About this role
Job SummaryThis position is located in the National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office (WFO) with vacancies in each listed location. WFOs issue warnings and forecasts for their local area, keeping the public informed of weather hazards and interacting with emergency management partners to mitigate the impacts of weather and water hazards.
QualificationsQualification 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-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/ BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position requires applicants to meet the Basic Education Requirement in addition to at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience in order to be found minimally qualified. You MUST meet one of the following basic education requirements: To qualify for the 1315 series: A. Degree: physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels. 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-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: Utilizing models, techniques and procedures for hydro-meteorological forecasts; and Representing an organization to stakeholders regarding hydrologic forecast and warning operations. To qualify at the GS-13 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-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following: Maintaining and updating hydro-meteorological models, techniques and procedures for hydrologic forecasts; Analyzing hydrologic forecast and warning processes, procedures, and services to recommend operational improvement; and Representing an organization to internal and external stakeholders regarding hydrologic forecast and warning operations.
Major DutiesAs a Hydrologist you will perform the following duties: The working title for this position is Senior Service Hydrologist. Provide technical and administrative oversight for the Weather Forecast Office (WFO) hydrologic service program(s) and service activities in a geographically and/or organizationally complex support area. Develop and modify WFO hydrologic procedures, models, techniques, manuals, and dissemination plans to ensure optimal use of technologies and real-time data. Initiate and maintain liaison activities and cooperative support operations with state emergency management and water resources officials located in one or more state capital areas and a geographically or organizationally diverse group of other offices inside and/or outside the National Weather Service (NWS). Modify and enhance the operational hydrologic procedures and hydrologic training program for all WFO forecasters. NOTE: The duties are at the full performance level of the GS-13; the GS-12 is the developmental leading to such performance. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: All operational forecasters at the WFO are required to work long arduous hours when hazardous conditions are expected or occurring. Such duty requires the ability to make quick and accurate decisions during extended periods of stressful activity. Outdoor activity may be required during field trips, however no excessive physical demands are required.RequirementsKey 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. Additional Considerations: One year probationary period may be required. Payment of relocation expenses (PCS) may be authorized. This position requires 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. Any selections made under this notice will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Therefore, Current Federal employees would be given new appointments to the civil service and may have to serve a new probationary period under CFR 315.802 (b). NOTE: A one year probationary period will be required under the Direct Hire Authority unless you are a current Department of Commerce (including NOAA) employee; and are in the same line of work; have previously completed a probationary period; and with no more than a 30 day break in service. 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. 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.