Government Work Values

Daily Duties at Government:

Proven leader with the ability to motivate teams, develop individuals, plan and implement new service and delivery programs. Represented the federal government as a subject-matter expert in discussions with private sector customers receiving contract support. Responsible for developing and implementing Continuity of Operations plan training and exercises which built and maintained necessary capabilities to prepare, prevent, protect, mitigate, respond to, and recover from emergency incidents as well as natural hazards, in accordance with current policies and doctrine. I provided agency-level program management, policy, training, and guidance on all emergency operations. Served as a team leader for disaster surveys within my area of responsibility. Frequently collaborated and influenced policymakers in evaluating programs and operations. FEDERAL FUNDS PROCESSING: Served as the Contract Official Representative (COR) for my office and others within my region. I completed the 40-hour training course as a FAC-COR level 1. As a federal supervisor, I was responsible for all business and program management operations within my office, including acquisition planning, formulating budget requirements, cost analysis, data management, and strategic communication with external agencies. I controlled the obligation and expenditure of funds for the regional approved operational budget for the office and outreach program resources to assure the funds are properly allocated and being obligated and spent in a timely and effective manner. Served as hydrology focal point at 4 offices during my career and oversee a 14 county HSA as the MIC at WFO Wilmington, NC. Lead the collaboration and coordination of hydro-meteorological preparedness activities between the WFO, RFCs, state, regional, and federal water management, and emergency management customers and partners and worked closely with NCEI and the SC and NC regional climate centers on research initiatives and outreach opportunities. I have a passion for hydrology and performed scientific investigations using creativity, originality, foresight, and sound judgment. I have participated in advisory groups to design remote sensing data products to integrate with stand-alone operational water resource management systems and I operated a government vehicle as the incidental driver. Led research to operations studies with respect to tropical program - TCM wind reduction tool and Climate studies utilizing GOES satellite imagery to determine overnight temperatures during ideal radiational cooling overnights. Deeply involved in hydrologic studies with regards to hurricane forecasting, flooding, and storm surge. Performed the full functionality of HR including; 1) Utilized and apply a wide variety of employee and labor relations management theories, concepts, principles, laws, rules, regulations, precedents, and procedures related to employee and labor relations to advise, identify interrelated problems, draw conclusions and recommend the appropriate course of action on the application of civilian personnel policies and procedures in employee relations matters (e.g., discipline, grievances, appeals, fair employment practices); 2) Applied complex fact-finding, analytical and problem-solving methods and techniques for the agency; 3) Provided written and oral communication sufficient to prepare and present findings and recommend and carry out specific actions regarding difficult issues, and 4) Advised employees and managers on basic compensation management policies and procedures (e.g., absence and leave, pay, overtime entitlements). BUDGET ADMINISTRATION: Managed the budget for the office determining supplies, equipment, training, travel, and professional development of the staff during lean federal budget times. I had direct oversight regarding local contracts for janitorial, landscaping, and HVAC systems; I had taken the appropriate training to obtain my certification as a contracting officer’s representative (COR) level 1. Performed a variety of contract management duties, including pre-award cost estimates; procurement requests; statements of work; response to pre-award inquires; reviewing contractor work and progress reports; monitoring cost, management, and overall technical performance. Secured grant funding from General Electric to promote rip current awareness along coastal beaches. Successfully negotiated with area print shops for discounted pricing to support rip current awareness outreach initiatives, weather-ready nation program, and StormReady/TsunamiReady programs. Supported all management/supervisory levels with knowledge of government and local laws, policies and regulations in employee and labor relations, performance management, personnel security, contract management, and procurement. Trained in appropriation law and budget development and applications Supervised 21 staff members and managed 12 major programs providing information and Decision Support Services to the public and core agency partners. The primary emphasis was the provision of weather and flood warnings and forecasts, climate, and hydrology programs and services. Oversaw the area-wide weather preparedness and coordination programs administered from the weather forecast office with our deep core partners, state and county municipal governments, and other stakeholders. Provided leadership, advice, and guidance in the administration of management programs, emergency planning, response, and operations as well as provide decision support service for hazardous releases. TECHNICAL COMPETENCE: Oversaw the Weather Forecast Office (WFO) science evaluation and improvement activity, including a product verification program, and professional/technical training and development efforts. I ensured that the overall program to integrate scientific and technological advances translates into WFO operational programs. This included the active development of local forecast techniques and algorithms by WFO staff and the continued interaction and technology transfer with experts from academia and from the scientific community. Analyzed budgetary and financial data from various sources and projects potential shortfalls or overruns. Recommended resolutions and adjustments of funds to senior management. I oversaw the application of the latest advances in the science to WFO operations including developmental activities, including the development of local forecast models and conduct analytical studies designed to enhance local forecasting techniques at the mesoscale level in order to meet local needs. Oversaw the overall improvement in controls by ensuring the contractor meets quality assurance requirements that are included in contracts and that there is a clear understanding of COR/contractor roles/responsibilities. Possessed the ability to analyze complex problems, research and weigh alternatives and recommend and implement solutions. Set organizational guidelines and policy for 12 programs that I supervised locally directing and mentoring team members in meeting mission objectives to ensure successful program deliverables. Directed Decision Support Services to 14 county Emergency Managers; provided detailed weather briefings on high impact weather situations affecting counties (i.e., hurricanes, major winter storms, flooding, weather support for hazmat incidences, etc.). This was accomplished by organizing meetings, conference calls, and webinars with all deep core partners and government officials. Built and maintained relationships with private, public, and government agencies. Information provided allowed emergency management officials to discuss possible evacuation decisions with the Governors of NC and SC. I also provided direct decision support services to these Governors. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing on sensitive or controversial issues with people from diverse backgrounds and at different levels of the agency as well as the ability to work effectively under stress. Provided ongoing decision support services on expected high impact weather events to emergency managers and contractors in the form of weather briefings, conference calls and webinars that impact remediation work on area Superfund sites or other hazardous material, as we have two active nuclear power plants, a major military ammunition depot and a national company that produces nuclear radioactive rods, in my area of responsibility. Possess HR experience in a unionized environment with experience in disciplinary and adverse actions, performance-based actions, grievances, appeals, union issues, leave administration issues, hours of work, overtime, and comp time. Served as Regional Chair to the National Weather Service Employees Organization for 7 years. Managed human resource needs of multiple diverse customers while dealing with sensitive and difficult issues. Skilled at recruitment, staffing, labor relations, and management-employee relations. LEADERSHIP: Responsible for the management of Weather Forecast Office human resources. Was responsible for acquiring appropriate professional and technical personnel to meet the high-level requirements of NWS operations. This included responsibility for identifying and obtaining the required training, education, and professional development of the staff at the most advantageous times, as well as for providing an environment which offers scientific and technical challenge, high morale, and motivation for improvement. Responsible for managing the office workforce, scheduling and assigning their work, evaluating performance and consolidating the input on the performance of non-supervisory staff from senior forecasters, resolving grievances and complaints, conducting disciplinary actions or counseling, and for EEO/affirmative action activity. Prepared and/or assess both short and long term programs administration with corresponding budget planning in compliance with government appropriation laws and policies. Consult quarterly with the severe weather program manager and the science operations officer to plan the integration of the output of the NWS Doppler weather radar system into the warning and forecast operations of the office. Developed a 5/1 strategic plan to improve operational accountability and quality assurance in reaction to customer complaints of product errors and radio broadcast issues. Created program to oversee and improve errors in routine and non-routine products. Developed operational checklists to monitor NOAA weather radio products and held staff accountable for improvements each year. Supported all management/supervisory levels with knowledge of government and local laws, policies and regulations in employee and labor relations, performance management, personnel security, contract management, and procurement. Highly skilled in leading and executing multiple projects at the organizational level. Transformed routine public-marine weather service operations into a new dynamic enhanced short-term forecasting process. Enabled forecasters to focus on shorter time frames to improve forecast verification and timing. Served on the national tsunami team to develop new warning response criteria for the Atlantic Ocean basin. Co-Authored research paper on recommendations in the International Science of Tsunami Hazard Journal. Coordinated, developed, and exercised a tabletop drill for a private nuclear power plant for a weather-related disaster event. Oversaw a large scale exercise injecting prepared weather events to test the flow of information and identify response deficiencies. Results led to an overhaul of the emergency action plan of the organization with best practices shared with other facilities. Engaged in conflict management training with local union steward, enlisted the help of alternative dispute resolution specialists to help resolve labor-management issues regarding operational shift responsibilities. Led a change in shift duties and work hours by introducing floating shifts, seasonal changes in schedule /duties, and cross-utilization of personnel to cover various work units. The change was introduced via staff meetings, operational workload assessment teams, and employee-led discussion groups. Results were a complete change in how the various meteorological groups functioned with improved efficiency. Developed short and long-range goals and objectives to effectively utilize human capital in the workplace; participates with administrative services in strategic human resources management planning; provided advice and guidance on human resources management principles, techniques, and acceptable practices; and advised on appropriate actions to take within a range of alternatives that assists management in accomplishing its objectives. LEADING PEOPLE: Developed the Eastern Regions' first job share policy that was adopted region-wide in response to a request by staff members. Cross-trained senior meteorologist to job share with senior service hydrologist. Encouraged staff members to develop a diversity video on how to respond to different conflicts in the workplace. The video titled “A Better Way to Respond” was forwarded to the Eastern Region EEO program manager who shared the training with other offices. Response to the video was very positive; staff received training on how to handle conflict management within the office. Established and maintained close working relationships with other NWS offices, local staff, Emergency Managers, Researcher scientist at Universities and other government officials to integrate programs and projects to ensure meeting the agency goal of protection of life and property Developed operational teams within the office to resolve operational and work/family time issues. Held monthly/quarterly meetings training the team on conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. This empowerment of staff personnel led to greater job satisfaction and morale as issues were resolved at the employee level with little management input. Morale was surveyed prior to the development of the team and then again several months later after the successful implementation of employee-driven policies to best handle work/family issues of rotating shift workers. Developed initiative to reach out to minority-based institutions within our county warning area to bring science to the students. Utilized the AMS online weather studies diversity program and assisted teachers in teaching meteorology classes, served as the guest speaker, and assisted in organizing local science fairs. Implemented a local program to have minority students’ job shadow with NWS meteorologists/hydrologist to encourage a career in science and the federal government. Invited local autistic HS student to work with office meteorologists to encourage and promote a career in meteorology. The student was highly motivated and is currently pursuing a degree in meteorology at a state university with the hope of working for the NWS. Enhanced employee performance through counseling, training, incentive awards, and successful labor relations. Developed the “Expectation and Deliverable” appraisal system locally that was shared with several Eastern region offices. Worked with each employee to develop their program management responsibilities and encourage participation in developing their independent development plan. I supported their development by providing resources; time, travel, and budget, for each employee to be successful in obtaining their professional development goals. Served as a team member for short-term projects and as a member of a standing team working in a team environment. Implemented 360-degree performance reviews. Feedback by all to all to encourage positive and negative results. Worked with individuals on negative feedback to increase performance. Training programs were designed around each employee’s weaknesses, including management. The reviewed program resulted in improved individual performance and overall office morale. RESULT DRIVEN: Managed the integration, maintenance, and logistic support activities necessary to ensure the operation of the WFO, electronic systems, and equipment that is vital to the collection, distribution, processing, and dissemination of public safety weather information. Metrics were developed for the electronic technician staff and accountability was assigned for meeting these goals. The metrics are reviewed bi-annually and improvements are required if goals were not met. ASOS operating performance of nearly 99% exceeds eastern region goals. Doppler radar performance of nearly 98% exceeds eastern region goals as well. Metrics have also been established for preventive maintenance, security scans, and equipment. Office performance is measured through the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) yearly. When I became Meteorologist-In-Charge we routinely met about one-third to one-half of the GPRA goals. Through increased accountability, additional training, drills, and weather event simulation exercises the office achieved perfection in 2009 exceeding all 16 GPRA goals, the only office in the eastern region to achieve that distinction that year. Oversaw twelve office programs. Several were underperforming due to a lack of defined objectives. I restructured all the programs, established a 5 tier performance metric to rate the programs, and provided detailed examples of requirements for each tier. A team approach was adopted and each program manager was held accountable to obtain a minimum tier 3 rating - which equates to satisfactory performance. With clearly defined objectives and a team approach, all programs are rated at least a 3 with several achieving a 4 or 5 rating – commendable or outstanding.

What they like about Government:

Working for a company with an emphasis on social values and helping society is a clear and important priority for you - a critical factor in who you choose to work for. In contrast to other factors, you place an organization's reputation for fairness and concern for the community above most other aspects of the company. As you search for a new job opportunity, it is usually possible to find out if the company is involved in the community and/or if it is addressing problems and issues in society. Pay special attention to non-profit organizations and those specifically involved in social action. Moreover, speaking with current and former employees should enlighten you to perceptions of the fairness of the company's leaders and the treatment of employees.

Tags

Forecast, Distribution, Diversity, Documentation, Government, HR, Human Resources, Instrumentation, Labor Relations, Emergency Management, Leadership, Budget, Mentoring and coaching, analytical skills, Microsoft Office Suite, Integrity, Conflict Management, Federal Appropriation Law, Communication Skills, Collaboration, Emergency Operations, Incident Command Structure

Skills

Forecast, Distribution, Diversity, Documentation, Government, HR, Human Resources, Instrumentation, Labor Relations, Organizational Leadership, Emergency Operations, Management, Communications, Empathy, Negotiation, Customer Service

These are some of the questions we asked our climbers about their experiences with Government: