Chief Meteorologist

Summary

The position of Chief Meteorologist is in the Office of the Chief Economist (OCE), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB) is under the OCE. The mission of WAOB is to coordinate the agricultural commodity information system of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Weather being an important factor in agricultural production, the Board serves as USDA's focal point for weather and climate information.

Duties

• Provides technical leadership in the planning, coordinating, analysis and review of the weather and climate programs of the Department.
• Serves as the principal USDA scientist and advisor on atmospheric sciences. As such, analyzes weather and atmospheric conditions and the implication for agricultural production, and performs studies and other tasks for the Department.
• Provides advice and counsel to the Secretary and staff on the development of climate and weather programs to serve nationwide needs of the agricultural community and on the application of meteorological technology to other agricultural programs.
• Provides major technical guidance and input to the role of the USDA in the development of national atmospheric science programs and technical coordination with other agencies.
• Provides technical advice and guidance to the Chairperson of the WAOB and other staff specialists on the weather and atmospheric science implications for U.S. and global crop and livestock production.
• Represents the U.S. Government in planning and developing programs and policies dealing with scientific and technical matters related to climate and weather within National and International organizations.

Education

Applicants must meet the following basic requirements Meteorology 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: Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;* Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale); Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and 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. or B. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. All applicants must provide a copy of your transcripts. Failure to provide this information may result in disqualification.