Meteorologist
What you'd do
This position is within the Bonneville Power Administration's Power Services, under Generation Asset Management, Power and Operations Planning, and finally, Weather and Streamflow Forecasting. Join a mission-critical team as a Meteorologist whose forecasts directly guide renewable energy operations for the regional power grid. In this role, you will develop cutting-edge weather models and provide data that ensures the stability of our hydroelectric system.
Major duties
Forecast the Future of Clean Energy At the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), we're at the forefront of the nation's transition to a reliable, affordable, and carbon-free energy future. As a Meteorologist on our team, you won't just predict the weather-you'll provide the critical intelligence that powers the Pacific Northwest. Your expertise will directly guide the operation of one of the largest clean energy systems in the country, ensuring grid stability and shaping the future of renewable power. Here's how you'll make an impact: Guide Clean Energy Operations: Develop and issue critical daily, weekly, and seasonal weather forecasts that directly influence hydroelectric operations and energy demand planning for the vast Columbia River Basin. Innovate and Pioneer: Go beyond standard procedures by inventing and adapting new forecasting techniques to solve complex challenges, especially during extreme weather events like droughts and floods. Drive Technological Advancement: Take a hands-on role in developing, managing, and enhancing our sophisticated, Linux-based weather forecasting platform and its custom software. Advance the Science of Forecasting: Drive forecast accuracy and operational efficiency by researching and applying advanced meteorological science, models, and cutting-edge principles to our hydroelectric system. Investigate Complex Climate Phenomena: Analyze large-scale climate drivers-like El Niño cycles and ocean-atmosphere interactions-using modern data analytics to improve long-range predictions for renewable energy. Protect People and Infrastructure: Serve as a vital source of information by issuing timely, severe weather warnings that ensure the safety of field personnel and the protection of critical infrastructure. Lead and Publish Groundbreaking Research: Lead and present authoritative research on meteorological forecasting and climate assessments to the broader scientific community, representing BPA at professional conferences and workshops. Serve as a Technical Expert: Act as a subject matter expert by providing technical oversight for key contracts and partnerships focused on advanced research in climate science and renewable energy forecasting. This position is located in Portland, OR which boasts huge spans of amazing trees, foliage, landscape, and everywhere you look you can appreciate beautiful greenery! It is known as the most bike-friendly city in America, has a train system that greets you at the airport spanning across the city, and is home to the Portland International Rose Garden, the oldest in the country! Portland is the one place where you will find lively festivals, energetic music, mouthwatering food, and for you basketball fans, the Portland Trail Blazers are a 7 minute walk from the HQs building! There is always something new to experience in this eco-friendly town!
What you need to qualify
BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science major that included: At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of credit in meteorology/atmospheric science including a minimum of: Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;* Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale); Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions.* Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations.* At least nine semester hours of course work appropriate for a physical science major in any combination of three or more of the following: physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and computer science. * There is a prerequisite or corequisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations. Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major. or Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-11] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience 1) developing and preparing operational weather forecasts by applying advanced meteorological concepts and statistical methods to improve forecast accuracy; 2) developing, implementing, or maintaining a weather forecasting software system (i.e. python or other data analysis platforms; and 3) knowledgeable of wildfires and the atmospheric variables to assess, predict, and mitigate wildfire risks and behavior in support of public safety or land management. This experience would involve creating products for specific operational needs, such as hydrologic planning or energy demand, and providing briefings to stakeholders. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Before you apply
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