Telework eligibleFederal

Hydrologist

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · Department of Commerce

Salary
$89,508–$140,994/year
Grade
12–13
Work location
Telework eligible (US)
Schedule
Working on rotating shifts is routinely required with the WFO in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Posted
Aug 6, 2026
Apply by
Aug 19, 2026
Category
Hydrology

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Summary

This position is located in the National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office (WFO) with vacancies in each listed location. WFOs issue warnings and forecasts for their local area, keeping the public informed of weather hazards and interacting with emergency management partners to mitigate the impacts of weather and water hazards.

Duties

As a Hydrologist you will perform the following duties: The working title for this position is Senior Service Hydrologist. Provide technical and administrative oversight for the Weather Forecast Office (WFO) hydrologic service program(s) and service activities in a geographically and/or organizationally complex support area. Develop and modify WFO hydrologic procedures, models, techniques, manuals, and dissemination plans to ensure optimal use of technologies and real-time data. Initiate and maintain liaison activities and cooperative support operations with state emergency management and water resources officials located in one or more state capital areas and a geographically or organizationally diverse group of other offices inside and/or outside the National Weather Service (NWS). Modify and enhance the operational hydrologic procedures and hydrologic training program for all WFO forecasters. NOTE: The duties are at the full performance level of the GS-13; the GS-12 is the developmental leading to such performance. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: All operational forecasters at the WFO are required to work long arduous hours when hazardous conditions are expected or occurring. Such duty requires the ability to make quick and accurate decisions during extended periods of stressful activity. Outdoor activity may be required during field trips, however no excessive physical demands are required.

Requirements

Key Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation. More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Additional Information. Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov) Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Additional Considerations: One year probationary period may be required. Payment of relocation expenses (PCS) may be authorized. This position requires Moderate Risk Security Clearance. Background investigation will be required. Continued employment is subject to applicant's successful completion of security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. Any selections made under this notice will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Therefore, Current Federal employees would be given new appointments to the civil service and may have to serve a new probationary period under CFR 315.802 (b). NOTE: A one year probationary period will be required under the Direct Hire Authority unless you are a current Department of Commerce (including NOAA) employee; and are in the same line of work; have previously completed a probationary period; and with no more than a 30 day break in service. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, for those required to serve a 1-year probationary period, we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: Your performance and conduct; Needs and interests of the agency; Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of then Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.

Education

Substitution of education for specialized experience is not applicable to this vacancy. College Transcript: If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), name of accredited institution, course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken. Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty. Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.

How you will be evaluated

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. Additionally, you will be evaluated using a Job Knowledge Test. The Job Knowledge Test is designed to assess technical and professional expertise directly relevant to the requirements of this announcement. This assessment measures the specialized knowledge and skills accumulated over time, which are critical for successful performance in this position. The best-qualified candidates will be identified for referral to the hiring manager and may be invited for an interview. Veteran's Preference does not apply to direct hire recruitment procedures. To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13028026

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