Meteorologist

Summary

This position is located in NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Offices or National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), with vacancies in each listed location. The announcement establishes a Standing Register of Eligible Applicants to fill vacancies as they arise with a cutoff date of May 22, 2026. The initial filing is for a GS‑09 level, developmental to Full Performance Level (FPL) GS‑12.

As a Meteorologist, you will:

• Integrate forecast weather, water, and climate hazards with societal risk to produce impact‑based warnings, advisories, outlooks, and forecasts.
• Support the development, production, and delivery of interpretive services, including Impact Based Decision Support Services (IDSS) and specialized notifications.
• Collect, assess, analyze, and integrate environmental data to provide forecasts at global, synoptic, and finer mesoscale levels.
• Collaborate with colleagues to improve day‑to‑day operational functions of WFOs/NCEP.

• Work in a typical office setting with rotating shift work; 24/7 operations may require extended hours during severe weather.
• Maintain sharp mental focus during high‑stress events and keep a weather watch when the public is evacuating.

Key Requirements:

• U.S. Citizen.
• Suitable for Federal employment per background investigation.
• Registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Meet qualifications by the announcement closing date.

Additional Considerations:

• One‑year probationary period may be required.
• Relocation expenses (PCS) not authorized.
• Low‑risk security clearance required.
• Background investigation; employment contingent on successful clearance.

This Standing Register uses Direct Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.205(b)) to fill full‑time permanent positions across NWS locations as hiring needs arise. Applications received by May 22, 2026 receive first consideration; thereafter every 90 days.

Applicants are limited to selecting up to ten locations. Certificates are issued for up to six months after the closing date.

Basic Education Requirement:

• Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or a natural science major that includes:
• - At least 24 semester hours of meteorology/atmospheric science, including:
  • 6 semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics.
  • 6 semester hours of weather systems analysis/prediction.
  • 3 semester hours of physical meteorology.
  • 2 semester hours of remote sensing/instrumentation.
• - 6 semester hours of physics, with at least one laboratory course.
• - 3 semester hours of ordinary differential equations.
• - 9 or more semester hours of other physical science courses such as hydrology, statistics, chemistry, oceanography, climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, thermodynamics, electricity & magnetism, optics, computer science.
• - Calculus courses required for dynamics, thermodynamics, physics, and ODE. Calculus appropriate for a physical science major.

Education can substitute for experience where applicable. Selections may include graduate‑level education and/or special academic achievement (e.g., GPA ≥ 3.0, class standing, honor society membership).

• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level, or substitution of graduate‑level education.
• Experience must demonstrate competencies and skills for duties (e.g., using hydro‑meteorological data, interpreting conditions, and supporting forecast preparation).
• Volunteer work (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) may be credited.

Submit a copy of the college transcript listing courses, credit hours, institution, and grade. Foreign‑education equivalents must be documented. Official transcripts required before duty.

ICTAP and CTAP Candidates: Eligible for selection priority if well qualified. Documents required (ICTAP, CTAP) are listed in the original announcement.

Requests for reasonable accommodation for online competency assessments must be submitted before assessments. RA decisions are case‑by‑case.

The Federal Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will not be hired based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility depends on position type and status. For more information, contact the hiring agency.