Residence and Virtual Courses

Course Number: AROS Maintenance

Contact(s): Tom Burgdorf (816-623-0318)

Type of Course: Residence 10.0 days

Audience: ETs, RMSs and ESAs

Prerequisites:

• Hydrogen Safety Course
• Remote Operators Course
• Local Operators Course

Course Overview: The course consists of the theory of operation, circuit analysis and practical application of preventative and corrective maintenance of the Upper Air AROS system.

Course Objective: To provide site personnel (ESA,RMS, ET) with sufficient familiarization with the AROS system to perform the system administration operation, maintenance, and repair. Maintenance training shall use a "hands-on" approach to instructions. Graduates of the maintenance course shall be able to: assemble and disassemble the AROS system lowest repairable units in accordance with the NWS and manufacturer's instructions and documentation; perform troubleshooting to identify and isolate malfunctions; analyze available programming techniques to perform system/subsystem interface checks and perform corrective and preventative maintenance of equipment.

Course Topics:

• Organization and use of system manuals
• System administration of software and firmware installation
• Use of diagnostic firmware
• Remote maintenance monitoring
• Preventive maintenance procedures
• Corrective maintenance procedures
• System interconnections
• System troubleshooting
• Gas flow systems - hydrogen/helium
• Pneumatic systems
• Custom Maintenance Tools

Testing: There is a written test for this course.

Materials: All course materials are provided.

Required: Bring Laptop with software preloaded. The required software will be listed in the course welcome email when you receive it from the NWSTC.

Recommended: Upper Air Graw MROS Observer Curriculum (CLC)

Course Number: S1003 - ASOS MAINTENANCE

Contact(s): Bob Retzlaff (816-535-0630)

Type of Course: Residence - 13 working days

Objectives: To provide NWS Electronic Technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to calibrate, perform preventive maintenance, and perform corrective maintenance on the ASOS system including all sensors. Corrective maintenance is taught to the Field Replacement Unit (FRU) level consistent with the current ASOS maintenance philosophy. Students will understand both the diagnostic and operational levels of ASOS communications software. Students will leave the course with an understanding of the overall concept of the ASOS system.

Contents: This course will cover organization and use of system manuals; hands-on use of diagnostic firmware for the detection of failed sensors and assemblies, and testing of replaced units; hands-on use of built-in test equipment; removal and replacement instructions for failed assemblies; preventive maintenance requirements and procedures; the running of remote maintenance monitoring and diagnostic systems test; maintenance alignment of sensors; system interconnections; firmware installation and trouble-shooting; and an introduction to all aspects of ASOS software. Also covered is iformation on current ASOS problem areas as identified by field technicians and specialists, which will be of interest to technicians until the problems have been corrected.

Syllabus: Please read prior to attending: ASOSsyllabus.pdf

Materials: All materials are provided.

Prerequisites: None

ACE Recommendations: The American Council on Education has recommended three semester hours in Digital & Electronics Systems Maintenance in the lower division baccalaureate associate degree category. Recommendation retroactive to 10/93.

The ACE has also reviewed the previous ASOS Maintenance Course. The ASOS I course was recommended for two semester hours in Electronic in the vocational degree category retroactive to 1/92. For ASOS II, the recommendation is three semester hours in the Meteorological Instrumentation and one in Physical Science Laboratory in the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category retroactive to 2/92.

Course Number: ASOS Sensor Only Maintenance Course

Contact(s): Bob Retzlaff (816-535-6030); Jared Baker (816-708-0816) Heather Gardner Team Lead (816-388-0678)

Type of Course: In residence for 7.0 days at the NWSTC

Audience: New hire NWS, FAA, and DOD personnel who are responsible for maintenance of the ASOS system

Prerequisites: None

Course Description: The ASOS Sensor Only Maintenance Course provides maintenance training for the ASOS sensors. The training consists of classroom lectures and hands-on equipment experience. Learners will gain practical experience performing hardware and software configuration, preventative and corrective maintenance procedures, and sensor troubleshooting

Please note: This course is for ASOS sensors and does not include the ACU, DCP, or SCA

Course Objectives: To provide newly hired NWS, FAA and DOD maintenance personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully maintain the ASOS sensors. This course will cover the following topics:

• Organization and use of system manuals
• Sensor preventive maintenance
• Diagnosing and testing sensors
• Removal and Replacement of failed sensors
• Sensor alignments
• Sensor interconnections
• Provide information on current ASOS sensor issues as identified by field technicians and maintenance specialists

Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course the learner will be able to:

• Evaluate ASOS sensor status
• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance of ASOS sensors
• Repair ASOS sensor failures

Evaluation Criteria: Student progress is monitored using the following items:

• Written Multiple Choice Examinations
• Completion of the Lab Manual Exercises

Materials: All materials are provided.

Course Number: M18X2 - AWIPS 2 System Administration

Contact(s): Randy Schupbach (816-533-6530) Dennis Blondin (816-376-0447) Wes Craven (816-623-6144)

Type of Course: Residence

Objectives: The AWIPS 2 System Administration course provides knowledge of hardware and software, data flow and configuration, etc. to the various personnel at field offices and national centers responsible for performing system administration. Class lectures and lab exercises stress the importance of system monitoring, knowledge of configuration and troubleshooting to ensure a secure and stable operating environment.

Course Structure: The AWIPS 2 System Administration course is completed in residence at the National Weather Service Training Center. Enrollment in the residence course should be coordinated with your supervisor and Regional Headquarters.

Prerequisites: Prior to attending the residence course, the following requirements shall be met:

• Six months of AWIPS 2 system administration experience including software/hardware installation, basic system monitoring (Appendix I of the System Managers Manual), configuration and troubleshooting in conjunction with NCF.
• Completion of a LINUX System Administration residence course at NWSTC. Linux certifications or proof of extensive experience with Linux is also acceptable.

Materials: A copy of the residence course lecture modules and lab exercises are provided by the NWSTC and include:

• A hard copy consisting of four binders for use during the residence course
• A digital copy in pdf format on VLab. Permission to access the digital materials is granted after attending the residence course.

Course Number: CNO 101 - Cooperative Network Operations

Contact(s): Alzina Foscato (816-287-0004)

Type of Course: Blended course integrating online course prerequisites and 8.0 days in residence at the NWSTC.

Target Audience: NWS personnel assigned to maintain and/or manage the WFO Cooperative Observation Program (COOP).

Eligible Agencies: NWS-only

Course Start/End Times: Tuesday 8:00 am - Thursday 5:00 pm (Week 2)

Course Travel Information: Travel to the course occurs the Monday before the start of the course. Return travel can begin the evening of the second Thursday, but participants should not schedule return flights departing before 6:30 pm. More specific instructions will be sent to students and supervisors six to eight weeks before the start of the course.

Course Goal: To provide the knowledge and skills needed to maintain and manage the Cooperative Observation Program and its associated equipment, and how COOP supports the Climate, Hydrologic, and Forecast & Warning programs within the NWS, NOAA, and other partner agencies.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

• Describe cooperative network requirements, purposes, and objectives.
• Describe methodologies for COOP site selection and instrument siting based on NWS programmatic requirements and siting standards.
• Learn techniques to recruit and train COOP observers.
• Manage the local COOP awards program.
• Install and maintain cooperative network equipment.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency of administrative duties associated with the COOP program, which includes: metadata documentation, station inspections reports, equipment purchase/replacement, dataflow to meet operational and historical archive requirements, and other duties assigned to support the NOAA, NWS, and WFO mission.
• Describe the role of NCEI and other agencies in relation to the COOP program.
• Perform quality control on cooperative network data.
• Maintain operational programs associated with the COOP Observer Networks (e.g. STAMS, WxCoder III, IV-ROCS).
• Describe how Complimentary Observing Programs are used with regards to COOP and the WFO Data Acquisition programs.

Course Content: This course contains a mixture of cooperative program information and equipment repair lessons. There is a strong emphasis of hands-on for observational procedures, instrument siting, metadata collection, and equipment repairs. The course covers topics such as quality assurance and quality control, station visitation, site mapping, metadata documentation and (STAMS) usage, equipment preventive maintenance and repair, and snow measurement procedures.

Prerequisites: Course prerequisites are assigned to the student after selection by the region. The student will receive an email with instructions. Prerequisites may include reading assignments, viewing presentations or videos, or participating in discussions or assignments prior to class. Follow-up quizzes will be completed in the Commerce Learning Center. Prerequisites must be completed prior to coming to attending class.

ACE Accreditation: The American Council on Education has not reviewed this course for recommendation of college credit.

Course Number: CNO 201 - Cooperative Network Operations

Contact(s): Alzina Foscato (816-287-0004)

Type of Course: Blended course integrating online course prerequisites and 4.0 days in residence at the NWSTC.

Target Audience: NWS personnel assigned to maintain and/or manage the WFO Cooperative Observation Program (COOP).

Eligible Agencies: NWS-only

Course Start/End Times: Tuesday 8:00 am - Friday 5:00 pm or Monday 8:00 am - Thursday 5:00 pm

Course Travel Information: Travel to the course occurs the Monday or Sunday before the start of the course. Return travel can begin the evening of Friday or Thursday, but participants should not schedule return flights departing before 6:30 pm. More specific instructions will be sent to students and supervisors six to eight weeks before the start of the course

Course Goal: To provide a refresher and more in-depth knowledge and skills needed to maintain and manage the Cooperative Observation Program and its associated equipment, and how COOP supports the Climate, Hydrologic, and Forecast & Warning programs within the NWS, NOAA, and other partner agencies

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

• Learn techniques to recruit and train COOP observers.
• Manage the local COOP awards program.
• Install and maintain cooperative network equipment.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency of administrative duties associated with the COOP program, which includes: metadata documentation, station inspections reports, equipment purchase/replacement, dataflow to meet operational and historical archive requirements, and other duties assigned to support the NOAA, NWS, and WFO mission.
• Describe the role of NCEI and other agencies in relation to the COOP program.
• Perform quality control on cooperative network data.
• Maintain operational programs associated with the COOP Observer Networks (e.g. STAMS, WxCoder III, IV-ROCS).
• Describe cooperative network requirements, purposes, and objectives.
• Describe methodologies for COOP site selection and instrument siting based on NWS programmatic requirements and siting standards.

Course Content: This course contains a mixture of cooperative program information and equipment repair lessons. There is a strong emphasis of hands-on for observational procedures, instrument siting, metadata collection, and equipment repairs. The course covers topics such as quality assurance and quality control, station visitation, site mapping, metadata documentation and (STAMS) usage, equipment preventive maintenance and repair, and snow measurement procedures.

Prerequisites: Course prerequisites are assigned to the student after selection by the region. The student will receive an email with instructions. Prerequisites may include reading assignments, viewing presentations or videos, or participating in discussions or assignments prior to class. Follow-up quizzes will be completed in the Commerce Learning Center. Prerequisites must be completed prior to coming to attending class.

ACE Accreditation: The American Council on Education has not reviewed this course for recommendation of college credit.

Course Number: FPR011 - Fall Protection and Rescue

Contact(s): Kristine Berry (816-514-0257);

Type of Course: In residence for 2.5 days at the NWSTC

Audience: NWS personnel required to climb elevated structures ( less than 100 ft) as a function of their duties and have not attended initial fall protection training.

Prerequisites: None

Course Objective: This course includes classroom instruction and hands-on training (equipment donning, estimation of safe clearance, climbing, and simple rescue techniques for towers below 100 feet.) Practical exercises are performed on the Rohn towers installed at NWSTC. Climbing/fall protection equipment (harnesses and 100% tie-off lanyards etc.) will be individually inspected. and issued to students during the class. Course attendees who will climb as part of their job will keep the equipment and take it back to their field offices.

Course Materials: The Technician's office is expected to order climbing/fall protection equipment (harnesses and 100% tie-off lanyards etc.) prior to class and bring/ship to the Training Center for class.

Dress Code: Participants are expected to wear sturdy shoes during practical exercises. Coveralls, safety shoes, and gloves are recommended.

Notes: Contact Kristine Berry (NWSTC) for lodging/transportation information only after you receive your welcome letter one month before the course.

Course Number: FPR11R - Fall Protection and Rescue Recertification

Contact(s): Kristine Berry (816-514-0257);

Type of Course: In residence for 2.5 days at the NWSTC

Audience: NWS personnel required to climb elevated structures, who have been initially trained or recertified in fall protection and simple rescue techniques for towers below 100 ft, and assigned to perform fall protection rescue duties.

Prerequisites: None

Course Objective: This 2.5-day course includes extensive hands-on training. Students will review and improve their knowledge of fall protection, climbing, and rescue skills. The course curriculum includes a comprehensive equipment inspection under supervision of instructors. Practical exercises are performed on the Rohn towers installed at the NWSTC.

Course Materials: Students are required to bring all climbing equipment issued to them so equipment can be inspected and approved for further use. Equipment can be sent to the Training Center before the class so it would not have to be carried to NWSTC.

Dress Code: Participants are expected to wear sturdy shoes during practical exercises. Coveralls, safety shoes, and gloves are recommended..

Notes: Contact Kristine Berry (NWSTC) for lodging/transportation information only after you receive your welcome letter one month before the course.

Course Number: DSS01 - IDSS Deployment Boot Camp

Contact(s): Jim Keeney (816-408-0205)

Type of Course: Blended course integrating online course prerequisites and 4 days of drills, exercises, and simulations in residence at the NWSTC

Target Audience: NWS personnel who will deploy to an incident or emergency operations center to provide on-site weather support to core partners

Course Description: This course uses exercises and simulations to reinforce skills trainees learned in the IDSS Professional Development Series. Instructors place emphasis on successfully working within the Incident Command System (ICS) and communication of weather and water information to emergency managers and other core partners. Trainees will complete numerous briefings and interviews and receive coaching to help them enhance their IDSS skills.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Deploy onsite and effectively perform position activities in support of core partners and their goals.
2. Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and respect during deployment.
3. Gather and assess mission-critical weather and/or water information with NOAA and core-partner team members to accomplish objectives and ensure team safety.
4. Effectively communicate relevant information with NOAA and core-partner team members in a timely and appropriate manner.

Required Pre-requisites: In order to be eligible to attend this course, employees must complete the following items and be signed off by their supervisor:

• IDSS Professional Development Series Competency Units 1-6
• Note: You do not have to complete ICS-300 within PCU 6 to be eligible
• Critical Incident Stress Management Module on the CLC

Eligible Non-NWS Personnel: This course currently accepts only NWS employees.

Course Number: Introduction to NWS Linux Systems

Contact(s): Ronald Robinson (816-535-8344)

Type of Course: Residence - 4 days

Target Audience: All ETs, ESAs, ITOs, and others who need introductory knowledge of Linux administration as part of their assigned duties. New ESAs and ITOs take priority when nominated to attend training.

Overview: This is one of a two part Linux System Administration curriculum that is offered by the NWSTC. This ENTRY-LEVEL Linux system administration course is designed to support a large variety of field activities which utilize the Linux operating system. This course provides students with Linux administration survival skills, which are applicable to AWIPS, NEXRAD, and standalone Linux workstations and servers within the NWS.

Objective: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify Linux core concepts and perform entry-level Linux system administration on NWS equipment.

Topics:

• Introduction to Linux
• Basic Command Entry
• Navigating the Directory Structure
• Working with Files and Directories
• Editing Files
• Linux File and Directory Permissions
• Managing Linux Processes
• Linux Daemons and Services
• Introduction to ssh
• Introduction to NWS Networking
• Introduction the NWS Linux Security

Required Prerequisites: None

Materials: All course materials are provided.

Course Number: MGT05 - Management & Supervision

Contact(s): Jeffrey Zeltwanger (816-406-0715)

Type of Course: A blended course integrating online course prerequisites / pre-work and eight (8) days in residence at the NWSTC.

Target Audience: All GS supervisors hired into their first supervisory position in the NWS; also non-supervisory managers in the NWS as space allows

Course Start/End Times: Tuesday 8:00 am - Thursday 5:00 pm

Course Travel Information: Travel to the course occurs the Monday before the start of the course. Return travel can begin Thursday evening of the second week, but participants should not schedule return flights departing before 6:30 pm. More specific instructions will be sent to students eight to ten weeks before the start of the course.

Course Description: This course fulfills the new supervisor training in compliance with NOAA, OPM, and the 5 CFR.

Course Goals: To provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for new supervisors to successfully supervise the people and manage the operations in the NWS, NOAA, and federal service.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:

• Practice personal accountability as a supervisor.
• Distinguish between management, supervision, and leadership.
• Apply conflict management concepts.
• Build and strengthen teams.
• Develop effective team communication
• Use constructive techniques for motivating and rewarding employees.
• Follow basic labor laws and identify supervisor responsibilities in a collective bargaining environment.
• Appropriately address issues with employees.
• Use coaching skills.

Required Prerequisites: Specific learning plans will be assigned to new supervisors upon enrollment in the Management & Supervision curriculum. Additional details, including the course schedule, requirements, and materials for the residence course will be provided to participants with the welcome letter approximately eight to ten weeks before the course. Non-residence prerequisite work requires the following:

• Complete the following Learning Plans on the Commerce Learning Center:
• NWS M&S Program Supervisory Foundation Learning Plan (SFLP - assigned when you become a new supervisor)
• NWS M&S Program Strategic Initiatives Learning Plan (SILP - assigned when you become a new supervisor)
• NWS M&S Program Residence Course Preparation Learning Plan (CPLP - assigned roughly 8-10 weeks before attending the residence course)

Eligible Non-NWS Personnel: Attendance for any Non-NWS personnel will be considered by the OCLO on a case by case basis.

Course Number: J720-21 MROS-G

Contact(s): Tom Burgdorf (816-623-0318)

Type of Course: Residence 3.0 days

Audience: ETs, RMSs and ESAs

Prerequisites: None

Course Overview: The course consists of the theory of operation, circuit analysis and practical application of preventative and corrective maintenance of the Upper Air Graw MROS (MROS-G) system.

Course Objective: To provide site personnel (ESA, ET) with sufficient familiarization with the MROS-G system to perform the system administrator, operation, maintenance, and repair. Maintenance training shall use a "hands-on" approach to instructions. Graduates of the maintenance course shall be able to: assemble and disassemble the MROS-G system lowest repairable units in accordance with the NWS and manufacturer's instructions and documentation; perform troubleshooting to identify and isolate malfunctions; analyze available programming techniques to perform system/subsystem interface checks, and perform corrective and preventative maintenance of equipment.

Course Topics:

• Organization and use of system manuals
• Use of diagnostic firmware
• Use of built-in test equipment
• Removal and replacement instructions
• Preventive maintenance procedures
• Remote maintenance monitoring
• Maintenance alignment of sensors
• System interconnections
• System administration of software and firmware installation and troubleshooting

Recommended: Upper Air Graw MROS Observer Curriculum (CLC)

Materials: All course materials are provided.

Course Number: J730-21 MROS-V

Contact(s): Tom Burgdorf (816-623-0318)

Type of Course: Residence 3.0 days

Audience: ETs, RMSs and ESAs

Prerequisites: None

Course Overview: The course consists of the theory of operation, circuit analysis and practical application of preventative and corrective maintenance of the Upper Air Graw Vaisala (MROS-V) system./p>

Course Objective: To provide site personnel (ESA, ET) with sufficient familiarization with the MROS-V system to perform the system administrator, operation, maintenance, and repair. Maintenance training shall use a "hands-on" approach to instructions. Graduates of the maintenance course shall be able to: assemble and disassemble the MROS-V system lowest repairable units in accordance with the NWS and manufacturer's instructions and documentation; perform troubleshooting to identify and isolate malfunctions; analyze available programming techniques to perform system/subsystem interface checks, and perform corrective and preventative maintenance of equipment.

Course Topics:

• Organization and use of system manuals
• Use of diagnostic firmware
• Use of built-in test equipment
• Removal and replacement instructions
• Preventive maintenance procedures
• Remote maintenance monitoring
• Maintenance alignment of sensors
• System interconnections
• System administration of software and firmware installation and troubleshooting

Recommended: Upper Air Vaisala MROS Observer Curriculum (CLC)

Materials: All materials are provided.

Course Number: NWS Foundations

Contact(s): Jeffrey Zeltwanger (816-406-0715)

Type of Course: Blended course integrating online course prerequisites, webinars, and 3 days in residence at the NWSTC.

Target Audience: NWS federal employees of all series and grade levels hired into the NWS for the first time.

Eligible Agencies: NWS-only

Course Start/End Times: Tuesday 8:00 am - Thursday 4:30 pm

Travel Information: Travel to the course occurs the Monday before the start of the course. Return travel can begin Thursday evening, but participants should not schedule return flights departing before 6:30 pm. More specific instructions will be sent to students and supervisors six to eight weeks before the start of the course.

Course Description: It is critical for a new employee to develop new knowledge, skills, and attitudes for success in their NWS career and that they are oriented to the future the NWS is continuing to build.

This course is designed to lay a foundation of positive attitudes, effective teamwork, every level leadership, effective communication, and lifelong learning for each new employee as well as for the future of the entire agency. Additionally, this program will allow new hires to start building a wide-reaching professional network across the NWS early in their careers.

Course Goals: To improve the culture of the NWS by strengthening new employee:
(1) knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding the agency, our customers, and the work environment,
(2) tendencies towards teamwork and networking,
(3) abilities to communicate, lead, and commit to lifelong learning.

Course Outcomes: Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:

• Describe our agency and how their role impacts the mission.
• Identify how attitudes, awareness, and communication impact our personnel and the agency.
• Perform self-reflection and self-awareness exercises.
• Learn multiple techniques to facilitate personal and professional success within the agency.
• Develop multiple strategies for improving teamwork.
• Demonstrate every-level leadership skills.
• Network with a wide spectrum of NWS employees.
• Identify resources for professional development.

Required Prerequisites: Specific course schedule, requirements and materials will be provided to participants with the selection letter and welcome packet approximately six to eight weeks before the course.

The non-residence segment of this course begins after receiving the welcome letter. Non-residence prerequisite work requires the completion of (time estimate in parenthesis):

• Welcome to NOAA: A Journey of Discovery (1 hour)
• Welcome to the National Weather Service (45 minutes)
• NWS Directives (10 minutes)
• Developing a Plan to Further Your Career (30 minutes)

Note: These courses are a part of the New Hire Learning Plan assigned to you in the CLC when you are hired into the NWS, so in most cases there is no need to enroll in these courses separately.

Course Number: B2201 - NWR TRANSMITTER - Armstrong Classic

Contact(s): Derek Urch (816-379-6211); Heather Gardner Team Lead (816-388-0678)

Type of Course: In residence for 5.0 days at the NWSTC

Audience: ESAs, ETs, and NWR contractors

Prerequisites: CLC Online Course: NWR Introductory Course

Course Overview: The course consists of the theory of operation, maintenance procedures, and practical application of diagnostic techniques of the Armstrong Classic (G300/G1000) Weather Radio transmitters. Use of the ROAMS (Remote Off Air Monitoring System), and the Armstrong interface software is covered.

The NWR training employs multiple training delivery methods for cost efficient and effective learning. This training consists of three principal venues:

1. Student self-study:
   • An overview of the NWS Program
   • All the NWR support software, available Maintenance Notes, Modification Notes, and Manuals are under the NWR/CRS/WRIP section of the OBS3 website
   • Explanation of SAME codes
   • Explanation of FIPS codes
2. CLC Online Course: NWR Introductory Course.
3. NWSTC Residence Course: Students will travel to NWSTC for hands-on training in the NWR Lab.

Course Objective: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the skills required to maintain the Armstrong Classic Weather Radio transmitter at established National Weather Service Standards.

Learning Topics:

• System manual layout and content
• System overview
• Installation requirements
• Operation
• Principles of operation
• Removal and replacement of LRUs (Lowest Replaceable Unit) or FRU (Field Replaceable Unit)
• Test equipment setup and connections
• Control and monitoring with a computer
• ROAMS Operation
• Maintenance and adjustments - including PMs in the Maintenance Schedule and sending/receiving tones remotely from BMH
• VHF single cavity tuning
• Troubleshooting

Testing: There is a written test for this course.

Materials: All course materials are provided.

Course Number: B2301 - NWR TRANSMITTER - Armstrong 2010

Contact(s): Derek Urch (816-379-6211); Heather Gardner Team Lead (816-388-0678)

Type of Course: In residence for 5.0 days at the NWSTC

Audience: ESAs, ETs, and NWR contractors

Prerequisites: CLC Online Course: NWR Introductory Course

Course Overview: The course consists of the theory of operation, maintenance procedures, and practical application of diagnostic techniques of the Armstrong-2010 (G300B/G1000B) Weather Radio transmitters. Use of the ROAMS (Remote Off Air Monitoring System), and the Armstrong interface software is covered.

The NWR training employs multiple training delivery methods for cost efficient and effective learning. This training consists of three principal venues:

1. Student self-study:
   • An overview of the NWS Program
   • All the NWR support software, available Maintenance Notes, Modification Notes, and Manuals are under the NWR/CRS/WRIP section of the OBS3 website
   • Explanation of SAME codes
   • Explanation of FIPS codes
2. CLC Online Course: NWR Introductory Course.
3. NWSTC Residence Course: Students will travel to NWSTC for hands-on training in the NWR Lab.

Course Objective: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills required to maintain the Armstrong-2010 (G300B/G1000B) Weather Radio transmitter at established National Weather Service Standards.

Learning Topics:

• System manual layout and content
• System overview
• Installation requirements
• Operation
• Principles of operation
• Removal and replacement of LRUs (Lowest Replaceable Unit) or FRU (Field Replaceable Unit)
• Test equipment setup and connections
• Control and monitoring with a computer
• ROAMS Operation
• Maintenance and adjustments - including PMs in the Maintenance Schedule and sending/receiving tones remotely from BMH
• VHF single cavity tuning
• Troubleshooting

Testing: There is a written test for this course.

Materials: All course materials are provided.

Course Number: B2701 - NWR TRANSMITTER - CEC

Contact(s): Derek Urch (816-379-6211); Heather Gardner Team Lead (816-388-0678)

Type of Course: In residence for 4.0 days at the NWSTC

Audience: ESAs, ETs, and NWR contractors

Prerequisites: CLC Online Course: NWR Introductory Course

Course Overview: The course consists of the theory of operation, maintenance procedures, and practical application of diagnostic techniques of the CEC Weather Radio transmitters. Use of the ROAMS (Remote Off Air Monitoring System), and the CEC interface software is covered.

The NWR training employs multiple training delivery methods for cost efficient and effective learning. This training consists of three principal venues:

1. Student self-study:
   • An overview of the NWS Program
   • All the NWR support software, available Maintenance Notes, Modification Notes, and Manuals are under the NWR/CRS/WRIP section of the OBS3 website
   • Explanation of SAME codes
   • Explanation of FIPS codes
2. CLC Online Course: NWR Introductory Course.
3. NWSTC Residence Course: Students will travel to NWSTC for hands-on training in the NWR Lab.

Course Objective: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills required to maintain the CEC Weather Radio transmitter at established National Weather Service Standards.

Learning Topics:

• System manual layout and content
• System overview
• Installation requirements
• Operation
• ROAMS Operation
• Theory of operation
• Maintenance and adjustments - including PMs in the Maintenance Schedule and sending/receiving tones remotely from BMH
• Removal and replacement procedures
• Test equipment setup and connections
• Alignments and adjustments

Testing: There is a written test for this course.

Materials: All course materials are provided.

Course Number: B1901 - NWR TRANSMITTER - CROWN

Contact(s): Derek Urch (816-379-6211); Heather Gardner Team Lead (816-388-0678)

Type of Course: In residence for 5.0 days at the NWSTC

Audience: ESAs, ETs, and NWR contractors

Prerequisites: CLC Online Course: NWR Introductory Course

Course Overview: The course consists of the theory of operation, maintenance procedures, and practical application of diagnostic techniques of the Crown 100, 300, and 1000 watt Weather Radio transmitters. Use of the ROAMS (Remote Off Air Monitoring System), and the RTC-Gentner interface software is covered.

The NWR training employs multiple training delivery methods for cost efficient and effective learning. This training consists of three principal venues:

1. Student self-study:
   • An overview of the NWS Program
   • All the NWR support software, available Maintenance Notes, Modification Notes, and Manuals are under the NWR/CRS/WRIP section of the OBS3 website
   • Explanation of SAME codes
   • Explanation of FIPS codes
2. CLC Online Course: NWR Introductory Course.
3. NWSTC Residence Course: Students will travel to NWSTC for hands-on training in the NWR Lab.

Course Objective: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills required to maintain the CROWN Weather Radio transmitter at established National Weather Service Standards.

Learning Topics:

• System manual layout and content
• System overview
• User interface and operations
• Installation and startup
• Principles of operation
• Removal and replacement of LRUs (Lowest Replaceable Unit) or FRU (Field Replaceable Unit)
• ROAMS Operation
• Test equipment setup and connections
• Software installation
• Maintenance and adjustments - including PMs in the Maintenance Schedule and sending/receiving tones remotely from BMH
• VHF single cavity tuning
• Troubleshooting

Testing: There is a written test for this course.

Materials: All course materials are provided.

Course Number: B2401 - NWR TRANSMITTER - NAUTEL

Contact(s): Derek Urch (816-379-6211); Heather Gardner Team Lead (816-388-0678)

Type of Course: In residence for 4.0 days at the NWSTC

Audience: ESAs, ETs, and NWR contractors

Prerequisites: CLC Online Course: NWR Introductory Course

Course Overview: The course consists of the theory of operation, maintenance procedures, and practical application of diagnostic techniques of the Nautel NG-300/NG-1000 Weather Radio transmitters. Use of the ROAMS (Remote Off Air Monitoring System), and the Nautel interface software is covered.

The NWR training employs multiple training delivery methods for cost efficient and effective learning. This training consists of three principal venues:

1. Student self-study:
   • An overview of the NWS Program
   • All the NWR support software, available Maintenance Notes, Modification Notes, and Manuals are under the NWR/CRS/WRIP section of the OBS3 website
   • Explanation of the SAME and FIPS codes and their application to NWR
   • The Nautel NG-300/NG-1000 Factory Manual will be available to the student to familiarize themselves before attending the course.
2. CLC Online Course: NWR Introductory Course.
3. NWSTC Residence Course: Students will travel to NWSTC for hands-on training in the NWR Lab.

Course Objective: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills required to maintain the Nautel Weather Radio transmitter (NG-300/NG-1000) at established National Weather Service Standards.

Learning Topics:

• System manual layout and content
• System overview
• Installation requirements
• Principles of operation
• Troubleshooting
• Maintenance and adjustments - including PMs in the Maintenance Schedule and sending/receiving tones remotely from BMH
• Removal and replacement of LRUs (Lowest Replaceable Unit) or FRU (Field Replaceable Unit)
• Test equipment setup and connections
• Alignments
• VHF single cavity tuning
• ROAMS

Testing: There is a written test for this course.

Materials: All course materials are provided.

Course Number: NWR TRANSMITTER - NWRUP

Contact(s): Derek Urch (816-379-6211); Heather Gardner Team Lead (816-388-0678)

Type of Course: In residence for 5.0 days at the NWSTC

Audience: ESAs, ETs, and NWR contractors

Prerequisites: CLC Online Courses listed below

Course Overview: The course consists of the theory of operation, maintenance procedures, and practical application of diagnostic techniques of NWRUP.

The NWR training employs multiple training delivery methods for cost efficient and effective learning. This training consists of two principal venues:

1. CLC Online Courses: These courses will take approximately eight hours to complete
   • DEVASC: Network & Network Communication Basics
   • DEVASC: Network Components, Connectivity, & Troubleshooting
   • DEVASC: IPv4 Addressing, Binary Conversion, & Subnetting
   • NWS Data Comms Introduction
2. NWSTC Residence Course: Students will travel to NWSTC for hands-on training in the NWR Lab.

Course Objective: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills required to maintain NWRUP at established National Weather Service Standards.

Learning Topics:

• WRUP Network topologies
• Site surveys and signal strength measurements
• System components and configurations
• Troubleshooting, removal and replacement of LRUs
• Remote access
• Procedures to request assistance and a new channel

Testing: There is a written test for this course.

Materials: Participants are required to bring their Maintenance Laptop. The laptop will be used to access various websites and NWRUP documentation, which can be downloaded during training. The laptops will also be used to access your local NWRUP sites. Participants MUST be able to change the IP configuration on their Maintenance Laptop, as well as access their regional VPN.

Course Number: SDC - Science and Operations Officers Development Course

Contact(s): Kevin Scharfenberg

Type of Course: Blended course integrating online pre-course activities and 9 days at the NWSTC

Target Audience: Science and Operations Officers who are responsible for leading change and infusing emerging science and technology into NWS field operations as we integrate strategic goals in building a Weather Ready Nation.

Eligible Agencies: NWS-only

Course Description: This OCLO course is a blended approach consisting of peer-to-peer learning, hands-on activities, group problem-solving, and facilitated-classroom instruction by subject matter experts.

Course Performance Goals: After completing this training, the student should be able to demonstrate skills needed to effectively accomplish job tasks that support the NWS Science Vision and the SOO Program.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

• Serve as an effective leader and manager.
• Work effectively in teams.
• Improve efficacy in establishing and leading local training programs.
• Mentor others in the provision of scientifically-driven forecasts, warnings, and IDSS.
• Demonstrate principles of adult learning and instructional design.
• Increase their knowledge of the meteorological and atmospheric sciences.
• Design weather event simulations for a variety of needs.
• Use root cause analysis techniques to support performance improvement.
• Use the Commerce Learning Center and other tools to manage and facilitate learning.
• Integrate research results and new technologies into the warning, forecast, and IDSS process.

Note: Specific course schedule, requirements and materials will be provided to participants with the selection letter and welcome packet approximately six weeks before the course.

Recommended Prerequisites: TBD

Recommended Post-Course Training: TBD

Course Number: MGT06 - Team Leader Development Course

Contact(s): Jeffrey Zeltwanger (816-406-0715)

Type of Course:

• Residence Course: Blended course integrating reading and online course prerequisites and 4 days in residence at the NWSTC.
• Virtual Course: Virtual course integrating reading and online course prerequisites and 4 days meeting virtually.

Target Audience:

• Residence Course: Team and Shift Leads including WFO/RFC/National Center or equivalent lead forecasters, along with regional and headquarters program and team leads (GS 12-14)
• Virtual Course: Same positions, locations, and grade levels for those who would find it difficult or impossible to travel to the NWSTC to take the course

Course Start/End Times:

• Residence Course: Tuesday 8:00 am - Friday 4:45 pm CT
• Virtual Course: Monday 10:45 am - Thursday 4:00 pm CT

Residence Course Travel Information: Travel to the course occurs the Monday before the start of the course. Return travel can begin Friday evening, but participants should not schedule return flights departing before 6:45 pm. More specific instructions will be sent to students and supervisors six to eight weeks before the start of the course.

Course Description: This course provides knowledge and skills necessary to lead operational and non-operational teams and programs in the absence of a supervisor. Emphasis is placed on: situational team leadership, communications, personnel and administrative policies, basic labor relations, conflict management, and performance.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

• Identify the responsibilities of working with office managers and supervisors
• Explain basic leadership concepts
• Apply leadership techniques based on team development stages
• Work effectively within the collective bargaining agreement
• Lead effective teams
• Manage conflict within the working environment
• Solve personnel and administrative problems
• Set and maintain high performance and conduct standards in the workplace

Required Prerequisites: Specific course schedule, requirements and materials will be provided to participants with the selection letter and welcome packet approximately six to eight weeks before the course. The reading & prerequisite segment of this course begins after receiving the welcome letter. The reading and prerequisite work requires the completion of (time estimates in parenthesis):

• Reading Strengths Based Leadership (up to three hours)
• Completing the online Strength Finders assessment (30 minutes)
• Various other assignments included in the welcome letter (up to 2.5 hours)

Eligible Non-NWS Personnel: Attendance for any Non-NWS personnel will be considered by the OCLO on a case by case basis.

Course Number: TDSS01 - Tropical IDSS Boot Camp

Contact(s): Jim Keeney (816-408-0205)

Type of Course: Blended course integrating online course prerequisites, in-person (remote) synchronous learning (1 full day), followed by 5 days of drills, exercises, simulations, and feedback in residence at the NHC.

Target Audience: NWS personnel who will provide direct, tailored IDSS to core partners before, during, and after a tropical event, through deployment or dedicated remote support.

Course Description: This course uses exercises, simulations, and discussions to reinforce the skills the trainees have learned through the prerequisite material and to develop and strengthen the specific skills required for IDSS in a tropical event. This is achieved through practice, repetition, feedback, large and small group discussion, in-class mentoring, S coaching, and self-assessment. Instructors place emphasis on empowering the participants to confidently and successfully deliver accurate IDSS in the unique, high impact, high visibility situation that is typical of tropical events. The importance of understanding and working within ICS structure is complemented by an enhanced understanding that each situation will be unique and flexibility is required to manage the demands and responsibilities of delivering IDSS in a tropical event.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Effectively perform position activities in support of core partners and their goals during a tropical event.
2. Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and respect while supporting partners during a tropical event.
3. Gather and assess mission-critical weather and/or water information with NWS and core-partner team members to accomplish objectives during a tropical event.
4. Communicate relevant information with NWS and core-partner team members in an accurate, timely, and appropriate manner.

Required Pre-requisites: In order to be eligible to attend this course, employees must complete the following items and be signed off by their supervisor:

• IDSS Professional Development Series Competency Units 1-6
• Note: You do not have to complete ICS-300 within PCU 6 to be eligible.
• A Prerequisite Curriculum will be assigned to each participant 8 weeks before the course start date. This will include Storm Surge, Wind Threat, Flooding Rain, Media Training, CISM, and other modules in the CLC.
• Partner Interview: Participants will interview at least one core partner. This should be someone they would provide IDSS to during a hurricane or tropical event. We will provide a short list of questions/topics to get them started and anticipate they will expand upon that list.
• Live Prerequisite Day: Scheduled on the Friday before the residence portion of the course begins, attendance and full participation in this 8-hour live, Virtual Prerequisite Day is mandatory for course attendance. The key instructional points from the modules, as well as messaging requirements and techniques are presented with a focus on dialog and Q&A.
• Note: You do not need your supervisor to sign off on this. Your attendance in this full day of training is enough.

Eligible Non-NWS Personnel: Attendance for any Non-NWS personnel will be considered by the OCLO on a case by case basis.

Course Number: VTOT - Virtual Tropical Operations Training

Contact(s): Jim Keeney (816-408-0205)

Type of Course: Virtual Residence Course

Target Audience: NWS personnel involved in forecasting operations during tropical events.

Course Description: Virtual Tropical Operations Training Remote Residence Course is an instructor-led, virtual course, focused on knobology, tropical timelines, and operational commitments during a tropical event. VTOT covers the process of forecasting tropical events, creating the products, the collaboration that must take place, and the WFO forecaster role within that environment. The goal is to deepen the bench at field offices during tropical events and provide the training you need to feel more confident when a tropical system is heading your way.

Required Pre-requisites: There are no mandatory prerequisites for this course. A willingness to learn and proficiency in GFE are all that is required.

Eligible Non-NWS Personnel: This course currently accepts only NWS employees.

Course Number:WDC - Warning Coordination Meteorologist / Service Coordination Hydrologist Development Course

Contact(s): Jim Keeney (816-408-0205)

Type of Course: Blended course integrating online pre-course recommendations and 8.0 days at the NWSTC.

Target Audience: Warning Coordination Meteorologists (WCMs), Service Coordination Hydrologists (SCHs), or NCEP employees filling the WCM/SCH role at a National Center

Eligible Agencies: NWS-only

Course Start/End Times: Monday 8:00 am - Wednesday 5:00 pm (Week 2)

Course Travel Information: Travel to the course occurs the Sunday before the start of the course. Return travel can begin Wednesday evening, but participants should not schedule return flights departing before 6:30 pm. More specific instructions will be sent to students and supervisors six to eight weeks before the start of the course

Course Description: This course emphasizes building relationships and effectively communicating with partners and the general public in support of a Weather-Ready Nation (WRN). Course topics include: WCM National Programs, Effective Communications, Serving as an Office Manager, Labor Management Relations, Mental Health Awareness for Leaders, Conflict Management and Receiving and Giving Effective Feedback. The course format combines facilitated discussions, presentations, and interactive exercises.

Course Goal: To provide the knowledge and skills for WCMs/SCHs to effectively lead their office's WCM/SCH programs and to manage and deliver impact-based decision support services to partners and the general public.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Implement/manage community preparedness programs such as: StormReady, TsunamiReady, WRN Ambassadors and SkyWarn/Spotter Training.
2. Manage the Storm Data Program.
3. Provide instruction and guidance to the local staff on how to effectively communicate weather and preparedness information to partners and the general public.
4. Apply techniques to effectively engage, build relationships and trust with partners.
5. Apply basic labor laws and management team responsibilities in a collective bargaining environment.
6. Apply techniques to manage the workforce, resolve conflict and provide and receive feedback.

Note: Specific course schedule, requirements and materials will be provided to participants with the selection letter and welcome packet approximately six weeks before the course.

Pre-requisite Recommendations (not required):

• IDSS PDS: Unit 1 Baseline IDSS Training [CLC]
• IDSS PDS: Unit 2 Baseline IDSS Training [CLC]
• IDSS PDS: Unit 3 Baseline IDSS Training [CLC]
• Critical Incident Stress Management [CLC]
• Introduction to Post-Storm Damage Surveying [CLC]
• Introduction to the Damage Assessment Toolkit: Web Application [CLC]
• Introduction to the Damage Assessment Toolkit: Mobile Application [CLC]
• Using the Tools of the Damage Assessment Toolkit for Post-Damage and Pre-Damage Analysis [CLC]
• Using the Damage Assessment Toolkit for Flood and Flash Flood Damage Surveys [CLC]

Course Number: HYD04 - WFO Hydrology Program Management

Contact(s): Jim Keeney (816-408-0205)

Type of Course: Residence - 4.5 days

(Additional information will be provided to participants in an electronic Welcome Packet about 1 month prior to the course)

Audience: Service Hydrologists and WFO Hydrology Focal Points.

Course Description: This course covers the basic requirements for the management of a WFO hydrology program.  Lessons address policy guidance, local training, the duties of a Service Hydrologist and a Hydrology Focal Point, data collection, quality control, hydrologic networks, establishing forecast points.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Coordinate with weather service and external personnel.
2. Maintain data and a quality data base.
3. Train hydrologic concepts and policies.
4. Define and maintain hydrometeorological network.
5. Provide operational support of hydrometeorological models.
6. Provide assessment of hydrologic forecasts
7. Provide daily operational hydrologic support for the WFO.
8. Provide design needs and implementation of local networks.
9. Provide capability to assess hydrology program needs to a WFO.

Course Content: This course covers a spectrum of topics dealing with the management of a WFO hydrology program. Lessons address policy guidance, local training, the duties of a Service Hydrologist and a Hydrology Focal Point, data collection, quality control, hydrologic networks, establishing forecast points.

Prerequisites: The prerequisites for the course consist of selected recordings from the Virtual HPM Course, online modules on basic hydrological science, and a few other modules. You can find the complete list on the DSCS Division Google Site HPM Residence Course Pages.

Please note, if you are attending the course, you will be assigned the curriculum of prerequisites. If you have taken any of these modules in the past, at any time, you DO NOT need to retake them. You will receive "completed" status for those courses.

ACE Accreditation: The American Council on Education has not reviewed this course and no credit recommendation is currently in place.

Course Number: R4006 - WSR-88D Maintenance

Contact(s): Trey Green (816-623-0413)

Type of Course: Residence - 19 Days

Objectives: Upon successful completion of the WSR-88D system maintenance course, students will have acquired the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform (with limited supervision) the following tasks:

• Initialize, and configure the WSR-88D system in all operational and maintenance modes.
• Turn-off the system in an organized and orderly sequence for the purpose of performing system maintenance.
• Monitor and evaluate the WSR-88D system configuration and status using remote maintenance/status monitoring equipment.
• Perform and document all system testing.
• Distinguish between hardware and software faults.
• Monitor and evaluate ON-LINE and OFF-LINE diagnostics as a trouble-shooting tool.
• Describe the WSR-88D computer software architecture.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on the system.
• Perform a full software load and backup adaptation data.

Contents: The WSR-88D Maintenance course covers basic Doppler radar fundamentals, Application Software fundamentals from a maintenance aspect as well as an operations aspect. Student guides, laboratory exercises and supplement materials (diagnostic software, block diagrams, handouts) will guide the student through the system. Hands on training in fault isolation, repair, and alignments will aid the Electronic Technician to quickly return the WSR-88D Radar to an operational status.

There will be three written exams scheduled the during course

Prerequisites: None required at this time

Suggested Review: Basic radar fundamentals, calculating peak power, and using db's, dbm's, and watts.

Materials: All materials are provided. All written material, note pads, and a calculator is provided. You may bring your own calculator provided it supports log functions

Course Number: R4TXR - WSR-88D Refresher

Contact(s): Trey Green (816-623-0413)

Type of Course: Residence - 10 days

Audience: Technicians with WSR-88D maintenance responsibility, and it has been at least 5 (five) years since they have attended WSR-88D Course.

Objective: To Refresh the NWS Electronics Technician's knowledge and skills of the WSR-88D necessary to align, calibrate, perform preventive maintenance, and perform corrective maintenance on the WSR88D system. Corrective maintenance will be taught to the Field Replacement Unit (FRU) level consistent with the WSR-88D maintenance philosophy. Students will leave the course with a renewed understanding of the overall operation and maintenance concept of the Transmitter, Receiver, and Bite/Cal assemblies.

Prerequisites: Attended WSR-88D Course greater than 5 (Five) years ago.