The NWS has recently announced entry level jobs openings at local Weather Forecasting Offices (WFOs) across the United States. This application is here https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/529149300# Seniors graduating this May should get their resumes ready and setup a USA Jobs account if they are interested in the weather service. Any alumni should also apply.
There have been changes to the NWS entry level titles, and the promotion progression. This application is for the GS-05/07/09 pay grade. Previously, the title was Meteorologist Intern, although it was never an internship. The next level was General/Journey Meteorologist. Now, GS-05-12 title will be Meteorologist or Forecaster. In this new system, new hires will be brought into the Weather Service at the GS 05, 07, or 09 level. From there, the meteorologist will then be promoted to each level up to GS-12 by meeting certain competencies without having to competitively bid on positions. This also provides the opportunity to remain on station (under the old system, this would basically mean you can go from “Intern” to “General/Journey”). Under the old system, it was common to come in as a Meteorologist Intern for 1-3 years, then move else where for a general forecaster position. Now, you are likely to remain on station longer as an individual can move up to the GS-12 level. We are told there still will be opportunities to move offices within the GS-05-12 progression. More details on that will be known later.
Seniors graduating this May will be eligible to apply for GS-05 positions, some may be eligible for GS-07. I would encourage selecting all Pay Grade Scale levels when applying. The worst that can happen, is you are told that you are not qualified. Just be sure not to blatantly falsify any details on your application though. For alumni with at least one year of graduate education, you are eligible at the GS-07 level, and some at the GS-09. If you have operational meteorology experience, you may be eligible for the GS-07 or GS-09 levels.