Meteorologist

Summary

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO), Aircraft Operations Center (AOC), with two vacancies in Lakeland, FL. This position is also announced under vacancy number OMAO--ST, which is open to Status Candidates. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.

Accepting applications: 12/17/2025 to 12/30/2025

Salary: $73,939 to $115,213 per year. Pay scale & grade: GS 11 – 12

Location:

Lakeland, FL
Remote job:
No
Telework eligible:
Yes – as determined by agency policy

Travel required:

50% or less; may include international travel up to 90 days per year and for periods of four to six weeks at a time
Relocation expenses reimbursed:
No
Appointment type:
Permanent

Work schedule:

Full-time – shift work may be required during operations; irregular hours, evenings, and/or weekend work

• 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 the 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.

• The position requires that the incumbent engage in mission flights, which may include flights into severe storms and NOAA Air Crew member duties during these flights.
• The incumbent must meet and maintain the Air Crew member medical requirements as described in the Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) Operations Manual and the AOC Medical Policy. A valid Class 3 FAA Medical Certificate without limitations is 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 crew member with critical safety or security responsibilities and has been designated as a testing designated position (TDP); 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's public‑safety responsibilities and delivery of essential activities that protect life and property. NOAA aircraft operate worldwide, providing capabilities including hurricane reconnaissance, marine mammal assessment, flooding, fires, disaster response, emergency services, and coastal mapping.

• Work is split between office and flight conditions.
• Serves as a crew member onboard government aircraft; assignments may entail flying into dynamic and hazardous weather environments.
• Must be able to climb an aircraft ladder and, at times, carry equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Requires the FAA 3rd‑class or equivalent physical evaluation, based on NOAA aviation policy.
• Traveling across the U.S. and to foreign countries is not uncommon.

• Incumbent serves as a NOAA Air Crew member on missions that may include flights into severe storms. Flying environment may be turbulent; aircraft noise may exceed 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 to subzero arctic cold.
• Incumbent receives training in safety procedures, aircraft egress, water survival, and must follow all NOAA and FAA safety regulations related to…