Meteorologist II

The Meteorologist II, under general supervision, performs scientific environmental tests, analyzes test data, develops or prepares graphs and figures, and summarizes results in test reports. Personnel will be required to work in a team environment on the Upper Air (UA) Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Team located at the Sterling Field Support Center in Sterling, VA.

One of the main functions of the position, is to assist the NWS field operations in performing synoptic soundings. This is accomplished by performing helpdesk duties during the synoptic windows. Specific duties include but are not limited to:

• Obtain an upper air observing certification within 30 days of employment (long-term employment contingent on meeting this requirement)
  • Will also be required to demonstrate proficiency on multiple systems
• Test and analyze upper air observation software, hardware, and equipment
• Record and analyze meteorological and engineering data from primarily upper air based meteorological systems and sensors both at the SFSC and at remote test sites
• Evaluate sensors and system performance with respect to NWS specifications and requirements.
• Perform real-time on-site and remote clinical weather observations in support of meteorological sensor testing during non-business hours/weekends/holidays
• Become a subject matter expert for Help Desk-style support of the radiosonde systems
  • Work schedule will include shift work on a scheduled basis
    • Morning Shift - 6am-2pm EDT (5am - 1pm EST)
    • Evening Shift - 2pm - 10pm EDT (1pm-9pm EST) or,
    • Normal Shift ~ 8am - 4:30pm.
  • Work schedule will include some weekends and holidays
• Conducting scientific environmental tests using radiosondes and laboratory equipment
• Develop, maintain, and modify meteorological algorithms
• Prepare test plans, test reports, various support documentation, and training materials
• Provide status briefings to government clients on the progress of testing
• Participate in on-site tours of the facility to outside entities
• Assist with training new UA employees on UA equipment, practices, and safety
• Implementation of new UA assets: development and research for implementation, installation, and testing
• Perform installations and training of new systems at NWS locations (Travel Possibly Required)
• Personnel may be required to assist with Upper Air Chamber and Laboratory testing- Individuals would be trained and certified on the equipment to complete this if tasking is assigned
• Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Meteorology, Earth Science, or similar engineering or science discipline
• 0-2 years of experience setting up scientific tests
• 0-2 years utilizing data analysis tools such as MS Excel, MATLAB, or Python to perform statistical analysis of data

Desired Skills

• Scientific writing experience
• Scientific testing experience
• Procedural drafting & editing
• Understanding of Upper Air meteorological sensors and NWS Observing Programs
• Understanding of NWS field operations and deployment strategies and methods
• Ability to work with an inter-disciplinary and diverse team of scientists and technicians
• Ability to multi-task and have outstanding verbal and written communication (MS Office)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Completing field and outdoor work in all weather conditions
• Customer Service- willing to work with sites in all situations

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)