Meteorological Technician.

USDA Forest Service; Durban; On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The USDA Forest Service is seeking a temporary avalanche hazard forecaster to conduct data collection and analysis in mountainous terrains. This role involves communicating critical snow stability forecasts, publishing advisories, and providing training on avalanche safety. Ideal candidates will have experience navigating harsh winter conditions using skis and snowmobiles.

Benefits

Federal employees benefits package

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• One year specialized experience equivalent to GS-06.
• Ability to conduct avalanche hazard forecasting.
• Experience in navigating harsh winter environments.

Responsibilities

• Conducts avalanche hazard forecasting and data collection.
• Writes avalanche advisories and communicates with various organizations.
• Develops and provides training on avalanche awareness.

Skills

Navigating mountainous terrain

Avalanche forecasting

Data analysis

Communicating weather conditions

Education

Experience in winter outdoor settings

Job description

Duties

• Conducts avalanche hazard forecasting in specific geographic areas. Gathers and records data in the field through snowpack, weather and avalanche observations.
• Inputs information into and maintains an electronic database with avalanche and mountain weather information. Practices mountain and avalanche safety measures while collecting data in high-elevation and avalanche prone terrain.
• Utilizes a variety of weather modeling applications in conjunction with field data and public observations to analyze snow stability and forecast avalanche hazard.
• Routinely communicates with other avalanche professionals in State, Federal and private sector organizations to gather data and share information. Communicates and coordinates with emergency service and volunteer organizations when appropriate.
• Writes, edits and publishes a daily backcountry avalanche advisory for public dissemination. Works with the National Weather Service and local media outlets to issue avalanche watches, warnings, or special weather statements.
• Participates in interviews with local media (TV, radio, newspapers, etc.) on avalanche conditions or accidents.
• Develops curriculum and provides training to Forest Service personnel and the general public on a variety of snowpack, weather and avalanche topics.
• Fills requests to speak as a Forest Service avalanche authority in local schools and other community events to further the goal of public safety in the backcountry.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of other programs on the unit, which may include snow removal, trail maintenance and recreation resource work relating to winter trailhead facilities.
  
  

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Direct Deposit Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-Verify.
• Ability to safely and efficiently navigate mountainous terrain in a harsh winter environment using backcountry skis and snowmobiles.
  
  

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the

Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

GS-07: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-6).

Examples of specialized experience include: Navigated safely in harsh winter terrain by ski and snowmobile in a backcountry setting (outside of ski area boundaries); Observed and recorded snowpack, weather and avalanche trends in a field setting; Interpreted and extrapolated remote weather station data and National Weather Service products including meteorological models; Communicated to large groups weather conditions to make informed and safe travel decisions, ie: skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers, emergency personnel, youth programs, media (TV, radio, newspapers, etc.); Collected, analyzed, and interpreted weather conditions using a wide variety of computer programs and applications; Conducted recreation resource work in support of a recreation program.

Selective Placement Factors

• Ability to safely and efficiently navigate mountainous terrain in a harsh winter environment using backcountry skis and snowmobiles.
  
  

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 receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Additional information

PLEASE NOTE: This vacancy is being used to fill positions for FY2026 Temporary Employment Hiring season. The expected start date for this position will be between October 19, 2025 to December 28, 2025.

By selecting the "Location Negotiable" option during the application process, implies your willingness to be considered for any official duty location listed on this announcement and/or those duty locations not listed for this Regional announcement. Pay rates vary depending on location. The salary shown is for the Rest of the U.S. See

This position is temporary, has a Not-to-Exceed date and will be filled for up to 6 months or as a not to exceed (NTE) 1 year, however an extension of the appointment may be possible without further competition. The appointment may also end early due to lack of work or lack of funds.

Applicants who apply under this job opportunity announcement agree to have their application, associated documents and applicable personal information shared with other groups within the Region who have vacancies within the same occupational series, grade, full performance level and in any of the geographic location(s) listed on the announcement. Applying to this announcement does not replace the need to apply to other job opportunity announcements for which you wish to receive consideration.

The duty station for this position will be at one of the duty locations listed in this announcement. Salary range as shown is the locality pay Rest of U.S. (RUS). Pay rates vary by location. Please visit the

The USDA Forest Service has legislative authority to recruit and fill Permanent (Career/Career-Conditional), Temporary, and Term Appointments under the USDA Demonstration Project. Under this authority, any U.S. citizen may apply.

If you are retired from the Federal Government and are selected for this vacancy, your retirement annuity may be offset from your pay.

This position is not eligible for telework.

Availability of government housing and federal day care facilities will vary by location.

Positions filled from this announcement may be a bargaining or a non-bargaining unit position represented by either NFFE, AFGE or NAGE.

• 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.
  
  

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.