Director Aviation Weather Center Job in Kansas City, MO

Vacancy No. 26-NWS NCEP-12928105 Department National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Salary $151,661.00 to $228,000.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/21/2026 Close Date 8/5/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Kansas City, MO


Director Aviation Weather Center

Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Summary

The position is located within the Aviation Weather Center (AWC), in theNational Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), National Weather Service (NWS)whose mission is to build a Weather-Ready Nation by providing better information for better decisions to save lives and livelihoods, supporting the broader strategic goals of the Department and NOAA. The position reports directly to the Director, NCEP.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Senior executives

Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).

Clarification from the agency

The position is open to Senior Executives, the public, federal employees in the competitive service, and federal employees in the excepted service.

Duties

The incumbent is responsible for the direction and administration of all AWC programs and personnel and has the responsibility for all AWC activity, including technical oversight, leadership and coordination among all weather service offices (including other NCEP Centers) which address problems concerning aviation weather prediction. In addition, the Director has responsibility for discharge of the following essential organizational functions:
1. Ensures effective operational aviation weather services on a 24-hour 7 day per week basis to ensure protection of life and property and efficiency of aviation operations by providing warnings, advisories and forecasts that are responsive to user needs and specific aviation requirements. Activities also involve backup responsibilities for the Air Force Weather Agency.
2. Improves the overall operation of AWC by incorporating technological advances and scientific advances related to the better understanding of aviation weather analysis and prediction.
3. Ensures an effective service of national and international aviation products to meet the needs of the aviation industry and satisfy international treaty obligations.This includes performance of duties as a world meteorological office.
4. Ensures the effective AWC computer system and database to meet the needs of operations, research and external users related to aviation products and services.
5. Maintains close contact and interaction with the domestic and international user communities.
6. Ensures continuing interaction in scientific research regarding aviation weather issues with the domestic and international research communities directed to improving operation AWC products.
7. Directs a large staff of professional meteorologists and technicians in the preparation of aviation forecast products.
8. Serves as the chairperson of the NCEP Aviation Council.
9. Maintains a constant awareness of the current and future weather data requirements of the NWS, Defense agencies, the public, the aviation industry and other Governmental and industrial interest.
10. Directs a comprehensive forecast evaluation program and provides feedback to AWC and Environmental Modeling Center members of the performance of dynamical prediction models.
11. Serves as an official representative of the NWS, as designated by either the Assistant Administrator, NWS or the Director, NCEP, on interagency and international workgroups, subcommittee, boards, panels and commissions, dealing with aviation weather.
12. Ensures the effective management of AWC human and material resources and that the AWC commitment to EEO goals is maintained.
13. Provides direct oversight and management of all twenty-one Center Weather Service Units (CWSU). The CWSU offices provide weather forecasts and advisories for all twenty-one Air Route Traffic control centers, producing specialized forecasts and advisories of thunderstorms, air turbulence, icing and precipitation affecting the National Airspace System.


Requirements

Conditions of employment

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Senior Executive Service employees are subject to a one year probationary period (unless already completed).
  • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
  • If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
  • May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
  • File a Public Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
  • You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. This position requires a Top-Secret security clearance.

There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:

Qualifications

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES.

Resumes over the 2 page limit will not be reviewed and will be disqualified. Your resume should be 2 pages or fewer and not include images or graphics. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs).

PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

PTQ 1: Professional knowledge and experience in a variety of scientific techniques associated with weather forecasting (e.g., data acquisition, prognosis, analysis, program refinements and dissemination). Knowledge and experience which demonstrates a clear understanding of NWS forecast and warning services, especially as they relate to national and international Aviation Services.

PTQ 2:Experience which demonstrates a familiarity with National aviation programs as related to the planning and development of projects in aviation. Experience which demonstrates the ability to work/interact with other state and Federal agencies, and a broad range of constituents who utilize aviation weather forecasting and related projects. Ability to work cooperatively with international organizations.

PTQ 3:Experience which demonstrates the ability to direct large-scale operational and research programs/projects. Ability to establish program/policy goals, processes, infrastructure, and evaluation mechanisms necessary to implement the organization's mission and strategic vision.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and PTQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

There are five ECQs:

  • ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
  • ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
  • ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
  • ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
  • ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Note: Applicants who are current or former members of the SES, have SES reinstatement eligibility, or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) should submit supporting documentation (e.g., SF-50 or OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification) reflecting their eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Education

This position has an education requirement.

  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:
      • Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;*
      • Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale);
      • Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and
      • 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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
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If you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to the Department of Education Accreditation page.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of credibility of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

Additional information

Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.

Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm

Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx)

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact noaa.executiveresources@noaa.gov.

OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

Review our 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.

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQ) listed above. ECQs and PTQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.

Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.

Required Documents

A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.

1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and PTQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.

2. VACANCY QUESTIONS/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.

3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:

  • CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
  • SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
  • CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
  • STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.
4. TRANSCRIPTS:All applicants are required to submit transcripts at the time of application submission. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes; however, official transcripts will be required if selected. Transcripts must reflect completion of a degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of the credibility of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

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

To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.

Follow the prompts to select and upload your resume and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.

You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.

It is an applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.

Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.

To preview the announcement questionnaire, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12928105

Agency contact information

NOAA Executive Resources Division
Email
noaa.executiveresources@noaa.gov
Address
NOAA Office of Human Capital Services (OHCS)
1315 East West Hwy
SSMC4
Silver Spring, MD 20910
US

Next steps

To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration, and supporting marine commerce, NOAA's products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America's gross domestic product. NOAA's dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need, when they need it.


Agency contact information

NOAA Executive Resources Division
Email
noaa.executiveresources@noaa.gov
Address
NOAA Office of Human Capital Services (OHCS)
1315 East West Hwy
SSMC4
Silver Spring, MD 20910
US

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