Become a Physical Scientist with the National Weather Service
The National Weather Service (NWS) is currently seeking a highly motivated Physical Scientist to join the High Computing Performance Division (HPCD). This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the agency's vital mission of protecting American lives and property through advanced technology and scientific research. If you possess a background in physical sciences, engineering, or mathematics and a passion for high-performance computing, this could be your next career milestone.
Job Responsibilities
As a Physical Scientist, your core responsibilities will involve:
- Supporting and troubleshooting the flow of weather, climate, and water data across major infrastructure.
- Optimizing software on diverse computing platforms.
- Implementing and testing changes within complex Linux environments.
- Collaborating with forecasters and software engineers to manage numerical weather prediction data.
| Task Area | Primary Objective |
|---|---|
| Data Management | Ensure seamless flow of observational data |
| System Optimization | Upgrade software on complex Linux systems |
| Technical Collaboration | Provide expertise to forecasters and developers |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the basic education requirement (degree in physical science/engineering/math with 24+ semester hours in related disciplines). You must also possess one full year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level or equivalent.
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-13 level, with a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $163,062 per year, depending on the duty location.
Benefits
Employees of the NWS enjoy access to the federal benefits package, which includes comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
Application Tips
- Keep your resume limited to two pages.
- Clearly identify the number of hours worked per week for part-time experience.
- Submit your transcripts early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Prepare for the 3-hour USA Hire assessment by reviewing online resources.
This role represents an excellent opportunity for scientists and engineers to influence how the nation prepares for environmental challenges. If you have the technical skills and the drive to make a difference, apply today to help build a Weather-Ready Nation.
Why This Physical Scientist Job Matters
Join the National Weather Service as a Physical Scientist and shape the future of high-performance computing to protect lives and property across the nation.
Physical Scientist Job Overview
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking a dedicated Physical Scientist to join the High Computing Performance Division (HPCD) of the National Weather Service. This role focuses on optimizing critical data flows and supporting high-performance computing infrastructure. You will play a vital role in ensuring that weather, climate, and observational data are seamlessly exchanged and utilized to inform emergency management and public safety decisions. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of environmental science and advanced computing.
Requirements for Physical Scientist
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to pass a Moderate Risk security background investigation.
- Must meet the basic education requirement: Degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with 24 semester hours in physical science or related engineering subjects.
- One full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service.
- Registration with the Selective Service, if applicable.
Preferred Qualifications for Physical Scientist
- Proven track record in analyzing and evaluating observational data and numerical weather modeling systems.
- Hands-on experience testing, implementing, and troubleshooting software within complex Linux environments.
- Strong communication skills for presenting research findings and technical recommendations to diverse scientific teams.
- Demonstrated ability to thrive in a high-performance computing (HPC) and virtual machine (VM) environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP).
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training within a mission-driven organization.
💡 How to Apply Physical Scientist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Physical Scientist Job
- Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS platform.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
- Ensure all educational transcripts are ready for upload.
- Click 'Apply Online' on the official job portal and follow the prompts.
- Complete the mandatory questionnaires and the USA Hire assessment.
- Monitor your email for status updates throughout the evaluation process.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will result in immediate disqualification.
- Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all federal requirements are captured.
- Set aside at least 3 hours for the USA Hire assessment.
- Review your application thoroughly before the closing date to avoid missing required documents.
- Ensure your email remains active, as all communications are digital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are multiple locations available for this position?
Yes, there are vacancies available in College Park, MD; Kansas City, MO; Bohemia, NY; and Norman, OK.
What is the education requirement for this series?
You must hold a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that includes 24 semester hours in physical science or related engineering disciplines.
Does this position offer relocation benefits?
Relocation expenses (PCS) are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
What are the primary locations?
Vacancies exist in College Park, MD; Kansas City, MO; Bohemia, NY; and Norman, OK.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Moderate Risk Security Clearance.
Job from National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration
NOAA is a premier federal agency dedicated to understanding and predicting changes in the Earth’s environment. From daily weather forecasts to severe storm warnings, NOAA's impact is felt across one-third of the American gross domestic product. By joining the NWS, you become part of a legacy of scientific excellence that sustains the Nation’s economic and social vitality.