Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Summary Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to provide meteorological products and services vital to the operational weather and resource protection support efforts to Air Force, Department of Defense (DoD), and/or other government/civilian users. Responsibilities Provides complex operational weather support to Air Force, Army, Reserve, Guard, and other DOD customers. Identifies, evaluates, and monitors significant weather developments, especially as they present potential impacts on critical flight operations. Provides technical guidance and instructions to lower graded technical employees, or airmen. Provides weather briefings for local, transient, and other supported aircrews in person or by telephone or closed-circuit television. Observes, encodes, records, disseminates, and evaluates weather observations. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, Technical and Medical Support Positions, and Individual Occupational Requirement for Meteorological Technician Series (1341). INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Measuring meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation. Observing and recording atmospheric characteristics, i.e., temperature, air movement, visibility, pressure, air density, cloud types. Decoding, plotting, and systematically recording data related to the physical characteristics of the atmosphere, i.e., charts, diagrams, cross sections. Collecting, analyzing, interpreting, adjusting, and verifying atmospheric and other meteorological data to confirm and improve accuracy and efficacy. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade GS-08, or equivalent in other pay systems which includes measuring meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation; Observing and recording atmospheric characteristics, i.e., temperature, air movement, visibility, pressure, air density, cloud types; Decoding, plotting, and systematically recording data related to the physical characteristics of the atmosphere, i.e., charts, diagrams, cross sections; Collecting, analyzing, interpreting, adjusting, and verifying atmospheric and other meteorological data to confirm and improve accuracy and efficacy; as well as experience with Utilizing meteorological methods, techniques, and practices to determine how local conditions, reports, and observations from various sources affect weather forecasts and whether action is needed to protect life and property; Developing and operating data collection, verification, observation, and forecasting services and systems; and Providing effective weather briefings for local, transient, and other supported systems. OR EDUCATION: Successful completion of two full years of graduate education or a master's degree in meteorology, mathematics, engineering, or physical science. (NOTE: Must provide a copy of your transcripts.) OR COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position. (NOTE: Must provide a copy of your transcripts.) FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-08 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-09 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of the principles, procedures, requirements, and work techniques of the full range of advanced operations, instrumentation, and practices in the areas of weather forecasting, observations, weather support procedures, communications, and use of meteorological equipment. Skill in using various computer software and various applications. Ability to measure meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation, and collect, analyze, interpret, adjust, and verify atmospheric or other meteorological data to confirm and improve its accuracy and effectiveness. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing to prepare and present briefings, guidance products, and to oversee program activities. Ability to make timely decisions and select a course of action under high stress conditions associated with severe weather and emergency situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships using tact and diplomacy in interacting with individuals, supervisors, and leadership. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Additional Information Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: MSP applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected and placed at the highest grade for which they applied. You must include a completed copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for MSP. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the DD Form 3145-4, Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicant Eligible: PPP Applicants, if determined well qualified and selected, will be placed at the at the full performance level. You must include the applicable completed copy of the PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility as a PPP Applicant. Click here to obtain/download a copy of the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD3145-1 through DD3145-4, select the appropriate checklist for your claimed preference). To determine the applicable PPP Self-Certification Checklist required to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming, refer to the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide located in the Required Documents section of this vacancy announcement. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.