Research Physical Scientist

National-Oceanic-; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seeks candidates for Federal positions in the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL). Two vacancies are available in Silver Spring, MD; Boulder, CO; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; Ann Arbor, MI; Plainsboro, NJ; or Norman, OK.

Qualifying requires a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with 24 semester hours in physical science/engineering, plus at least one year of specialized experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with 24 semester hours in physical science/engineering.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
• Experience with weather forecast models and data assimilation software.

Skills

Python

Fortran

C

C++

Communication

Education

Physical science/Engineering degree with 24 semester hours in physical science/engineering

Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL), with two vacancies in Silver Spring, MD; Boulder, CO; Seattle, WA; Miami, FL; Ann Arbor, MI; Plainsboro NJ; or Norman, OK.

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements:

To qualify for the 1301 series:

EDUCATION:

A. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics.

B. Combination of education and experience: education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

AND

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

To qualify at the ZP-4 or GS-13 level:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:

In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

• Developing weather forecast models and data assimilation software codes;
• Providing computer programming in several languages (i.e, Python, Fortran, C, C++) to develop forecast products; and
• Communicating scientific findings to the scientific community or other stakeholders both verbally and in writing.