National Weather Service Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services Training Division

I.   Organizational Structure and Administration

Competency

Be knowledgeable of the overall general mission and structure and administrative aspects of the Federal Government, National Weather Service (NWS) and its parent government agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Knowledge and Skills

• Be familiar with the structure of the Forecaster Development Program (FDP) and what you are expected to do to successfully complete the FDP.
• Be familiar with the structure and policies of the United States government, including personnel policies.
• Be familiar with NOAA and NWS missions and the role you play in accomplishing their mission.
• Review the office Station Duty Manual (SDM).
• Obtain a working knowledge of the NWS Directives System.
• Be able to use various Electronic Communication Systems employed by the NWS for administrative and other reporting purposes. Examples would include e-mail, EMRS, USOS, LMS, etc.

Instructional Components

1. Review NWS Instruction 20-103 : Forecaster Development Program
2. New Employee Orientation Home Page. This site was created to help new employees become familiar with the NWS organizational structure and operations. A key feature of the orientation program is the Buddy Program whereby the new employee is matched up with another employee who can serve as a point of contact to answer questions concerning general office policies and procedures.
3. Review Personnel and Administration Policies:
1. Working with your local administrative assistant, management team, and the NOAA Workforce Management Office (WFMO) to discuss the following administrative aspects of government service and how it relates to your position.

• Annual and Sick Leave (Handbook on Hours of Duty and Leave Administration)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Performance Plans  
• Travel regulations
• Grievance and Arbitration Procedures (Briefing by Union Steward and MIC)

4. Review NOAA policy: Use of Government Computer
5. Discuss the following electronic communication and reporting systems with your Science Operations Officer (SOO), Information Technology (IT) specialist or Electronic System Analyst (ESA):
   • NOAA Electronic mail policy
   • DOC/NOAA/NWS Internet policy
   • Learning Management System (LMS)
   • Engineering Management Reporting System (EMRS)
   • Unscheduled Outage System (USOS)
6. Introduction to NOAA and the NWS [NWSTC - NWS Learning Center]
7. NWS Directives [NWSTC - NWS Learning Center]

II.  Observational Instrumentation, Remote Sensing, Interpretation and Data Management

Competency

Identify, operate (as required), and apply various observational data sets to all NWS programs. Be familiar with local data management procedures and participate in data collection processes.

Knowledge and Skills

• Apply quality control concepts and procedures to a variety of observations.
• For the WSR-88D radar:
  • Describe the system components and their function
  • Describe basic principles, applications, and limitations of Doppler weather radar
  • Be proficient at displaying and manipulating radar data on AWIPS
  • Become proficient at interpreting and applying base and derived radar products to all NWS warning and forecast programs.
• Become proficient at interpreting and applying satellite imagery to all NWS warnings and forecasts.
• For the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS):
  • Describe the system components and their function
  • Explain how the various ASOS algorithms use observed data to produce reportable values.
• Identify and interpret surface, hydrologic, climate, and supplemental observations. This may include: GOES DCPs, AWOS, ACARS, LDS, C-MAN, buoys, tide gauges, etc. If required, obtain aviation observation certification.
• Become proficient in upper air observation and collection procedures. (as required)
• Become familiar with the local Cooperative Observing Program requirements and procedures. (as required)
• Become familiar with local climatology requirements and procedures.

Instructional Components

1. Quality Control [NWSTC WBT-001] - This module has been removed and is undergoing a revision review (01/16/09).
2. ASOS System and Algorithms [ASOS Users Guide, NWSTC web]
3. SHEF Observations Tutorial [NWSTC - NWS Learning Center]
4. Skew-T Mastery [COMET - NWS Learning Center]
5. WSR-88D DLOC [WDTB]
6. Factors Affecting the Accuracy and Continuity of Climate Observations [OCWWS Climate Services Division – web (Climate PDS, PCU6)]
7. Rain Gauges: Are They Really Ground Truth? [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
8. Surface Observation Certificate [as required]
9. Upper Air Certification [Handbook 10, MicroArts/RRS Training Guide, RRS DVD] (as required)
10. Cooperative Observing Program [NWSTC RTMs, residence course] (as required)
11. Satellite Training - SHyMet Intern Course [VISIT - NWS Learning Center]

III.  Forecast Process

Competency

Be knowledgeable in the ability to diagnose and analyze the current and future state of the atmosphere to produce products and deliver services to accomplish the mission of the NWS.  

Knowledge and Skills

• Be proficient in the use of satellite, radar, upper air, wind profiler, and surface observational data in order to identify and analyze various synoptic and mesoscale features, diagnose various physical processes and examine their potential scale interactions in order that a short-term (ie.. 0-6h) forecast can be made.  The latter includes knowing how to assess how well any given model has initialized.
• Be able to effectively use numerical weather prediction (NWP) to make a long range forecast (ie.. > 6h) of atmospheric mass, thermal, moisture and instability fields including the ability to diagnose and analyze synoptic scale vertical motion using the kinematic method, quasi-geostrophic (QG) theory, semi-geostrophic (F) theory and isentropic analysis (including the use of isentropic potential vorticity (IPV) theory).  Regarding the diagnosis of vertical motion, the latter includes knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each method.
• Use both short-term (0-72h) and long-term (>72 h) ensemble-based numerical model output to predict the future state of the atmosphere.
• Apply guidance and discussions from national centers and regional centers (RFCs, CWSUs) to the forecast process.
• Synthesize observations, numerical models, and other data sets to modify the local digital database.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate expected pattern evolutions, and potential modifications to the local digital database with adjacent offices and national centers.

Instructional Components

1. The Forecast Process [COMET CD]
2. Jet Streak Circulations [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
3. Isentropic Analysis [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
4. Model Fundamentals [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
5. Impact of Model Structure and Dynamics [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
6. How Models Produce Precipitation and Clouds [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
7. Influence of Model Physics on NWP Forecasts [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
8. Intelligent Use of Model-Derived Products [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
9. Understanding Data Assimilation [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
10. Introduction to Ensemble Prediction [COMET - NWS Learning Center]
    
11. Review NWS Directives on national guidance products (as required)
    1. NWSI 10-504 National Public Weather Products – (includes PREEPD, PMDHMD, PMDSPD, PMDEPD, Ultravilot Index, surface progs, surface temps)
    2. NWSI 10-512 National Severe Weather Products (SPC)
    3. NWSI 10-514 National Winter Weather Products (HPC which includes heavy snow and icing discussions and probalistic forecasts)
    4. NWSI 10-601 Tropical Products (TPC)
    5. NWSI 10-516 National Non-Precipitation Products (HPC products which includes day 3-7 heat index text and graphical products)
    6. NWSI 10-518 National Non-Weather Related Emergency [HPC – includes HYSPLIT policy, fallout winds (FOF)]
    7. NWSI 10-930 National Hydrologic Products [HPC which includes excessive rainfall (ERD), 6h QPF (Day 1-3), 24h QPF (Day 1-3), QPF (PFD product)]
12. Gridded Forecasts Methodology Training using the Graphical Forecast Editor (GFE) [NWSTC - web, local training]
13. Application of GFE Smart Tools [NWSTC - web, local training]
14. Collaboration Training [local training]

IV. Forecast Science and Operational Programs

Competency

Be knowledgeable of  NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) operational programs and the application of meteorological and hydrologic knowledge, skills, and science to the attainment of program goals.

Knowledge and Skills

From the list of NWS programs below, you need to be able to:

• Be familiar with the various NWS forecast and warnings programs
• Apply scientific concepts and operational forecast techniques, to each of the NWS programs listed below

NWS Programs

• Severe Weather Warnings (includes both convective and nonconvective)
• Public
• Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts (QPF)
• Aviation
• Hydrology
• Climate
• Winter Weather
• Hazardous Materials Response and Dispersion
• Space Weather
• Verification
• Tropical Systems (as required)
• Fire Weather (as required)
• Oceanography (as required)
• Marine (as required)
• Volcanic Ash (as required)
• Tsunamis (as required)
• UV Index (as required)

Instructional Components

1. Severe Weather Warnings
1. NWSI 10-511 WFO Severe Weather Products
2. Principles of Convection I: Buoyance and CAPE [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
3. Principles of Convection II: Using Hodographs [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
4. Principles of Convection III: Shear and Convective Storms [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
5. Severe Convection II: Mesoscale Convective Systems [COMET - NWS Learning Center]
6. Predicting Super Cell Motion Using Hodograph Techniques [COMET - NWS Learning Center]
7. Lightning Meteorology I [VISITview with audio]
8. Lightning Meteorology II [VISITview with audio]
9. Advanced Warning Operations Course (AWOC) [WDTB - web based and instructor led training]
2. Public
1. NWSI 10-503 WFO Public Weather Forecast Products (ZFP, AFM, PFM, AFD, SFP, CCF)
2. NWSI 10-506 Digital Data Products or Services (local digital database, coordination and collaboration, NDFD, digital products and services, etc.)
3. NWSI 10-515 WFO Non-Precipitation Weather Products (HWO, NPWs)
4. NWSI 10-517 Multi-purpose Weather Products (NOW, SPS, HWO, LSR, MCD)
3. Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts (QPF)
1. Introduction to QPF [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
4. Aviation
1. The Impact of Weather on Air Traffic Management [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
2. TAF module [NWSTC – web]
3. TWEB module [NWSTC – web]
4. DLAC 1: Fog Forecasting/Low Stratus for Aviation Operations [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
5. Aviation Operations [NWSTC – web]
5. Hydrology [checking with regional hydro FPs to see what training is available and appropriate for interns. This is just a first guess outline]
1. NWSI 10-921 WFO Hydrologic Operations
2. NWSI 10-922 WFO Hydrologic Products (FFA, FFW, FFS, FLW, etc.)
3. Understanding the Hydrologic Cycle [COMET/FDTB - NWS Learning Center]
4. Unit Hydrograph Theory [COMET/FDTB - NWS Learning Center]
5. Runoff Processes [COMET/FDTB - NWS Learning Center]
6. Streamflow Routing [COMET/FDTB - NWS Learning Center]
7. Hydrologic Services Course [available at local office or regional HQs]
6. Climate
1. Climate Data and Services Infrastructure [Climate PDS PCU1 – web]
2. Navigating the Climate Prediction’s Website [VISITview with audio]
3. Understanding of Climate Variability…Local Services [Climate PDS PCU2 – web]
4. EL Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
5. Should Synopticians Worry About Climate [COMET – webcast]
6. Madden-Julian Oscillation Life Cycle [COMET - NWS Learning Center]
7. Winter Weather
1. NWSI 10-513 WFO Winter Weather Products
2. AWOC Winter Weather Track [WDTB - NWS Learning Center] (as required)
8. Hazardous Material Response and Dispersion
1. NWS Support During Hazardous Materials Emergencies [COMET - NWS Learning Center]
2. Dispersion Basics [COMET – NWS Learning Center]
3. CAMEO/HYSPLIT Dispersion Models [COMET - NWS Learning Center]
9. Space Weather
1. Space Weather: Welcome SEC [COMET - NWS Learning Center]
2. Space Weather Basics [COMET - NWS Learning Center]
10. Verification
1. NWSI 10-1601 Verification Procedures [this instruction is very large, 73 pages, but it covers what products are looked at and how the verification scores are calculated. Includes definitions and calculations of POD, FAR, CSI, Heidke Skill Score, etc.).
11. Tropical (as required)
1. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/abouttafbprod.shtml (descriptions of TPC forecast products, hurricane reconnaissance, dropsonde observations)
12. Fire Weather (as required)
1. Introduction to Fire Behavior [COMET - NWS Learning Center]
13. Marine and Oceanography (as required)
1. Wave Types and Characteristics [COMET - NWS Learning Center]
14. Tsunamis (as required)
1. Tsunamis Training (FDTB – NWS Learning Center]
2. WR and AR both have supplements to NWSI 10-701

V.   Operational Applications, Troubleshooting, and Dissemination

Competency

Be familiar with and be able to use all NWS systems and software applications used operationally in a NWS Forecast Office or National Center.. Be able to interpret, disseminate and perform basic trouble shooting techniques for each.

Knowledge and Skills

From the list of NWS systems and operational applications below, you need to be able to:

• Be familiar with each system or application and how they are used in operations
• View and manipulate software application user interfaces  
• Disseminate operational products to partners and customers using appropriate software
• Perform basic troubleshooting techniques

Operational Applications

Display 2-Dimensional (D2D)
Weather Forecast Office Hydrologic Forecast System (WHFS)
           Hydrologic Data Viewing System (HydroView)
           River Product Formatter (RiverPro)
Warning Generator (WarnGen)
Graphical Headline Generator (GHG)
Graphical Forecast Editor (GFE)
Aviation Forecast Preparation System (AvnFPS)
*System on AWIPS for Forecasting and Evaluation of Seas and Lakes (SAFESEAS)
 Local Storm Report (LSR)
*System for Convection Analysis and Nowcasting (SCAN)
*Flash Flood Monitoring Prediction (FFMP)
Applications used to generate local climate reports
Supplementary Climate Data (SCD)
NWRBrowser
RPG/RDA
Console Replacement System (CRS)
BUFKIT
Data Archiver
Collaboration Tools
Verification Tools
*Engineering Management Reporting System (EMRS)
*UnScheduled Outage System (USOS)

* as required

Instructional Components

For training on operational applications used in your office, coordinate with SOO or focal point for available training.

1. AWIPS - D2D Training [AWIPS OneStop page - see software section for latest awips build and user guides]
2. WarnGen Training [D2D Users Guide, WES scenarios]
3. VTEC Primer [FDTB - NWS Learning Center]
4. WarnGen Changes in OB8.1 [FDTB - NWS Learning Center]
5. WarnGen Training for OB8.2 and 8.2.1 [FDTB - NWS Learning Center]
6. Graphical Forecast Editor (GFE) - [training material can be found directly in GFE on AWIPS: From GFE, select Help (upper right corner) >>>Online Table of Contents >>>GFE Training Guide]
7. IFPS Smart Tools Training - [NWSTC - web]
8. Aviation Forecast Preparation System (AvnFPS) – [AvnFPS Users Guide]
9. WHFS Training [local training]
10. All Hazards NOAA Weather Radio (formerly known as CRS) [NOAA Weather Radio User Guide, local training]

VI.   Customer Service and Outreach

Competency

Be able to coordinate and communicate effectively with both internal and external customers

Knowledge and Skills

• Be familiar with local customer requirements and demonstrate the ability to conduct quality customer service.
• Be familiar local spotter networks and their role with your local warning program.
• Demonstrate the ability to execute internal office coordination procedures.
• Demonstrate the ability to execute local external contact procedures.
• Be familiar with the principles for conducting a storm damage survey. Participate in a storm damage survey.

Instructional Components

1. Coordinate with Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM) Watch/Warning procedures and local spotter networks
2. Discuss with WCM who our customers are and how NWS supports them.
3. A Social Science Perspective on Flood Events [COMET – web]

VII.   Professional Development

Duty Competency

Establish and promote continuous learning opportunities for growth and development for you and others in your office and the organization.

Knowledge and Skills

• Be familar with NOAA/NWS IT Security policies
• Be familar with policies on the use of a government travel card
• Be familar with policies that govern safety in the workplace
• Be familar with NOAA's NWS Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and goals
• Be familar with NOAA's NWS Diversity Managenment policies and goals
• Identify and demonstrate the use of various training and education delivery tools such as Weather Event Simulator (WES), Visitview, NWS Learning Center site
• Develop skills in the following areas:
  • Effective interoffice and intraoffice communications
  • Working on a team
  • Leadership
  • Effective communications with external customers and the media. (phone, TV, etc.,)
  • E-mail etiquette
• Demonstrate an ability to develop and deliver presentations to a group.
• Volunteer for a focal point duty. Become the on-station expert and demonstrate your ability to lead the focused area. Demonstrate an ability to train staff members.
• Demonstrate an ability to participate in or conduct an outreach activity
• Demonstrate an ability to conduct a seminar or research project using the scientific method
• Be able to apply new scientific concepts to operational forecasting    

Instructional Components

1. Complete NOAA IT Security Training [web]
2. Complete NOAA Travel Credit Card Training [as required - web]
3. Complete NOAA Workplace Safety Training [as required]
4. Complete "No Fears Act" training. (Training on the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act) [available at NWS Learning Center]
5. Review NOAA's NWS Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Diversity Management web site
6. Consult with MIC/SOO/WCM to establish focal point or program leader duties.
7. Participate in several outreach activities, for example, school or civic organization talks, career days, and trade show displays.
8. Conduct a local seminar or research project under the direction of your Science and Operations Officer (SOO).
9. Give presentations and/or participate in the workshops at professional conferences, regional workshops or local office.
10. Read current scientific literature, particularly journal articles that have application to operational forecasting to maintain a working knowledge of new meteorological and hydrologic concepts.

Last review or update - January 16, 2009