IT Specialist Opportunity with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland

Are you an IT professional passionate about leveraging technology to support critical scientific operations? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through its National Weather Service (NWS), is seeking a skilled and dedicated IT Specialist (Observation and Data Specialist) to join their team in College Park, Maryland. This role offers a unique chance to contribute to the vital mission of monitoring and disseminating weather and climate data, ensuring that essential information reaches decision-makers and the public.

This position, classified at the GS-11 grade level, offers a competitive salary range and the opportunity to work within a prestigious federal agency. If you possess strong IT competencies, excellent problem-solving skills, and a commitment to public service, this could be the ideal career move for you.

About the Agency: NOAA and the National Weather Service

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a scientific agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine resources. NOAA's work impacts more than one-third of America's gross domestic product, providing essential services for economic vitality and national well-being.

The National Weather Service (NWS), a sub-agency of NOAA, is at the forefront of weather forecasting and hazard warnings. NWS provides the Nation's citizens, planners, emergency managers, and other decision-makers with reliable, timely, and accurate weather, water, and climate information. They achieve this through a network of sophisticated observation systems, advanced processing capabilities, and dedicated personnel.

This IT Specialist position is within the NWS Central Operations, specifically the Operational Monitoring Division. This division plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and availability of the IT infrastructure that supports these critical meteorological and climate operations.

Job Responsibilities: What You'll Do

As an IT Specialist, your primary focus will be on ensuring the smooth and continuous operation of IT systems that are fundamental to the National Weather Service's mission. You will be working under the working title of Observation and Data Specialist and your responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring IT Software: You will closely monitor IT software related to environmental observations and services, ensuring data flows correctly and systems perform optimally.
• Maintaining Systems: This includes the upkeep of problem-tracking and resolution systems, alongside managing customer service performance requirements.
• Ensuring 24/7 Operational Support: A critical aspect of this role is providing round-the-clock operational support for key NWS systems. This includes the NWS switching system, surface observation systems, web infrastructure, and other distributed architecture systems.
• Supporting Data Inquiries: You will be responsible for providing 24x7 operational support for inquiries, problems, and corrections related to observational data.
• Meteorological Oversight: This involves supporting the meteorological oversight of numerical weather and climate processing, ensuring the data feeding these models is accurate and accessible.
• Customer Support: Offering guidance and support to customers regarding IT data products and services.

Conditions of Employment: Please note that this position requires rotating shift work, and the incumbent will be designated as an Emergency Employee. This may necessitate relocation to an alternate facility outside the local commuting area during emergencies.

Requirements: Who Should Apply

To be considered for this IT Specialist position, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Security Clearance: Must be able to obtain a Moderate Risk Security Clearance. This requires a favorable background investigation.
• Selective Service: Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Qualification Deadline: All qualification requirements must be met by the announcement's closing date.
• Federal Employees: If applying as a current federal employee for a promotion, you must meet the time-in-grade requirements by the closing date.
• Probationary Period: A one-year probationary period may be required.
• Relocation: Payment of relocation expenses (PCS) is not authorized.

Education and Specialized Experience:

There is no positive education requirement for this position. However, applicants must demonstrate IT competencies and possess specific specialized experience.

IT Competencies (Required for all applicants qualifying by experience):

• Attention to Detail: Being thorough and conscientious.
• Customer Service: Assessing needs, providing assistance, and resolving problems for clients.
• Oral Communication: Effectively expressing ideas and information to others.
• Problem Solving: Identifying problems, evaluating information, and generating solutions.

To Qualify at the GS-11 Level:

Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level. This specialized experience must include all of the following:

• Monitoring real-time data flow and data processing in an operational computing environment.
• Maintaining Information Technology (IT) systems and equipment used to observe, collect, convert, process, and communicate data and information.
• Providing support and guidance to customers on IT data products and services.

Substitution of Education for Experience:

• A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management.
• OR, a degree that provided a minimum of 24 semester hours in one or more of the identified fields, requiring the development or adaptation of applications, systems, or networks.
• OR, 3 full years of progressively higher graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.

Required Documents:

• Resume: Maximum of 2 pages. Must include job title, duties, and employment dates. For federal employees, include SF-50. For veterans, include DD Form 214. CTAP/ICTAP and non-competitive eligibility documentation may also be required.
• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are required if substituting education for experience.

Salary Overview

The salary for this IT Specialist position is set at the GS-11 grade level. The annual salary ranges from $85,447 to $111,087. This range is based on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale and is subject to adjustments based on locality pay.

Benefits

As a federal employee with NOAA, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. These benefits typically include:

• Health Insurance: Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a variety of plan options.
• Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with agency contributions.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A retirement savings and investment plan, often with an agency match.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement.
• Other Insurance: Dental, vision, and long-term care insurance options.

Application Process: How to Apply

Applying for this federal position requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application is complete and considered:

1. Visit USAJOBS: Access the job announcement on USAJOBS.gov and click the "Apply Online" button.
2. Create/Log In: If you are new to USAJOBS, create an account. If you already have an account, log in.
3. Prepare Your Application: Select a resume from your saved profiles or upload a new one. Ensure it meets the 2-page limit and includes all necessary information.
4. Complete Questionnaires: Thoroughly answer all questions in the application and any associated questionnaires.
5. Upload Documents: Submit all required supporting documents, such as SF-50s, transcripts, or veteran documentation, as specified in the announcement.
6. Submit: Complete the "Certification" section and click "Submit Application" before the closing date (November 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET).
7. Assessments: If required, you will receive instructions via email and your USAJOBS account to complete USA Hire Assessments. Complete these within the specified deadline.
8. Track Status: Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account.

Application Tips for Success

• Resume is Key: Your resume is your primary tool. Ensure it is tailored to the job description, highlights relevant experience and skills, and adheres to the 2-page limit. Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder if possible.
• Documentation: Double-check that you have uploaded all the required documents. Incomplete applications are often disqualified.
• Accuracy: Verify that all information provided in your application and resume is accurate and truthful. False statements can lead to disqualification or termination.
• Communication: Keep your email address updated in your USAJOBS profile, as most communication will occur via email.
• Start Early: Do not wait until the last day to apply. Technical issues can arise, and you want ample time to complete all sections thoroughly.
• Understand the Evaluation: Be aware that your qualifications will be assessed based on your application, questionnaire responses, and USA Hire assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the salary for this position?	The salary ranges from $85,447 to $111,087 per year, corresponding to the GS-11 grade level.
What are the basic qualifications?	U.S. Citizenship, ability to obtain Moderate Risk clearance, and one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level. This experience must cover monitoring data flow, maintaining IT systems, and customer support. A relevant doctoral degree can substitute.
What is considered 'specialized experience'?	It's experience that directly relates to the duties of the position and has equipped you with the necessary skills. For this role, it involves monitoring IT systems for weather/climate data, maintaining those systems, and providing IT support to users.
Is relocation assistance offered?	No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.
What are the working conditions?	This position requires rotating shift work and is designated as an Emergency Employee, potentially requiring relocation to an alternate facility during emergencies.
How is the applicant evaluated?	Evaluation is based on your resume, questionnaire responses, and performance on mandatory USA Hire assessments, which measure key competencies like attention to detail and problem-solving.
Can I use my education to qualify?	Yes, a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field, or significant graduate study, can substitute for the specialized experience requirement. Official transcripts are required.

This IT Specialist position with the National Weather Service offers a compelling opportunity for skilled IT professionals to contribute to a vital national mission. By ensuring the reliability and performance of critical data systems, you will play an integral part in NOAA's commitment to understanding and predicting environmental changes. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to advance your federal career, we encourage you to apply. Join a team dedicated to science, service, and making a tangible impact on the nation's safety and economy.