NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
Meteorologist, GS-1340-11/12/13
Office of Aviation Safety,
Operational Factors Division,
Washington, D.C.
MAJOR DUTIES: Serves as a Meteorologist with primary emphasis on the investigation and analysis of weather-related aspects of aviation incidents and accidents. Collects, analyzes, evaluates, and interprets meteorological data used to predict weather. Identifies safety issues associated with meteorology and its influence on the National Transportation System. Also serves as the meteorology group chairman for major surface transportation accidents. Supervises and directs technical groups formed to investigate the meteorological aspects of transportation accidents. Prepares detailed written factual reports of the facts, conditions, and circumstances pertaining to the meteorological aspects of the accident and prepares comprehensive analytical reports describing the findings and conclusions. Participates in formal public hearings or deposition proceedings on appropriate accidents. Initiates special research projects, studies, and investigations concerning the meteorological aspects of transportation hazards and ascertains what will best tend to reduce or eliminate the possibility of or recurrence of accidents. Develops safety recommendations to prevent transportation accidents and promote safety.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
QUALIFICATIONS: The Human Resources Division will determine the appropriateness, adequacy and quality of applicants' qualifications in comparison to OPM's Qualification Standards Handbook.
The basic requirement is successful completion of a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a Bachelor of Science or higher degree with a major field of study in 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
a. Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;
b. Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale);
c. Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and
d. Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation.
2. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that included 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, computer science.
The basic requirements can also be met by a combination of education and experience including the course work shown above plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, candidates for the GS-11 level must possess at least one year of appropriate professional meteorological experience equivalent to the GS-9 level or three full years of graduate level education or Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree. For the GS-12 and 13 levels, at least one year of appropriate professional meteorological experience equivalent to the next lower grade is required. To be creditable, the professional meteorological experience must have been directly related to the duties described above.
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Applicants who meet the basic eligibility requirements and professional meteorological experience requirements described above will be further evaluated to determine the extent to which their education, related work experience, training, awards, and supervisory appraisals indicate they possess or have the potential to acquire knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics (KSAs) required to perform the duties and responsibilities described above. Candidates should submit a supplemental statement which briefly describes your experience/training, etc. to each of the following KSAs. Be sure to include any appropriate awards received. At the end of your description, please indicate where you gained this experience.
SELECTIVE FACTORS (Mandatory): (These KSAs are essential to the successful performance of the duties described. Applicants who fail to establish minimum qualifications in these areas will not be eligible for referral):
1. Knowledge of aviation weather forecasting including collecting, interpreting and disseminating aviation weather information.
2. Knowledge of aviation weather hazards.
2. Ability to develop and manage technical meteorological studies.
3. Ability to write detailed and comprehensive technical reports.
QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (Desirable): (These KSAs are desirable in this position. Possession of these KSAs directly affects the applicant's competitive standing and enhances referral potential):
1. Ability to write meteorological computer programs in the UNIX operating environment using C or C++ -OR- in the OS/2 and Windows PC operating environment using FORTRAN.
2. Knowledge of aircraft dispatching, airport requirements and air traffic control practices and procedures.
3. Knowledge of transportation accident investigation practices, techniques and procedures.
4. Ability to use computer based weather data and analysis systems such as McIDAS.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS REGARDING JOB REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: You must be able to effectively speak and write English. You must have a valid State driver's license and qualify for a U. S. Government-issued travel charge card. You will be required to remain "On call" for travel to investigative assignments outside normal work hours. You will frequently be given investigative assignments on short notice. These assignments may involve work at unusual hours for long periods of time at accident sites in sometimes remote, rugged, and hostile settings. You must be ready, willing, and able to work in physically demanding, adverse conditions such as swamps, deserts, ships at sea, and uneven and mountainous terrain. You will be required to wear and operate appropriate personal protective equipment to deal with these adverse environmental and potentially hazardous conditions, which may also involve biohazards. Your travel to the accident site may require extensive travel in aircraft and driving, as well as strenuous walking, hiking, and climbing in areas with treacherous footing. You may also be exposed to adverse topographic, weather, and atmospheric conditions where temperatures may be at extremes. You will need to carry all the necessary personal protective equipment, tools, and instruments to video tape and photograph pertinent factual information, take notes, make measurements, and otherwise document the wreckage and accident site. You must be able to physically maneuver around the accident site, which includes frequently climbing in, out, and on various parts of the wreckage for the purpose of documenting and gathering evidence.
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