LEAD METEOROLOGICAL TECHNICIAN
Air Education and Training Command
Posted: March 4, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Air Force Materiel Command
Department of the Air Force
Location
California
Salary
$60,986 - $96,116
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Maintenance & Trades jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $30,286 - $39,372
Typical requirements: 1 year general experience. 2 years college or associate degree.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves using scientific tools to measure and record weather conditions like temperature, wind, and cloud types, then analyzing that data to create accurate forecasts for Air Force operations.
It's based in California and suits someone with hands-on experience in military weather support who can handle rotating shifts and modern tech.
A good fit would be a detail-oriented person comfortable with technical equipment and data interpretation in a fast-paced environment.
Veteran's preference does not apply to DHA recruitment. Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for more information.
The primary purpose of this position is process the ability to measure meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation with the ability to observe and recording atmospheric characteristics, i.e., temperature, air movement, visibility, pressure, air density, cloud types and decode, plot, and systematically record data.
Experience requirements are described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions, here.
BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Examples of qualifying specialized experience include: Measuring meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation.
Observing and recording atmospheric characteristics, i.e., temperature, air movement, visibility, pressure, air density, cloud types.
Decoding, plotting, and systematically recording data related to the physical characteristics of the atmosphere, i.e., charts, diagrams, cross sections.
Collecting, analyzing, interpreting, adjusting, and verifying atmospheric and other meteorological data to confirm and improve accuracy and efficacy.
Or COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: For GS-5 and above: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as those shown above for GS-3.
Ideal Candidate (statement is placed within the announcement): The ideal candidate will have United States Air Force aviation weather experience, ability to work rotating shifts, and operate modern Air Force Weather operating systems.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have at least 1 year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the next lower broadband NJ-02, equivalent to the next lower grade GS-08 or equivalent in other pay systems.
Specialized experience is experience in measuring meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation with the ability to observe and recording atmospheric characteristics, i.e., temperature, air movement, visibility, pressure, air density, cloud types and decode, plot, and systematically record data related to the physical characteristics of the atmosphere, i.e., charts, diagrams, cross sections while collecting, analyzing, interpreting, adjusting, and verifying atmospheric and other meteorological data to confirm and improve accuracy and efficacy.
NOTE: Due to the use of 120-day rosters, this period of experience may be completed within 120 days of the closing date of this announcement.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1.
Knowledge of meteorological methods, techniques, and practices; ability to measure meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation; ability to collect, analyze, interpret, adjust, and verify atmospheric or other meteorological data for accuracy and efficacy.
2. Knowledge of all phases of military meteorological support, to include weather observing, forecasting, communications, and operation of state-of-the-art meteorological and communications equipment.
3. Knowledge of Doppler radar theory and proficiency in operating the radar and exploiting and interpreting its data. 4.
Ability to assimilate and synthesize highly technical meteorological data and output from complex weather models in order to prepare complex and specialized weather forecasts. 5.
Knowledge of meteorological related computer operations, including specialized software applications, database management, and system diagnostic functions. 6.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.
You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:
Performs specialized technical work in weather forecasting, observing, and reporting in support of the Test Wing weapons test and evaluation programs, base flying units, and other Department of Defense (DoD) agencies.
Operates complex meteorological, communications, and other related equipment; determines training needs, develops techniques and procedures to be used in forecasting weather; interprets radar displays in performing a meteorological radar watch.
Assimilates and synthesizes a vast array of highly technical meteorological data and output from complex weather models from a variety of sources in order to prepare highly complex and unique specialized forecasts supporting Eglin's weapons test programs.
Monitors all communications circuits in the weather station and assigned external sites.
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