In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary. Specialized Experience Requirement: For the GS-7: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following: Navigate safely in harsh winter terrain by ski and snowmobile in a backcountry setting (outside of ski area boundaries); Observe and record snowpack, weather and avalanche trends in a field setting; Interpret and extrapolate remote weather station data and National Weather Service products including meteorological models; Communicate to large groups weather conditions to make informed and safe travel decisions, ie: skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, snowshoers, emergency personnel, youth programs, media (TV, radio, newspapers, etc.); Collect, analyze, and interpret weather conditions using a wide variety of computer programs and applications. OR one full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position (such as meteorology, mathematics, engineering, or physical science); OR combinations of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. For the GS-8: You must have one year specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following: Analyze snowpack, mountain weather and avalanche trends in a field setting; Utilize multiple sources of information to compile information for avalanche forecasts and warnings; Collect, analyze, interpret, adjust and verify atmospheric and other meteorological data to confirm and improve accuracy and efficacy; Measure meteorological phenomena with scientific equipment and instrumentation. In addition to meeting the Specialized Experience requirement, you must also meet the Selection Placement Factors listed below. Selective Factors (Screen out Elements): Demonstrate the ability to perform field checks of snow stability conditions often involving extreme physical exertion during severe winter weather in high mountainous backcountry terrain. AND Possess Avalanche Professional Level 1 or 2 (Pro 1 or Pro 2) or equivalent education and experience. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.