Decision Assistance Branch (DAB)

MDL’s Goal MPB maintains the National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) and also develops short range

MDL's goal is to develop and implement scientific (1-24 hour) forecast guidance techniques. techniques into the operations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Product Generation Branch (PGB) National Weather Service (NWS). This includes Sample figures of MDL generated products (top-to- furnishing a full spectrum of forecast guidance, PGB prototypes digital products and services which bottom and left-to-right): National Digital Forecast providing interactive tools for decision assistance enhance the value of NWS forecast products, Database (NDFD) forecast temperature map; and forecast preparation, and conducting especially those associated with the National Digital Aviation Forecast Preparation System (AvnFPS) comprehensive evaluations of NWS products. MDL Forecast Database (NDFD). generated wind rose; Flash Flood Monitoring has five branches which all contribute to achieving Program (FFMP) threat basins display; and FFMP this goal. Statistical Modeling Branch (SMB) flash flood analysis chart

SMB generates statistical weather guidance products MDL Branches from numerical weather prediction models for forecasts ranging from hours to more than a week in Decision Assistance Branch (DAB) advance. Contact Information DAB develops techniques to help guide forecasters through the decision-making processes appropriate Laura Cutrer -W/OST23 for specific weather situations. Student Career Experience Program National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Evaluation Branch (EB) Meteorological Development Laboratory 1325 East-West Highway Room 10318 EB assesses the quality of NWS data, models, and Silver Spring, MD 20910 forecasts. Additionally, EB develops and maintains operational storm surge models for both hurricane FAX: (301) 713-9316 and extra-tropical storm surge.

http://www.weather.gov/mdl/coop/coop.php Mesoscale Prediction Branch (MPB) Meteorological Development Laboratory (MDL)

Career Opportunities

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Weather Service (NWS) Silver Spring, MD 20910

“The goal of the Meteorological Development Laboratory is to provide a full spectrum of forecast guidance products in support of the National Weather Service mission.” Purpose building greater self-confidence and leadership skills

MDL's Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) provides work experience which is directly related to Requirements a student’s academic program and career goals. Students in MDL’s SCEP may be converted to  U.S. citizenship and a minimum college federal employment noncompetitively at the end of sophomore status the program. SCEP benefits our students, the Sample figure of MDL generated product: Storm National Weather Service (NWS), and the National  Minimum 2.0 GPA overall, 2.5 GPA in major tide forecast for Hurricane Katrina from MDL’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes Students can gain exposure to public service while  Current college enrollment with a major in (SLOSH) model. enhancing educational goals and shaping career meteorology, computer science, etc. choices. The NWS can discover, first-hand, How to Apply students' abilities and evaluate their performance in  Demonstrated computer programming skills real work situations.  Contact your cooperative education  Commitment to work 12 months at MDL coordinator or department chairperson to Student Benefits Salary and Benefits ascertain your school’s requirements

regarding participation in a CO-OP program.  An opportunity to have a professional work  GS-4 to GS-9 (See the current Federal Next, Complete a SCEP application which is experience with NOAA scientists Salary Table for details); conversion downloadable from the potential to permanent employment following http://www.weather.gov/mdl/coop/coop.php web  An opportunity to focus on specific career successful completion of the SCEP page. interests and goals appointment and graduation; promotion potential; generous leave program; and  Mail your MDL SCEP application, resume,  An opportunity to explore post-graduation health and life insurance benefits and college transcript to the SCEP employment opportunities both inside and coordinator using the contact information outside the NWS provided on the reverse side of this pamphlet. Alternatively, you may send these  An opportunity to acquire new skills and items via e-mail to [email protected] apply those learned in the classroom while or fax them to (301) 713-9316

The Hiring Process

 After a review of your SCEP application, resume, and transcript(s), MDL may contact you to schedule an interview. If you are unable to visit the work site for the interview, MDL will conduct the interview by phone.

 As part of the interview process, MDL may request references. Therefore, be sure to select individuals who are willing to provide you with references and who are familiar with your academic background, computer skills, and work habits.

 If selected, NOAA Human Resources will contact you by phone and in writing.

 Housing arrangements are the student’s responsibility; however, MDL’s SCEP coordinator may be able to assist the student by providing the names of others

Thewishing Student to share Career living quarters. Experience Program is a component of the

Office of Personnel (OPM) Student Educational Employment Program and is regulated under the Code of Federal Regulations (5 CFR 213.3202)