THE MOVING PROCESS WITH THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

For all of you who haven't heard yet, we are planning on moving our little family later this summer as I re-locate to the next step up as a General Forecaster for the National Weather Service. I'd like to share with you all that is involved in this process from start to finish. That way, when things really get going, you'll have an idea of what I'm talking about.

Vacancy Announcements by e-mail: Whenever a vacancy is created by a forecaster moving onto another position in another office, that first office begins the long process of filling that vacancy, by sending out a vacancy announcement to all the forecasters across the country, asking any who are interested to reply to the e-mail. If three or more NWS employees respond that they're interested, the vacancy will only be officially announced in-agency and not to the entire open public (better chances for me). (1-2 weeks)

Vacacny Officially Opens for Applications: On the offical government job application web-site, the vacancy is then announced as open for applications. If we are interested in the location, I have 2 to 3 weeks to submit my resume and application electronically. My resume is already prepared, I just have to keep it updated with little details. Although recently, an advisor here at my office has commented that he'd like to help me with my electronic resume to make sure that I'm not selling myself short. Applying for a position includes answering a set of questions to ascertain the level of my experience and qualifications, making sure my resume is up to date, and faxing in any necessary paperwork.

Vacancy Closes: After 2 to 3 weeks, no more applications are accepted for that vacancy. All applications are screened - weeding out the unqualified and keeping the qualified. The regional HR office then forwards the top (however many) candidates' applications to that office's "hiring official". The boss in every office is referred to as the MIC (Meteorolgist in Charge).

MIC Considers, Narrows Down Applicants: After the MIC receives the panel of top qualified applicants, they have 2 to 3 weeks to conduct interviews by phone and make their final selection as to who they want for the job. The MIC then submits the chosen applicant's name back to the regional HR office.

Position Offered / Awarded: The regional HR office calls the chosen applicant to offically offer the job, and tells the applicant that the MIC will be in touch to arrange a report-to-work date. This is usually around 6 weeks and is somewhat negotiable.

Packing / Preparing to Move: In the government, moves (re-locations) are paid for. The applicant receives a moving packet with information about the moving company hired to come and pack and load all the belongings. This is obviously the time to start looking for new housing in the new location.

Moving: The moving company has a set time and instructions to pack the truck, while the family moving is already on their way to the new location. Allowances and per diem Hotel stay payments are provided (for a 30-day limited time) until the family finds a new home and arranges for the moving company to deliver their belongings.

Report to Work: The applicant reports to work at the new location. Hopefully, the business of getting settled in has been taken care of by now.