7- i c nltjjr/2- Careers inNOAA #: ■ >-■ o. W ,.. ■ i p NOAA s we cross the threshold of a new exploratory age, as our grasp moves toward other planets and the stars, our great preoccupation turns increasingly homeward, to "Spaceship Earth," our source of life. To those whose talents and imaginations are engaged by large unknowns, this planet presents an infinity of processes and interactions linking life with the physical world, and human generated depredations with planetary survival. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is a leader in the effort to comprehend these relationships and to improve our uses of the physical environment and oceanic life. NOAA conducts research and gathers data about the oceans, atmosphere, space and sun and applies this knowledge to products and services that touch the lives of all Americans. NOAA services warn of dangerous weather, chart out our seas and skies, guide our use and protection of ocean resources, and help us plan for the future by enriching our understanding of the complex physical environment in which we live. Created within the Department of Commerce in October 1970, NOAA works on a global scale, over a broad range of disciplines. The agency's more than 12,000 employees are stationed around the globe in laboratories, ships, aircraft, undersea habitats, weather stations, and many other locations. Their tools range from weather balloons to environmental satellite systems, advanced research ships and aircraft, and some of the world's most powerful computers. For those who qualify, NOAA offers a singular opportunity to excel. DISCIPLINES Meteorologists Meteorologists at NOAA analyze weather data gathered by satellites, radiosondes, and extensive networks of instrumented stations to prepare a variety of weather forecasts for the general public and for specialized groups such as aviators, mariners, and farmers. Research meteorologists are engaged in atmospheric physics research, investigating relationships between various meteorological events at all scales, extending and refining existing theory, and improving the precision of mathematical models of atmospheric processes. They are also studying severe storms mechanics, and the feasibility of weather modification. They participate in studies which seek to use new observational, computational, and analytical technology in weather prediction, and contribute to development of new meteorological instruments — such as the NOAA satellite system. Where they are concerned with weather in a historical sense, meteorologists work as climatologists, collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and summarizing past weather information for locations all over the world. Meteorologists serve in Weather Service Offices in cities across the land; at airport weather stations, in state climatological offices, or in one of NOAA's research laboratories. They also serve aboard ships, participating with NOAA's oceanographers and geophysicists in ocean-environment research. ■ 0$ (! in . >r Fishery Scientists NOAA is responsible for the stewardship of the Nation's Living Marine Resources, and is involved with rebuilding U.S. fishery resources, recovering protected species, protecting coastal fishery habitat, and improving seafood safety. Through conservation and wise use, these resources and their habitat can be managed to benefit the Nation without jeopardizing options for the future. In fulfilling that responsibility, employment areas which command special emphasis include: • Enforcement and surveillance agents to improve enforcement effectiveness; • Fishery (managers and scientists) including biologists, sociologists, economists, statisticians and technicians to achieve higher levels of conservation and management success; • Protected species managers and scientists to resolve conflicts between people, fish stocks, marine mammals and endangered species; Habitat protection and restoration experts to gain a thorough understanding of the role of habitat to the viability of living marine resources; and Seafood quality and safety scientists and inspectors to protect human health, better utilize existing seafood resources and increase exports of high quality fishery products. Oceanographers Oceanographers are scientists whose interests are primarily with the global-ocean — its physical properties and dynamics (the circulation of currents of the waters), its interaction with the air and land; its chemical composition; the contours, structure or composition of the ocean floor; and the habits and interrelationships of the plants and animals that inhabit the levels of the sea. The work of NOAA's oceanographers covers an exciting variety of scientific activities, including the study of tsunamis (sea waves), the development of new underwater sensors, and the establishment of data systems that will achieve maximum use of their output, the study of tidal and current variations, the compilation of special bathymetric charts as part of the Nation's ocean survey (SEAMAP) program, the study of the marine environment and its effect on the distribution and abundance of commercially valuable fish, and the development of oceanographic models that help to monitor changes in the marine environment, the development and production of computer displays of oceanographic variables, and participation in national and international exploratory programs. Computer Scientists Computer Scientists are involved in all facets of NOAA's scientific mission, working in close interrelationship with every scientific discipline to provide the most coherent view possible of the physical world by organizing, statistically analyzing, archiving, and disseminating day-to-day, month-to-month, and year-to-year environmental data gathered from ships, land stations, aircraft, buoys, and satellites. The largest computers in the world are used for modeling weather and oceanic phenomena throughout NOAA. 3 ? 3 l Cartographers Cartographers construct the aeronautical and nautical charts. They also develop maps of earthquake areas, bathymetric charts, and other cartographic products, working in fixed locations and with mobile teams or ships in the field. NOAA cartographers also perform professional work in photo-interpretation, analytic photogrammetry, and aerotriangulation. Engineers Engineers at NOAA find challenging assign- ments across the full range of environmental science and service activities. General, electrical, electronic, and mechanical engineers develop instrumentation and equipment used in NCAA's investigation of the physical environment. Engineers develop advanced equipment for underwater measurements, such as the stable underwater platform for marine magnetic measure- ments, and also formulate requirements for new mechanical and instrument systems. NOAA engineers develop new environmental satellite sensors, shipboard data and navigational equipment, geodetic distance-measuring devices, meteorological instruments, infrared applications, and telemetry devices. Civil engineers with field teams conduct precise geodetic surveys, astronomic observations, photogrammetric control, and related operations throughout NOAA. Hydrologists Hydrologists at NOAA are concerned with floods and flood forecasting, river flow analysis, and supporting research in related areas. River forecast stations are located in the major river basins, and issue flood forecasts and warnings as required. On the research side, NOAA hydrologists seek to improve their comprehension of the hydrologic cycle — the movement of water between the earth, oceans, and atmosphere — and to develop new computer applications for the hydrologic projects. Electronic Technicians Electronic Technicians are vital to NOAA's increasing equipment oriented activities. Many types of electronic equipment and systems are presently used in supporting NOAA's field operations. Installation and maintenance of these essential equipments are performed by over 600 electronic technicians at various locations throughout the United States, including its territories. Electronic Technicians maintain a wide array of sophisticated equipment including radars, upper air telemetry and tracking equipment, computers, remote atmospheric data sensing equipment, processing and display systems. NOAA Corps The NOAA Corps is the smallest of the Nation's seven uniformed services with approxi- mately 400 officers. The commissioned officers are an integral part of NOAA serving in every component of NOAA. The NOAA Corps seeks men and women who desire a career that offers travel, variety, and a general, rather than specialized, scope of scientific duties. Commissions are offered to selected candidates who hold a baccalaureate or higher degree in science or engineering, meet the qualification standards, and pass the required physical examination. All newly commissioned officers attend a Basic Officer Training Class (BOTC). Upon successful completion of the BOTC, officers report to one of NOAA's ships for their first sea tour. There is a two year obligatory service period for all officers. NOAA Corps officers qualify for all military pay and benefits. * *4\k EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION NOAA follows a policy of equal opportunity in recruitment, training, promotion, and all other aspects of employment for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability. NOAA's Civil Rights Division enforces these provisions. Most applicants for Federal employment must be rated by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). It administers written examinations and/or experience and education evaluations, and issues a written verification that the applicant has met the requirements for a particular position category. When you receive eligibility, the OPM will retain your application, which is filed in a competitive inventory, for referral to NOAA or other Federal agencies seeking the best qualified candidates to fill existing vacancies. If you already have eligibility from the OPM, you may submit a Personal Qualification Statement (SF-171) for positions for which you are qualified. If you do not have Civil Service eligibility for Federal employment, you should contact the Area Office of the OPM nearest you regarding announcements in line with your education and employment interest, and proper filing procedures. If you wish either to apply for a position with NOAA, or you need additional information about specific career areas, you may contact the appropriate Personnel Office. NOAA Personnel Offices are located in Administrative Support Centers (ASCs). A list of the NOAA Personnel Offices is provided in the back of this brochure. EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS Vacations: Each year, depending upon their length of service, employees earn from 1 3 to 26 days of annual leave for vacation. Active military service in most cases counts as civilian service. Holidays: The Federal Government observes ten national holidays each year: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Other Leave: Sick Leave: Each year employees earn 13 days sick leave to be used for illness or medical, dental, or optical appointments. Unused sick leave accumulates without limit, and provides employees with excellent financial protection for periods of prolonged illness or injury. Military Leave: Members of the National Guard or the Armed Forces Reserve are entitled to military leave for training or other active duty. A maximum of 15 calendar days is allowed each year with full pay and without charge against other types of leave. Education and Training: NOAA employees are encouraged to continue their education and training. When required by program needs, employees may be assigned at full pay, to a university for full-time graduate work or other advanced study related to their duties. Fees and travel expenses may also be provided for approved attendance at work related professional conferences, conventions and seminars. NOAA may also pay tuition for job related, part-time college courses approved for employees. Travel and Moving Expenses: NO A A may pay travel and moving expenses to the first post of duty for certain hard to fill scientific positions. These expenses are paid for all employees when they are required to change their duty station. Life Insurance: Group Life Insurance is available. The Government pays one-third of the cost of the basic insurance. The amount of basic insurance depends on the employee's basic annual pay. If an employee has basic insurance, he or she also may elect standard, additional, and family optional insurance. Health Insurance: Several Group Health Insurance plans are available to eligible employees that include hospital, surgical and other medical benefits. The cost of insurance depends on the type of plan selected and the coverage desired. The Federal Government will pay about 60 percent of the average cost of health insurance. Medical Compensation Benefits: Any employee receiving an on-the-job injury or service-connected illness is entitled to medical attention, hospitalization, and compensation. Compensation payments are at least two-thirds of an employee's salary. Retirement System: Federal civilian employees are covered by either the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), or the CSRS Offset System. Employees hired under temporary appointments of less than one year or excepted intermittent appointments are covered only by the social security system. Thrift Savings Plan: The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a unique tax deferred savings plan that is similar to 401(k) plans. While employed, FERS, CSRS and CSRS Offset employees may voluntarily contribute to the TSP up to the annual maximum determined each year by the Internal Revenue Service. & &