Meteorologist

National-Oceanic-; Calera (AL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

NOAA's National Weather Service is posting a Standing Register to fill full-time meteorology positions at multiple locations nationwide, including Weather Forecast Offices and National Centers for Environmental Prediction. The rolling register will accept applications until the final closing date, with initial cutoffs and eligibility extending for months.

To qualify, applicants must meet the basic education requirements in meteorology or atmospheric science and may qualify via experience or

Qualifications

• Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or related major with 24 semester/36 quarter hours in meteorology/atmospheric science and related physics and math coursework.
• One year of specialized experience or graduate-level coursework may satisfy the requirements for higher grades.
• Transcript(s) required to verify education and coursework.

Education

Degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science with required coursework

16+ credit hours in meteorology/atmospheric science including dynamics and thermodynamics

Physics with a lab

Differential equations coursework

Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Offices (WFO) or National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), with vacancies in each listed location.

This announcement establishes a Standing Register to fill vacancies as they arise. The first cut-off is October 17, 2026, with additional cut-offs through the closing date. See Qualifications for details.

This Standing Register Job Announcement establishes an applicant pool under Direct Hire Authority 5 CFR 337.205(b) to fill full-time permanent positions at multiple NWS locations as vacancies occur. The announcement will remain open as stated in the vacancy notice. For consideration during the current review cycle, applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on October 17, 2026.

Applications received after the cutoff may be considered during future review cycles. Applicants remain eligible for consideration for up to six months after the announcement closes or until they withdraw. Applicants who withdraw may reapply for future referrals. Eligible applicants may also be considered for additional vacancies as new certificates are issued.

After the announcement closes, applicants may submit documentation of additional qualifications earned after the closing date to [e-mail]. This information may be considered for up to six months following the closing date.

Incomplete resumes, unsupported questionnaire responses, or missing required documentation may result in an applicant being rated ineligible or not qualified. Applicants may update their application for future cutoff dates.

Qualification requirements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must meet the positive education requirement and specialized experience requirement (or applicable education substitution/combination). Transcripts must be submitted.

To qualify for the 1340 Meteorology series

EDUCATION:

A. Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or another natural science major that includes:

• At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in meteorology/atmospheric science, including:
  • 6 semester hours in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics
  • 6 semester hours in analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale)
  • 3 semester hours in physical meteorology
  • 2 semester hours in remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation
• 6 semester hours of physics, including at least one laboratory course.
• 3 semester hours of ordinary differential equations.
• 9 semester hours in appropriate physical science coursework, including 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, or computer science.

Calculus coursework appropriate for a physical science major is required as a prerequisite or corequisite for atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience that includes the required coursework above.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower federal grade level. Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the position duties. Qualifying experience may include paid or unpaid work, including volunteer service.

GS-05:

Applicants who meet the basic education requirement qualify at the GS-05 level.

GS-07:

In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must meet one of the following:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, including:

• Using current hydro-meteorological data to monitor conditions and assist with forecast preparation for weather, water, or climate hazards.

OR

EDUCATION: One full year of graduate-level education in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or a related field.

OR

SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT:

• GPA of 3.0 or higher overall or during the final two years of undergraduate study;
• GPA of 3.5 or higher in major coursework or in major coursework completed during the final 2 years;
• Upper third ranking in graduating class; or
• Membership in a qualifying national scholastic honor society.

OR

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A combination of graduate education and specialized experience may satisfy requirements.

GS-09:

In addition to the basic requirements, applicants must meet one of the following:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07, including:

• Using advanced hydro-meteorological data to monitor a geographic area and assist in preparing and issuing warnings, advisories, outlooks, and forecasts for weather, water, or climate hazards.

OR

EDUCATION: Master's degree or equivalent graduate degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or a related field, or two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.

OR

COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A combination of qualifying graduate education and specialized experience may satisfy requirements. Only graduate education beyond the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience.