OHD’s Hydraulics Group & Future of Hydraulic Modeling

Opportunity to Refocus Resignations resulted in loss of expertise –creates opportunity to refocus of the group Greater emphasis on science and techniques –help the field program provide improved services at lower cost Continue to do some calibration –to maintain experience and expertise to support the field –to understand field needs –do less calibration than in the past hydraulic calibrations should be done by contractors for the RFCs Science Branch should not be a calibration shop Increase emphasis on water quality forecasting issues –Based on funding Transition software development to Software Engineering Branch –Science Branch is not a software engineering shop –field software needs to be professionally engineered Eliminate support of non-NOAA users

Reconstitute the Group Hire Group Leader GS –applications closed Jan 18 Hire GS /12/13 –sent to HR in December –maybe open this

Hydraulics Group Lead Duties Leadership: The incumbent is the non-supervisory leader of the Hydraulics Group within the Hydrologic Science and Modeling Branch (HSMB) of the Office of Hydrologic Development’s (OHD) Hydrology Laboratory. Incumbent works under the direction of the Branch Chief and the OHD Senior Scientist to lead Hydraulics Group members and support of the goals of the NOAA hydrology and water resources programs. Science to Operations: Leads the Hydraulics Group in performing cutting-edge R&D for hydraulics and including visualization and transport issues of water quality, in support of the goals of NOAA programs. R&D results are delivered to NOAA operations through the Hydrologic Software Engineering Branch (HSEB) and in collaboration with service requirements development and support programs within NOAA. Support of Operations: Supports the NOAA hydrology and water resources program through delivery of performance, capability and productivity-enhancing science and techniques. Supports the development and delivery of training in the science and use of the techniques, and the provision of technical support to NOAA operations. Collaboration: Balances original R&D with collaboration with others from Government, private industry and academia to ensure the most effective use of resources in identifying, developing, and transitioning science to operations and in supporting operations. Works closely with members of other groups within HSMB, OHD, NWS and NOAA to deliver integrated products to NOAA operations. Program Support: The incumbent supports OHD’s management team in planning, programming and executing the NOAA hydrology and water resources program.

GS /12/13 Duties Science to Operations: Performs cutting-edge R&D for hydraulics and water quality including visualization in support of the goals of NOAA programs. R&D results are delivered to NOAA operations through the Hydrologic Software Engineering Branch (HSEB) and in collaboration with service requirements development and support programs within NOAA. Support of Operations: Supports the NOAA hydrology and water resources program through delivery of performance, capability and productivity enhancing science and techniques. Supports the development and delivery of training in the science and use of the techniques, and the provision of technical support to NOAA operations. Collaboration: Works individually and as a member of a team on original R&D. Collaborates with others from Government, private industry and academia to ensure the most effective use of resources in identifying, developing, and transitioning science to operations and in supporting operations. Works closely with members of other groups within HSMB, OHD, NWS and NOAA to deliver integrated products to NOAA operations. Differences in duties between Grades 11, 12 and 13 are in experience and level of performance of these duties.

Future of Hydraulics Software Already eliminated support of non-NOAA users –Listserver, questions, etc Goal will be operational users –not external plus operational FLDWAV vs HECRAS vs Others –When staff available; execute RDM & HOSIP process to: establish requirements examine options decide what changes if necessary plan the changes execute the plan

New Orleans, September 2005