grade level held on a permanent basis or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating. 3. Veteran's documentation: If you are requesting consideration under Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) or Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) you must submit a copy of your Member 4, DD Form 214 stating disposition of discharge or character of service or other valid proof of eligibility (i.e., statement of service that shows service dates AND character of service) and/or any other required supporting documents (VA letter, SF-15, etc). For more information, please click here. Active Duty Service Members: You must submit a statement of discharge/certification of release or an official written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days from the date the announcement closes. Enlisted Record Briefs and military identification do NOT qualify as official documentation. If the appropriate information is not submitted to confirm the discharge status, dates of service, etc., you will not be considered for this job opportunity under Veteran Preference procedures. To gain access to your DD-214 online please visit. 4. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) documentation (see "Additional Information" section) 5. Documentation supporting eligibility for non-competitive appointment: Includes Individuals with Disabilities, 30% Veterans, certain Military Spouses, etc. 6. Unofficial Transcripts: This position has a positive education requirement and therefore, requires proof of higher education. 7. Documentation supporting NOAA Commissioned Corps: NOAA Form 56-16 or other documentation supporting active duty in NOAA Corps. OPTIONAL DOCUMENTS: Performance Appraisals Incentive Awards In accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3), due weight shall be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards during the selection process.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the blue "Apply Online" button. If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile. As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application. Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.