Meteorologist Job in Rockville, MD

Vacancy No. RES/DRA-2024-0007 Department Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Salary $117,962.00 to $153,354.00 Grade 13 to 13
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 4/23/2024 Close Date 5/21/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Rockville, MD


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

This position is located in the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, Division of Risk Analysis, Fire and External Hazards Analysis Branch.

The supervisor is Jeffrey Rady.

This position is Bargaining Unit with the National Treasury Employees Union, Chapter 208.

This position is not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements.

This position is not subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements. 

Duties

The successful candidate will perform duties of a Meteorologist with a special emphasis in atmospheric sciences as they relate to the safety or environmental management of commercial nuclear facilities (e.g., nuclear power plants, non-power reactors, fuel cycle, spent fuel management and disposal, radioactive waste management and disposal, decommissioning sites, etc.). The successful candidate will serve as a meteorologist in the Division of Risk Analysis, Fire and External Hazards Branch with responsibility for the planning, recommending, and coordinating research projects dealing with weather, climate, and atmospheric dispersion implications with respect to nuclear facility siting, design, and operation and the impact of these facilities on the environment. In this context, atmospheric sciences include regional climatology; local meteorology related to normal, extreme, and severe weather; facility meteorological and air quality measurement programs, including instrumentation and data collection procedures needed for evaluation of atmospheric dispersion characteristics and environmental effects; and modeling of atmospheric dispersion and transport characteristics of both radiological and non-radiological effluents.

The ideal candidate:

  • Plans and develops research projects that will provide technical information responsive to needs of NRC functional offices.
  • Designs and coordinates research projects in weather and atmospheric science topics such as regional climatology, high winds, precipitation, atmospheric dispersion (airborne effluent pathways) and transport
  • Functions as an advisory and technical expert in weather and atmospheric science topics such as regional climatology, high winds, precipitation, atmospheric dispersion (airborne effluent pathways) and transport.
  • Organizes and leads technical reviews of contracted research.  Maintains close scrutiny of operational costs of assigned research contracts and approves costing.
  • Represents the office in meetings with other technical managers of NRC, other Federal and state agencies, the engineering/scientific community, and industrial organizations in the areas of climatology, weather, and atmospheric transport.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • This is a Drug Testing position.
  • Background investigation leading to a clearance is required for new hires

You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

  1. Demonstrated knowledge in the field of meteorology or associated atmospheric sciences as they relate to the safety or environmental management of commercial nuclear facilities (e.g., nuclear power plants, non-power reactors, fuel cycle, spent fuel management and disposal, radioactive waste management and disposal, decommissioning sites, etc.).  (EXAMPLE:  Describe work experience, education, and training which demonstrate your knowledge related to meteorology and associated atmospheric sciences relevant to siting, design, operation and environmental impact of nuclear facilities. Describe your knowledge and experience as it relates to research and development in the field of meteorology and associated atmospheric sciences as related to nuclear facility siting, design, operation and environmental impact.)
  1. Demonstrated skill in applying the principles, theories, and practices of meteorology or associated atmospheric sciences, as they relate to the safety or environmental management of commercial nuclear facilities.(EXAMPLE:  Describe experience, education, and training which demonstrates your skills in applying the principles, theories, and practices of meteorology or associated atmospheric sciences as they relate to recommending and coordinating research projects dealing with weather, climate, and atmospheric dispersion implications with respect to nuclear facility siting, design, and operation and the impact of these facilities on the environment. Describe experience, education, and training which demonstrates your skills in the development of research related to regional climatology; local meteorology related to normal, extreme, and severe weather; facility meteorological and air quality measurement programs, including instrumentation and data collection procedures needed for evaluation of atmospheric dispersion characteristics and environmental effects; and modeling of atmospheric dispersion and transport characteristics of both radiological and non-radiological effluents. Provide examples demonstrating your experience in the application of the above listed items. Describe your accomplishments in areas listed above.)
  1. Demonstrated ability to prioritize, plan, schedule, and manage complex technical projects involving interdisciplinary teamwork with technical experts in the fields of meteorology and associated atmospheric sciences.(Example:  Describe specific experience and accomplishments which demonstrate your ability to prioritize, plan, schedule and manage complex technical projects involving interdisciplinary teams with expertise relevant to meteorology and associated atmospheric sciences.  Include several specific examples of projects performed and describe the complexity of the work, and your role in organizing and accomplishing the work, and the nature of the interdisciplinary interactions.)
  1. Ability to communicate information, ideas, and advice in a clear, concise, and logical manner, both orally and in writing, with colleagues, subordinates, NRC management in headquarters or regions, review groups, the Commission, members of the public, representatives of professional groups or other Federal or State agencies. Ability to build and sustain coalitions across organizations.(EXAMPLE: Describe specific experience, training and accomplishments which demonstrate your communication skills, both orally and in writing. Describe your ability to lead complex technical discussions and consolidate diverse opinions into concise presentations, memoranda, letters, reports; work in a team or group atmosphere; formulate balanced and well-founded recommendations; establish effective work-relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and other government and industry officials and coordinate and lead meetings. Describe oral and written presentations you have performed within your organization, including published technical documents you have authored. List presentations you have made to outside groups including professional organizations, advisory groups, the public, and/or Congress.)

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as experience with atmospheric processes involved in regional climatology; local meteorology related to normal, extreme and severe weather; facility meteorological and air quality measurement programs, including instrumentation and data collection procedures needed for evaluation of atmospheric dispersion characteristics and environmental effects; and modeling of atmospheric dispersion and transport characteristics of both radiological and non- radiological effluents.

A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate should be addressed in your resume.

Education

Individual Occupational Requirements:  

Meteorology Series 1340

Basic Requirements:

  1. Degree: 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:
      1. Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;*
      2. Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale);
      3. Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and
      4. Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation.
    2. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes 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, and computer science.

* There is a prerequisite or corequisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations. Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major.

or

  1. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Additional information

The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate.  Individuals with disabilities may contact the Selective Placement Coordinator for assistance with the application or hiring process via  Disability.Resource@nrc.gov.  Deaf applicants may contact the Disability Program Manager by calling the NRC videophone at 240-428-3217.

Individuals who are eligible for non-competitive appointment under an OPM special appointing authority may apply for consideration under a comparable NRC non-competitive appointing authority. Veterans, please visit:  http://www.fedshirevets.gov/

Selectee's will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.  False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.

A transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for all new hires.  To begin work at the NRC without a security clearance, you must be granted a temporary waiver of the required clearance, referred to as a 145(b) waiver.  To be eligible for a 145(b) waiver you will need a favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks.  If a wavier is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication is required for continued employment.  If you have resided outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, the agency may not be able to (1) grant the 145(b) waiver where the required investigation cannot be completed in a timely manner, or (2) achieve timely completion of the background investigation required for a security clearance.

The NRC is a zero tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use.  Individuals selected for this position will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing unless currently in a NRC position subject to random drug testing AND will be subject to random drug testing upon appointment to the NRC.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k)  (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits.  This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees.  https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements.  You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to any vacancy questions to determine your level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements.  If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager.

Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position.  Therefore, we encourage you to submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

List of supplemental material that may be applicable:

If you are an NRC employee, you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available. Additionally, you must also submit a copy of your most
recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).

If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee with status (Tenure Group 1 or 2), you will be considered under our merit promotion procedures and must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of
Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from
active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.) You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.

NOTE: Your complete application includes your resume, your responses to any vacancy questions, and if necessary, documents which prove your eligibility to apply. To ensure all of the essential information is in your
resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following
information for each experience/position. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. Job title
2. Name of employer
3. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
4. Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
5. Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
6. Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).

If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, please submit your transcript OR list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position
requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses along with the course credits in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive
information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover
letter to determine your qualifications.

If you are applying for a position that requires a college degree, you must submit your College Transcripts.

All supplemental documents will now be collected electronically and should be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have three choices for submitting your supplemental documents:
1. Use the "USAJOBS" feature to download documents from your USAJOBS portfolio; or
2. use the "Upload" feature to upload documents directly from your computer. The following types of documents can be uploaded: .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .doc; or
3. use the "Fax" feature to print the Fax Cover Sheet and fax it, along with your supplemental documents to 1-571-258-4052.

  • Documents for Auto-Request:
    DD-214
    Other
    Performance Appraisal
    Proof of Disability
    SF-15
    Transcripts
    VA Preference Letter
    Writing Sample

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

We strongly encourage you to complete your USAJOBS profile before you submit your application for this position.  

Please read the entire announcement. Your application for this vacancy must be received online via the USAJOBS application system BEFORE 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online application, you will not be considered for this position.

The NRC requires that applicants submit resumes built using the USAJOBS Resume Builder tool. The Resume Builder tool is activated upon selecting "Build New Resume" under the "Resumes" section of your USAJOBS account.

Resumes uploaded to your USAJOBS jobseeker account that have not been built using the USAJOBS Resume Builder tool WILL NOT be accepted and you WILL NOT be allowed to further advance through the NRC application process.

To ensure you are using the correct resume type when applying to our vacancies, please make sure that the resume you are using during the application process is listed with a format type of "USAJOBS Resume" and a source type of "Built with USAJOBS Resume Builder. Verifying this information on your USAJOBS resume before applying will ensure the successful submission of your application to the NRC job vacancy.

Paper applications will not be accepted unless hardship circumstances can be demonstrated. Requests for extensions WILL NOT be granted. If applying online poses a hardship for you, the Human Resources Specialist listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted online by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Human Resources Specialist during business hours BEFORE the closing date of the announcement and speak to someone who can provide assistance for your online submission.

You must answer any job specific vacancy questions. You will be rated based on your responses to any vacancy questions and especially the information provided in your resume. Breadth, recency, and length of experience in the field; training, awards, and commendations; past and current performance; and community or outside professional activities will be considered to determine your level of knowledge, skill or ability for this position. Abbreviated responses to the vacancy questions, such as “significant experience” or “see resume” do not provide enough information and should not be used. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the vacancy questions unanswered.
To begin the application process, select the "Apply On-line" button to the right on this screen. Then follow the prompts to login/register, submit all required supplemental documents, and complete the application process.

Agency contact information

Kristine A. Darang

Address

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office of Human Resources
Washington, District of Columbia 20555
United States
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBs and selecting “Application Status.”


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.