Position Description
ERT is seeking a full-time atmospheric scientist to support tasks at the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), part of the National Weather Service (NWS), National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), to diagnose and evaluate the performance of NOAA’s dynamical forecast systems for enhancing the U.S. operational outlook products for subseasonal and seasonal timescales (S2S).

The candidate will be an integral part of CPC working groups for related ongoing and upcoming projects. Experiences in processing global model outputs, knowledge in statistical analysis of atmospheric and oceanic phenomena, and understanding of S2S variability and predictability of large-scale ocean-atmosphere phenomena and indices are crucial to accomplish these tasks. 

Tasks of the positions will focus on the next generation of the NOAA dynamical seasonal forecast model - the Unified Forecast System (UFS)-based coupled atmosphere-ocean-land Seasonal Forecast System (SFS). Specific duties of the position include:

• Assessment of the new NOAA reanalyses that are used to initialize SFS forecasts
• Diagnosis of the model representation of climate modes and physical processes that influence the prediction of S2S anomalies
• Evaluation of errors and forecast skill of retrospective and real-time forecasts, including comparisons with existing forecast systems and the use of METplus verification software
• Product development based on UFS-SFS forecast data. 

Required Skills
A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience leading to the following:

• Proficiency in using programming (e.g., Python and Fortran) and Unix scripting languages
• Experience in backend image rendering technologies (e.g., GrADS and Python).
• Candidates should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. 
• Experience processing global model or other NWP (numerical weather prediction) model output grids.
• Understanding of subseasonal to seasonal variability and predictability of large-scale ocean-atmosphere phenomena.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis of atmospheric and/or oceanic phenomena and/or of their representations in global model or other NWP model data.

Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident who has lived in the United States at least 3 out of the last 5 years and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain a security badge to access applicable government facilities and systems.

Education
M.S. in Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, or Hydrology or equivalent experience. PhD preferred and may be substituted for years of experience. 

Location
The position is eligible for up to 80% telework. Candidates must be able to work on site as needed at the National Center for Weather and Climate Prediction in College Park, MD, where they will work closely with scientists at both CPC and other NOAA agencies. 

Salary
The salary range for this role is $46,000 - 221,000/year. This range is a good faith estimate based on similar roles across the organization. ERT considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including the location, scope, and associated responsibilities of the specific position, as well as a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Benefits
All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our flexible benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, Rx, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• 11 Paid Federal Government Holidays
• Basic Life & Supplemental Life
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
• Skills Development & Certifications
• Professional Membership Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Competitive compensation plan
• Discretionary variable incentive bonuses based on factors such as individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance
• Publication and Conference Presentation Awards with bonuses

ERT is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer - All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

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