Summary Explore a new career with the BLM - where our people are our greatest natural resource. This position is located with the BLM Fire & Aviation Directorate, Div. of Fire Ops, Preparedness & Suppression Branch located at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), in Boise, Idaho. Information about the area can be found at https://www.boisechamber.org/ We expect to fill one position at this time; however, additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available. Responsibilities Plans, organizes, and directs the national management of weather processing systems utilized by fire weather meteorologists at geographical area coordination centers. Directs national training program for geographical area fire weather meteorologists. Collects and analyzes national fire weather forecast verification data from the Geographical Area Fire Weather Program Managers. Serves as a Fire Weather Program lead for the federal wildland fire agencies at the NIFC for the express purpose of ensuring the continued availability and adequacy of a viable fire weather products. Provides technical advice and guidance in fire weather meteorology and climatology to the NICC manager and staff as well as fire management personnel in five Federal wildland fire agencies in two executive departments. Participates in the formulation and establishment of national interagency policy, standards, and guidelines for fire weather management. Develops national interagency program coordination for fire weather products, services and monitoring systems sufficient to establish baseline information to serve as the basis for improvements in the fire weather program. In partnership with geographic area fire weather program managers provides expert advice and consultation to the National Multi-Agency Coordinating (NMAC) Group concerning fire weather issues. Monitors and advises Federal wildland fire agencies on quality control activities for the express purpose of ensuring the integrity of weather observations provided by and for the wildland fire agencies. Conducts national analyses to determine adequacy of skill and knowledge levels of wildland fire users and identifies shortages. Promotes proper usage by federal wildland fire agency personnel of all available weather services and information to ensure that meteorological and climatological information is being effectively utilized. Coordinates with research scientists to identify research needs in the "science" of fire weather and in adapting research findings to problem solutions by developing new techniques appropriate for fire weather problems. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Specialized Experience: In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the minimum qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. For GS-13: In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, you must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: extensive experience in the theory and application of meteorology including dynamics of the atmosphere, mesoscale meteorology, and the application of computer methods of numerical weather analysis and prediction in complex terrain; experience in climatological principles which impact wildland fire and natural resource management planning and operations; use of verbal and written communication in order to facilitate and lead meetings, conduct briefings and presentations, and write technical reports and national directives that apply to a wide ranging audience that includes agency administrators, private interest groups, and media. 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. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement. Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade requirement in accordance with 5 CFR 300.604. If you are a current Federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must have completed a minimum of 52 weeks at the next lower grade level. Physical Demands: Long hours of sitting, intense concentration, and working at peak proficiency level with irregular breaks/mealtimes are frequent, prolonged demands of the job. Incumbent is subject to work shifts of 12-14 hours per day for extensive periods during national, regional, and local wildland fire emergencies. Assessment of field conditions and review of program implementation requires considerable walking and climbing over steep terrain which often is covered with debris. The incumbent will be required to provide highly specialized services under often very demanding physical conditions including; heavy pressure, briefing line management, MAC groups and Area Commands, Senior Executives and Political Appointees, strict deadlines, and extended hours are routine. Work Environment: Work is usually performed in an office setting. However, field travel is not uncommon and occurs under all kinds of climatic conditions, including exposure to the wildland fire environment, steep terrain, smoke, walking over debris, and long hours. Normal protective equipment includes head gear and boots. Wildland fire management operations require use of flame resistant clothing, gloves, and in a few cases eye and hearing protection. Incentives: Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees. If eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive or Student Loan Repayment. Education BASIC REQUIREMENT: Education is required in order to meet the Basic Requirements. Substitution of education for specialized experience is not applicable to this vacancy. Basic Education Required: This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience OR substitution of education for experience OR combination (if applicable) in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements: EDUCATION: A. Degree: meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science major that included: At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of credit in meteorology/atmospheric science including a minimum of: (a) Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;* (b) Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale); (c) Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and (d) Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions.* Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations.* At least nine semester hours of course work appropriate for a physical science major in any combination of three or more of the following: physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and computer science. *There is a prerequisite or corequisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations. Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major. OR B. Combination of education and experience: course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. You will need to clearly state your undergraduate/graduate degree(s) and submit your college transcripts. Proof of Education: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts. Pass/Fail Courses: If more than 10 percent of your undergraduate course work (credit hours) were taken on a pass/fail basis, your claim of superior academic achievement must be based upon class standing or membership in an honor society. Graduate Education: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study. Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ Additional Information Verify Employment Eligibility (E-Verify): DOI uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify. Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)/lnteragency Career Transition Assistance Program(ICTAP): CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. Information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility is available from OPM's Career Transition Resources website at CTAP or ICTAP. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration or that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) This vacancy is within your CTAP/ICTAP eligibility; 2) You apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) You are found well qualified for this vacancy. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, or a copy of your separation personnel action form. CTAP and ICTAP eligibles will be considered well qualified if they receive a minimum score of 90 based on the rating criteria used for this position. Permanent Change in Station (PCS): Travel and relocation expenses will be paid consistent with the Federal Travel Regulation, Chapter 302, and Departmental policy. Selectee will be responsible for tax obligations related to payments for moving expenses - 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, Public Law 115-97. See "Other" section for additional information on 2017 Tax Cuts as related to Permanent Change in Station (PCS). Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. The law made taxable certain reimbursements and other payments, including driving mileage, airfare and lodging expenses, en-route travel to the new duty station, and temporary storage of those items. The Federal Travel Regulation Bulletin (FTR) 18-05 issued by General Services Administration (GSA) has authorized agencies to use the Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) and Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) to pay for "substantially all" of the increased tax liability resulting from the "2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" for certain eligible individuals. For additional information on WTA/RITA allowances and eligibilities, please visit: https://www.gsa.gov/policy-regulations/regulations/federal-travel-regulation-ftr/i1182168#i1180710 Telework: The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis. The selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval. Alternative Application: If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document, you do not have in electronic form; view the following link for information regarding an Alternative Application