Meteorologist

Summary
This position is located in the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, Aircraft Operations Center (AOC), with two vacancies in Lakeland, FL. The announcement number is OMAO--DE.

Open Application Dates: 12/17/2025 – 12/30/2025
Salary: $73,939 – $115,213 per year (GS 11 – 12)

Location:

Lakeland, FL
Travel: 50% or less, including up to 90 days per year and extended periods. No telework eligible.
Shift: Full‑time, permanent. Shift work, irregular hours, evenings, weekends may be required.

• Coordinate team projects and provide technical guidance in monitoring, analyzing, and collecting remote sensing data in dynamic weather environments.
• Monitor real‑time weather data, aviation and ground radar, and satellite imagery for scientific and safety purposes. Analyze current and forecasted weather situations at synoptic and mesoscale levels.
• Adapt general forecasts to observed local weather phenomena and prepare warnings and advisories. Warn or alert the public of immediate danger situations such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms through briefings and weather updates.

• Mission flights, including flights into severe storms, are required. Air Crew member medical certification (Class 3 FAA medical certificate) is required.
• Strict adherence to safety procedures and training is mandatory. Random drug testing occurs without suspicion.
• Position is designated as a flight crew member with critical safety or security responsibilities.

• Work alternates between office and flight conditions. May require climbing aircraft ladders and carrying equipment up to 50 lbs.
• FAA 3rd‑class medical evaluation (equivalent to NOAA aviation policy) is required.
• Travel across the US and foreign countries is common.

• Flight may involve turbulent and noisy environments. Aircraft noise can exceed 85 dB.
• Fieldwork may occur worldwide under harsh conditions: tropical heat, arctic cold, extended deployments.
• Training in safety, egress, and water survival is provided.

Key Requirements:

• U.S. Citizen, background investigation required.
• Selective Service registration if applicable.
• Minimum education:
  
  Bachelor’s in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or related natural science major.
• At least two years Federal experience in a comparable role or equivalent education/experience combination.

The following qualifications apply to GS‑12 level:

• One year of specialized experience at the GS‑11 level, which includes:
  • Collecting or analyzing remote sensing or aircraft data to assess weather situations.
  • Monitoring or evaluating the validation and quality of real‑time meteorological data.
  • Analyzing aviation hazards and recommending solutions.
• Or substitute education:
  Ph.D. or a 3‑year graduate degree in the same field.
• Combination of advanced graduate education and specialized experience may also satisfy requirements.

Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and paid leave. Additional benefits details are available on the federal benefits website.

• Job knowledge test in Meteorology and Remote Sensing.
• Technical competence assessment.
• Review of performance appraisals and awards.

Email: noaa.applicant inquiries
Address: NOAA Office of Human Capital Services, 1315 East West Hwy, SS Miami, MD 20910, USA

Required documents include a resume (max 2 pages), SF‑50, and mandatory educational credentials and transcripts.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. Veterans, disabled individuals, and women are encouraged to apply.