Summary
This position is located within a National Forest. The incumbent serves as a Meteorological Technician providing avalanche forecasts to the general public, utilizing multiple sources of information.
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Duties
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- 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 information.
- Including air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, cloud and ultraviolet conditions, snow stability, and analyzes and 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
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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.
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.
Additional information
PLEASE NOTE: This vacancy is being used to fill positions for FY2027 Temporary Employment Hiring season. The expected start date for this position will be between October 18, 2026 to December 27, 2026.
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 OPM.gov for additional information on pay rates.
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 Office of Personnel Management's website for additional information on pay rates.
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.
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP eligible must meet the agency's definition for a quality candidate as provided in the How You Will Be Evaluated section of this announcement to be considered.
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.
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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.
Benefits
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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.
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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.
