METEOROLOGICAL TECHNICIAN

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is: To provide meteorological products and services vital to the operational weather and resource protection support efforts to Air Force, Department of Defense (DoD), and/or other government/civilian users.

Duties

Provides complex operational weather support to Air Force, Army, Reserve, Guard, and other DoD/government/civilian users. Identifies, evaluates, and monitors significant weather developments, especially as they present potential impacts on critical flight operations. Provides technical guidance and instructions to lower graded technical employees, or airmen. Provides weather briefings for local, transient, and other supported aircrews in person, by telephone, or by other means. Observes, encodes, records, disseminates, and evaluates weather observations.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, group coverage for Technical and Medical Support Positions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-08, or equivalent in other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience includes measuring meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation; observing and recording atmospheric characteristics, i.e., temperature, air movement, visibility, pressure, air density, cloud types; decoding, plotting, and systematically recording data related to the physical characteristics of the atmosphere, i.e., charts, diagrams, cross sections; and collecting, analyzing, interpreting, adjusting, and verifying atmospheric and other meteorological data to confirm and improve accuracy and efficacy, as well as meteorological methods, techniques, and practices, including weather observing, forecasting, communications, meteorological equipment and support procedures in determining how local conditions and reports and observations from various sources affect weather forecasts, the extent of change, and whether to take action to protect life and property. OR EDUCATION: Two full years of graduate education or a master's degree that is directly related to the work of the position such as meteorology, mathematics, engineering, or physical science. Note: must submit a copy of your transcripts. OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position. FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-08 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of the principles, procedures, requirements, and work techniques of the full range of advanced operations, instrumentation, and practices in the areas of weather forecasting, observations, weather support procedures, communications, and use of meteorological equipment. Skill in using various computer software and various applications. Ability to measure meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation, and collect, analyze, interpret, adjust, and verify atmospheric or other meteorological data to confirm and improve its accuracy and effectiveness. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to prepare and present briefings, guidance products, and to oversee program activities. Ability to make timely decisions and select a course of action under high stress conditions associated with severe weather and emergency situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships using tact and diplomacy in interacting with individuals, supervisors, and leadership. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.