Meteorologist

Open
:
June 11, 2026 —
Closes
:
June 17, 2026

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.

As a Meteorologist, you will coordinate team projects and 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.

This description is at the full performance level of the GS‑12; the GS‑11 is developmental leading to such performance.

Conditions of Employment:
The position requires that the incumbent engage in mission flights, which may include flights into severe storms to perform the duties of this position and NOAA Air Crew member duties during these flights. The incumbent is required to 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, as such, is a testing designated position (TDP); the incumbent of a TDP is subject to a random drug test that occurs without suspicion of an individual using illegal drugs.

Physical Requirements:

Work is split between office and flight conditions. Serves as a crew member onboard government aircraft. Assignments often entail flying into dynamic and hazardous weather environments. Must be able to climb an aircraft ladder, and at times be able to carry equipment weighing up to 50 lb. The position requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 3rd class or equivalent physical evaluation, based on NOAA aviation policy.

Traveling across the US and to foreign countries is not uncommon.

Work Environment:
The incumbent serves as a NOAA Air Crew member on missions which may include flights into severe storms. Flying environment may be turbulent. Aircraft noise levels may be greater than 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, or subzero arctic cold. The incumbent receives training in safety procedures, aircraft egress, water survival, and must follow all NOAA and FAA safety regulations related to the position.