Clarification from the agency

Recent Graduates - All U.S. Citizens, Nationals, and Foreign Nationals who meet both Immigration Laws and Annual Appropriations Laws.

As a Meteorologist (Recent Graduate), you will:

• Exercise independent judgment in developing and preparing daily weather forecasts, as well as oral and written briefings for BPA planning staff, for the Columbia River Basin and adjoining areas with limited supervision. 
• Prepare and issue timely products and severe weather warnings to Transmission system dispatchers, line maintenance staff, administrative staff, and continuity of operations personnel responsible for personnel and installation safety throughout BPA. 
• Maintain and improve BPA’s LINUX-based weather forecasting system and support software. 
• Apply mathematics and statistical methods to evaluate meteorological studies and technical literature, modeling and weather forecasting procedures, and hydrometeorological data.
• Provide technical meteorological assistance in climate and climate change studies.
• Develop and implement computer software, spreadsheets, and databases to enhance the operational functions of the weather and streamflow forecasting group.

To be eligible for the Recent Graduate program you must be a:

Recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution.

-OR-

Student who within nine months of the closing date of this announcement will meet the education requirements and will graduate with a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. A student may not be appointed to a position until they have graduated.

-OR-

Preference eligible veteran who was precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years after degree or certificate completion.

Conditions of employment

• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• See "Other Information" section regarding Selective Service requirements.

Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.
  When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully.
• A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
• Selectee may be subject to a 1 year probationary period. 

CONVERSION REQUIREMENTS:

BPA has the option to convert a Recent Graduate position to a permanent or term position upon successful completion of program requirements. This is not automatic, nor guaranteed. Conversion is at the discretion of the hiring manager and employing office.

To be eligible to be converted to permanent or term position you must:

• Be a US Citizen.
• Be recommended for conversion by your manager.
• Complete all training and development requirements within the 1-year appointment period.
• Successful completion of 1 year of continuous service.
• Have demonstrated successful job performance.
• Met OPM qualification standard for the position to which you will be converted.
• A Recent Graduate may be converted to the highest General Schedule (GS) grade level qualified for at time of conversion.
• Relocation may be authorized with conversion.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT

A.Degree: meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science major that included:
1. 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.
2. Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions.*
3. Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations.*
4. 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.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:

GS-07:  A qualified candidate's resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience in meteorological forecasting concepts, principles, and methods to perform 1) preliminary analyses, makes computations and applies correction factors, and plots preliminary prediction values; 2) prepares computer programs for processing data based on established programs and techniques; and performs higher level tasks as training assignments.

Substitution of Education for Specialized Experience: Completion of education in the amounts shown below is qualifying at the GS-07 grade level only.

1. One year of graduate-level education, or superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) gained in a bachelor degree curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled (based on class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership) — education meets the qualification requirements described above.
2. Graduate level education and specialized experience, as described in the vacancy announcement, that when combined equals at least 100 percent of the qualification requirements.

GS-09: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-7) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience in meteorological forecasting concepts, principles, and methods sufficient to 1) independently apply established technology in routine and, moderate meteorology projects in support of larger projects using less established technology; 2) adapt to procedures and accepted practices and handle unexpected conditions arising in the normal course of the work; 3) organize the work, following prescribed methods and guidelines, and recognizing conditions and results that may affect the findings.

You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows:

1. Two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree, or master's, or equivalent graduate degree— education meets the qualification requirements described above.
2. Graduate level education and specialized experience, as described in the vacancy announcement, that when combined equals at least 100 percent of the qualification requirements. 

Your resume should demonstrate that you possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies (KSACs). Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the KSACs identified below. Cite specific examples of employment or experience and describe how this experience has prepared you to successfully perform the duties of this position.

1. Computer Skills - Uses computers, software applications, databases, and automated systems to accomplish work.
2. Meteorology - Knowledge of forecasting and research into the conditions and phenomena of the atmosphere; the collection, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of meteorological data to predict weather and determine climatological conditions; application of meteorological theory, forecasting methods, and techniques.
3. Modeling and Simulation - Knowledge of the tools and techniques used to develop functional, physical, or prototype models and simulations for test and evaluation programs, the prediction of behavior and phenomena, and to visually communicate concepts.
4. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
5. Partnering - Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
6. Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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 qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The Department of Energy uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to place you into an initial quality category via OPM's Category Rating procedures. These categories are "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified", and "Qualified. Then, the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your application and supporting documentation to ensure you have been placed into the appropriate quality category.

Your application is rated based on the extent and quality of your experience, education (when applicable), and training as described in your resume and applicant assessment. Your credentials are measured against the established duties of the position at the grade level(s) being advertised.

 If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as scoring in the Well Qualified category (or higher).

 If you are a Veteran Preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly