Meteorological Model Developer

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: College Park, MARYLAND
Deadline: 19 Dec 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Meteorological Model Developer
Position Location Kansas City, MO or College Park, MD
Is this position eligible for hybrid or remote work? Yes - Hybrid Remote/In-Office
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202201829AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate II
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $85K - $100K
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 12/19/2022
Description of Work Unit
To serve as a nexus for multi-disciplinary cooperation between NOAA research scientists and Colorado State University research staff, faculty, and students, aligning NOAA-identified research theme areas with long-standing academic strengths of the University.
We seek to foster additional collaboration with national and international agencies who are developing related capabilities; to affect the fundamental research conducted at the University towards NOAA’s operational needs; and to communicate our research and its practical implications to the scientific community and the public.
Position Summary
This position may reside in either the College Park, MD area or the Kansas City area. Onsite presence is required at either the Aviation Weather Center office in Kansas City or the NCEP Environmental Modeling Center office in College Park, MD. The individual in this position will report to the Lead Meteorological Model Developer at CIRA/EMC and work closely with CIRA researchers at the AWC, scientists at the EMC, and external domain scientists and engineers to actively pursue the testing of new meteorological guidance and support tools. Specifically the individual in this position will focus on maximizing the forecast value of numerical model output, particularly activities centered on domestic and international aircraft operations, to improve aviation forecast and warning services to the national and international airspace system.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in atmospheric sciences, or meteorology, mathematics or a related physical science plus 3 years of experience working in a UNIX environment with advanced scripting languages (e.g. , PERL, ksh, Python, Ruby, etc.);
  • Ability to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI, federal background check);
  • Extensive experience with and knowledge of computing languages such as FORTRAN;
  • Extensive experience with numerical environmental model testing and evaluation and/or knowledge of verification principles;
  • Ability to analyze, plot, and verify prediction model output;
  • Demonstrated skill in communicating effectively with scientists of diverse backgrounds on technical details or work plans, and in presenting results accurately and clearly in both oral and written form;
  • Willingness to abide by all federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate guidance stated for contractors/affiliates working within a federal facility;
  • The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the start date. CIRA will not sponsor a visa for this position now nor in the future.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Master’s Degree in atmospheric sciences, or meteorology, mathematics or a related physical science
  • Familiarity with numerical environmental datasets, including observations and numerical environmental prediction model output;
  • Experience with MPI parallel programming;
  • Expert Knowledge of working with NCEP’s Unified Post Processing System (UPP) software system;
  • Expert knowledge in NOAA UFS;
  • In depth knowledge of NCAR aviation algorithms, such as Graphical Turbulence Guidance (GTG) and Forecast Icing Potential (FIPs);
  • Knowledge of using web-enabled technologies, such as HTML and JavaScript, to plot and display numerical environmental prediction systems;
  • Knowledge of programs to display grib2 data;
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment on complex problems;
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment;
  • Demonstrated skill in performing tasks requiring organization and attention to detail;
  • Knowledge of statistical principles and strong analytical skills;
  • Familiarity with operational numerical environmental prediction systems.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Independent Research
Duty/Responsibility
  • Provide general support and development of regional aviation hazards as post-processed from NCEP’s operational numerical environmental prediction systems;
  • Implement numerical modeling code for developmental and operational regional aviation products;
  • Participate in routine experimental projects serving as the focal point for all regional aviation centered activities at the NWS/NCEP/EMC/PPG;
  • Perform related duties as assigned.
Percentage Of Time 60%
Job Duty Category Collaborative Research
Duty/Responsibility
  • Interact with NWS/NCEP/EMC, CIRA, AWC and NCAR scientists and engineers;
  • Adhere to DOC/NOAA/NWS Information Technology policies and procedures;
  • Adhere to project-specific software development guidelines and practices;
  • Collaborate with other CIRA, AWC and EMC scientists working on similar research projects.
Percentage Of Time 30%
Job Duty Category Documentation and Reporting
Duty/Responsibility
  • Complete scientific projects in a timely fashion according to internal and external schedules;
  • Prepare software and system documentation in collaboration with team members;
  • Prepare and contribute to monthly task status reports as required by the project sponsor and CIRA;
  • Prepare and deliver technical talks and presentations, as requested;
  • Report regularly to senior project managers on project task completion status.
Percentage Of Time 10%

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Robyn Tessmer, [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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