RFC Service Coordination Hydrologist A Proposed Staffing Profile Adjustment for River Forecast Centers

Proposal Reprogram an existing GS-13 Senior Hydrologist position at all RFCs. Create a GS-14 Service Coordination Hydrologist to lead coordination and outreach activities. Fill as vacancies/opportunities arise.

Justification More effective NWS hydrology program through enhanced outreach and alignment of services with customer/partner needs. Addresses known problems with hydrology career ladder. –Better pool of HIC candidates. –Opportunity for currently “dead-ended” senior service hydrologists. Improved RFC management team.

Proposed Duties Leads collaboration and coordination efforts with WFOs and external customers and partners. Reviews RFC products, services, and information for adequacy in light of customer and partner needs. Represents RFC at events related to the RFC mission. Promotes full and appropriate use of RFC information.

Proposed Duties Coordinates preparedness activities with WFO SHs and HFPs. Develops educational and outreach programs designed to acquaint customers with RFC service program. Performs operations up to 30% of time. Functions as a member of the RFC management team with HIC and DOH.

Status of Proposal Justification and position description drafted. Briefed to Regional HSDs and OCWWS in October –Very well received. Briefed to HICs in October –Discussion and buy-in sought.

Next Steps Develop consensus from HICs. Estimate personnel cost.

Next Steps Propose to Workforce and HR Subcommittee of NWS Corporate Board. –May be some push-back from NWSEO. Identify opportunities to accelerate implementation.

Open Discussion