This is a temporary position on a Forest Service unit. The incumbent serves as a Meteorological Technician providing avalanche forecasts to the general public, utilizing multiple sources of information. In addition, information and guidance is shared with other Forest Service employees, and mountain weather education sessions are provided to schools, professional groups, and others, upon request.

Duties

Incumbent uses data obtained through multiple sources to update avalanche conditions and issues written and verbal avalanche forecasts for the local Avalanche Center and other system network services. Interprets and evaluates raw data which is critical to issuing accurate and regularly scheduled forecasts and emergency advisories. Inspects and performs routine user level maintenance and services on various weather equipment and instruments. Observes weather and atmospheric conditions, records and interprets meteorological data, transmits and reports on recorded information, and provides meteorological information and advice to the general public through the Avalanche Center. Ensures that regular field snow pack observations are conducted and appropriate data is collected to inform avalanche forecast. Uses judgment when interpreting raw avalanche data. Issues avalanche warnings when criteria are met, and terminates such avalanche warnings when expired. Uses accepted observation procedures as well as standard practices modified to meet the relevant conditions to provide current advisories. Performs such tasks as observing, recording, and transmitting atmospheric and weather info including air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, cloud and ultraviolet conditions, snow stability, analyzes/interprets weather data. Practices mountain and avalanche safety measures while collecting data in high-elevation and avalanche prone terrain. Maintains automated data on computer systems which contain historical mountain weather information. Uses these systems to communicate with others regarding weather data and to improve forecasting methods. Composes and issues regularly scheduled emergency weather forecasts using the computer as well as disseminates and terminates advisories. Provides training and guidance on avalanches and avalanche related work. On occasion, provides avalanche and mountain weather education sessions to schools, professional groups and others.

Requirements

• 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.
• Applicant must have the 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 eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. 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-08: (1) One year of specialized experience at the GS-7 level. For the GS-08 there is no substitution of education for this position. Examples of specialized experience includes: Expert ability to ski and snowmobile in a backcountry setting (outside of ski area boundaries), proven ability to effectively and safely travel in and around avalanche terrain, and the ability to read snowpack, weather and avalanche trends in a field setting. Advanced skills, experience and confidence in companion avalanche rescue scenarios. Proven experience forecasting mountain weather and avalanche conditions. Experience conducting and presenting contemporary snow and avalanche research. Selective Placement Factors Applicant must have the 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 meet all qualification requirements on the closing date of this announcement.

Contacts

• Address USDA Forest Service HRM Contact Center DO NOT MAIL IN APPLICATIONS, SEE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE ANNOUNCEMENT Albuquerque, NM 87109 US
• Name: HRM Contact Center
• Phone: 1-877-372-7248 X2
• Email: [email protected]