National Weather Service Professional Development Series Professional Competency Unit

Description of Job Duty Competency to be Achieved

NWS field staff must integrate knowledge, skills and abilities obtained in PCUs 1 through 4 to respond to users in a concise and timely manner. Field staff must also inform customers on the availability and use of NOAA climate products and services.

Description of Need

A large majority of incoming calls to NWS field offices pertain to climate services requests. NWS field staff must be adequately trained to handle these requests and conduct outreach activities.

Specific Job Task Skills and Knowledge

1. Demonstrate ability to respond effectively to climate requests from customers (e.g., HDD/CDD, Drought Indices, Normals, CMI, local data).

2. Convey climate information to the public via outreach activities.

3. Interpret climate products ansysinformation in response to customer requests and needs.

Instructional Components

Instructional Component 5.1  Responding to User Request for Weather and Climate Data

• Guidance on procedure for providing local office data for customers or referring them to NCDC , RCC, or SCO. (expected after October 30, 2005)

Instructional Component 5.2 Servicing Customer Request for Climate Information.

• Guidance on answering question regarding CPC products, including drought products (expected after August 31, 2004)
• Instructions on NWS recommended responses to climate related special events

Instructional Component 5.3 Conducting Climate Outreach to Partners and Customers

• Guidance on creating partnerships
• Guidance on conducting local climate workshops and other outreach events
• Directory of available education and public outreach resources

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