Become a Meteorological Technician with the U.S. Forest Service

Are you ready to trade the office for the great outdoors? The U.S. Forest Service is currently seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Meteorological Technicians. This is a unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in public safety by monitoring snowpack, weather, and avalanche risks in the most beautiful regions of the United States.

Job Responsibilities

Your primary duties will focus on gathering high-quality field data to support avalanche forecasting. This includes:

Conducting daily field observations in remote, mountainous areas.
Communicating findings to local Avalanche Centers.
Operating snowmobiles, 4x4 vehicles, and backcountry skis in harsh winter conditions.
Analyzing snow stability and maintaining detailed technical records.
Assisting with avalanche incident investigations when required.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must satisfy federal employment standards, including:

U.S. Citizenship.
A valid driver's license.
Demonstrated ability to operate equipment in winter backcountry settings.
Meeting the minimum GS-05 educational or experience requirements.

Salary and Comparison

Compensation for this role is set at $19.52 per hour. Below is a general comparison of this role against typical seasonal outdoor positions.

Feature	Meteorological Tech	Typical Seasonal Guide	Park Maintenance
Environment	Backcountry/Mountains	Tour-based	Developed areas
Data Collection	High Technical	Minimal	None
Training	Provided/Safety	Industry Certs	Skills-based

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a solid foundation for your career. While these are temporary appointments, you gain invaluable experience in field science, public service, and data analysis that is highly respected in the environmental and meteorology sectors.

Application Tips

Keep it Concise: Your resume must be two pages or fewer.
Be Detailed: Use your resume to describe specific field work, snow experience, and technical certifications.
Early Submission: Don't wait until the final hour; submit early to avoid system overloads.

If you have a strong background in mountain weather or avalanche safety and a passion for protecting the public, apply today to start your journey with the U.S. Forest Service. This seasonal role offers a unique perspective on the power of nature and a chance to make a real impact.

Why This Meteorological Technician Job Matters

Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career by monitoring mountain weather and avalanche conditions with the U.S. Forest Service.

Meteorological Technician Job Overview

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking dedicated Meteorological Technicians to support avalanche forecasting and mountain weather observation efforts. This temporary position is vital for public safety, requiring individuals to conduct field observations, analyze snowpack stability, and manage data within National Forests across the country. Candidates must be comfortable navigating challenging, snowy backcountry terrain.

Requirements for Meteorological Technician

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
Ability to safely navigate mountainous terrain using backcountry skis and snowmobiles.
Experience driving four-wheel-drive vehicles on snow-covered roads.
Must be registered for Selective Service (for males born after 12-31-59).
Successfully pass an E-Verify employment check.
Undergo a background investigation or fingerprint check.

Preferred Qualifications for Meteorological Technician

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in snow, avalanche, or weather studies.
Bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in meteorology, mathematics, engineering, or physical sciences.
Experience in avalanche hazard mitigation or search and rescue operations.
Proficiency in maintaining accurate field logs and snowpack data records.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay based on federal schedules.
✓Opportunities to work in diverse, iconic National Forest environments.
✓Potential for career advancement within the federal government.
✓Direct deposit payroll system.
✓Professional training in avalanche safety and emergency response.

💡 How to Apply Meteorological Technician Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Meteorological Technician Job

Create a profile on the official federal jobs portal.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, including college transcripts if applicable.
Submit your application by the specified closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will lead to disqualification.
Highlight specific experience with snowpack, avalanche studies, and backcountry travel.
Submit your application well before the noon ET deadline on the closing date to avoid technical issues.
Monitor your email for status updates and ensure notifications are enabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a temporary appointment intended for the winter hiring season, lasting up to six months or up to one year, with a potential for extension.

Can I choose my work location?

The position offers 'Location Negotiable' status among several listed sites across the U.S., though final placement is determined by agency needs.

What if I have experience but no formal degree?

The position accepts a combination of relevant specialized experience and education; ensure your resume clearly documents your field work.

Job from Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service manages over 193 million acres of National Forest land. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. As a technician, you become a critical part of a team dedicated to conservation and public protection.