Meteorological Technician
What you'd do
Two positions are located on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Mt. Shasta, CA . Two positions are located on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Salt Lake City, UT and in Kamas, UT The incumbents serve as Meteorological Technicians providing avalanche forecasts to other employees and the general public utilizing multiple sources of information. Please see the Additional Information Section for hiring manager contact information.
Major duties
The duties listed below are at the full performance level. Use data obtained through multiple sources to update avalanche conditions. Issue written and verbal avalanche forecasts for the local Avalanche Center and other system network services. Observe weather and atmospheric conditions, records and interprets meteorological data, transmits and reports on recorded information, and provide meteorological information and advice to the general public through the Avalanche Center. Ensure that regular field snow pack observations are conducted and appropriate data is collected to inform avalanche forecast. Observe, record, and transmit atmospheric and weather information including air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, cloud and ultraviolet conditions, and snow stability, Practice mountain and avalanche safety measures while collecting data in high-elevation and avalanche prone terrain. Maintain automated data on computer systems which contain historical mountain weather information. Compose and issue regularly scheduled emergency weather forecasts using the computer as well as disseminates and terminates advisories. Provide training and guidance on avalanches and avalanche related work.
What you need to qualify
In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GS-7: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following: Navigate safely in harsh winter terrain by ski and snowmobile in a backcountry setting (outside of ski area boundaries); Observe and record snowpack, weather and avalanche trends in a field setting; Interpret and extrapolate remote weather station data and National Weather Service products including meteorological models; Communicate to large groups weather conditions to make informed and safe travel decisions, ie: skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers, emergency personnel, youth programs, media (TV, radio, newspapers, etc.); Collect, analyze, and interpret weather conditions using a wide variety of computer programs and applications. OR one full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position (such as meteorology, mathematics, engineering, or physical science); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. For the GS-8: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following: Analyze snowpack, mountain weather and avalanche trends in a field setting; Utilize multiple sources of information to compile information for avalanche forecasts and warnings; Collect, analyze, interpret, adjust and verify atmospheric and other meteorological data to confirm and improve accuracy and efficacy; Measure meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation. In addition to meeting the Specialized Experience requirement, you must also meet the Selection Placement Factors listed below. Selective Factors (Screen out Elements): Demonstrate the ability to perform field checks of snow stability conditions often involving extreme physical exertion during severe winter weather in high mountainous backcountry terrain. AND Possess Avalanche Professional Level 1 or 2 (Pro 1 or Pro 2) or equivalent education and experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Before you apply
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