Summary

The position of Chief Meteorologist is in the Office of the Chief Economist (OCE), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB) is under the OCE. The mission of WAOB is to coordinate the agricultural commodity information system of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Weather being an important factor in agricultural production, the Board serves as USDA's focal point for weather and climate information.

Duties

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• Provides technical leadership in the planning, coordinating, analysis and review of the weather and climate programs of the Department.
• Serves as the principal USDA scientist and advisor on atmospheric sciences. As such, analyzes weather and atmospheric conditions and the implication for agricultural production, and performs studies and other tasks for the Department.
• Provides advice and counsel to the Secretary and staff on the development of climate and weather programs to serve nationwide needs of the agricultural community and on the application of meteorological technology to other agricultural programs.
• Provides major technical guidance and input to the role of the USDA in the development of national atmospheric science programs and technical coordination with other agencies.
• Provides technical advice and guidance to the Chairperson of the WAOB and other staff specialists on the weather and atmospheric science implications for U.S. and global crop and livestock production.
• Represents the U.S. Government in planning and developing programs and policies dealing with scientific and technical matters related to climate and weather within National and International organizations.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a Citizen or US National.
• Individuals who were born male after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
• Direct Deposit: Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.

Qualifications

The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY. DO NOT submit separate Technical Qualifications in lieu of a resume.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To apply for this position, you need only submit a resume which CANNOT exceed TWO (2) pages using 0.8-inch margins and an 11-point font. Any resume that exceeds the maximum length of two (2) pages will be removed from consideration. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

Failure to meet the basic qualification requirement and address all Technical Qualification factors within your resume will result in your application being disqualified.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Technical Qualifications (TQs).

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs):

Please give examples and explain the complexity of the knowledge possessed and the sensitivity of the issue you handled. The Mandatory Technical Qualifications are listed below. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-14/15 grade level in the federal service or its equivalent in the private sector. Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their resume that they meet the following technical qualification(s). Failure to meet basic qualification requirements and to submit narratives for the Mandatory Technical Qualification factors will automatically disqualify an applicant.

1. Describe your demonstrated technical expertise in agricultural meteorology and weather-related programs that support domestic or international agriculture. Include examples of developing, improving, or applying meteorological products, models, tools, or services that enhanced decision-making, operational effectiveness, or scientific outcomes. Describe your role in collaborating with partners across government, academia, or the private sector to achieve program objectives.
2. Describe your experience translating complex meteorological analyses, forecasts, or scientific information into clear, actionable guidance for senior leaders, policymakers, emergency managers, or other non-technical audiences. Provide examples of communicating under time-sensitive conditions and explain how your analyses supported operational, policy, or resource decisions.
3. Describe your technical knowledge of the impacts of weather and climate on agricultural systems. Include examples of evaluating meteorological risks affecting crops, livestock, rangelands, water resources, or agricultural markets. Discuss your experience producing scientifically sound assessments, forecasts, or decision-support products that informed agricultural risk management or operational planning.

Time in grade requirements does not apply to SL positions.

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 and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility (including educational) requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Education

Applicants must meet the following basic requirements Meteorology

A. Degree: meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science major that included:

1. At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of credit in meteorology/atmospheric science including a minimum of:
   
   1. Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;*
   2. Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale);
   3. Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and
   4. Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation.
2. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions.*
3. Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations.*
4. 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.

or

B. Combination of education and experience course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

All applicants must provide a copy of your transcripts. Failure to provide this information may result in disqualification.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.