Hydrologist

Summary

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), River Forecast Centers (RFCs), with vacancies in each listed location.

• The incumbent will serve as a Senior Hydrologist. Serve as lead hydrologic forecaster on duty executing the day-to‑day hydrologic operation of the River Forecast Center (RFC), including both real‑and non‑real‑time operations, with the latter supporting procedure development activities critical to the enhancement, implementation, and maintenance of the forecast system technology.
• Perform routine daily short‑range hydrologic and meteorological forecast operations before and during high‑water and flood episodes and long‑range water resources forecast operations.
• Analyze incoming real‑time hydro/met data for consistency and process it into an operational hydrologic modeling system.
• Provide on‑the‑job advice and training on daily forecast operations to Hydrologic Forecasters and Hydrometeorological Analysis and Support (HAS) Forecasters.

• The work is generally sedentary. However, long arduous work periods may be required when flood conditions threaten or occur. During flood events the duty may result in extended periods of stressful activity.
• Shift work nominally covering 16‑hour operations may move to 24‑hour operations during flood events or seasonal periods of flood threat.

• Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
• Must be 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.
• Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

• 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.

Qualification requirements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.

• Applicants must meet one of the following basic education requirements: A. Degree in physical or natural science, or engineering with at least 30 semester hours in courses in hydrology, physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or water resources management/conservation. Course work must include at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including differential and integral calculus) and at least 6 semester hours in physics.
  
  B. Combination of education and experience is acceptable.

• Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service.
• 1 full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS‑12 level must include:
  Utilizing hydrometeorological techniques and equipment to assist with forecast preparation;
  Supporting the development of hydrologic modeling and analysis procedures;
  Collaborating with customers or partners on hydrologic forecast products and services.

The Federal Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will not be hired based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. NOAA participates in e‑Verify, an Internet‑based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to electronically verify employment eligibility.

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full‑time, part‑time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.