**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

2.  Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;

3.  Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems
    (synoptic/mesoscale);

4.  Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and

5.  Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or
    instrumentation.

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2.  Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that
    included laboratory sessions.

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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.

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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.