Weather Forecaster​/Observer; Antarctica in Charleston

Weather Forecaster/Observer

The Weather Forecaster/Observer provides aviation, ship and site weather forecasting services, maintaining responsibility for developing forecasts and preparing weather briefings for pilots and interested parties such as outlying camps, field parties, and stations, as well as any contracted ocean vessels operating in the area of responsibility. Requires selected individuals to be knowledgeable in all aspects of weather forecasting, including creating weather charts and preparing briefing materials, while demonstrating good problem-solving skills while overseeing daily operations, preparing all required reports, and monitoring the weather office for areas as outlined in the task.

In addition, observes and records weather conditions used for forecasting and archival purposes. This position deploys to McMurdo Station, Antarctica to conduct work locally. The United States Antarctic Program requires all personnel deploying to Antarctica to pass a physical qualification.

Essential Duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provides aviation, ship and site weather forecasting services, maintaining responsibility for developing forecasts and preparing weather briefings for pilots and interested parties such as outlying camps, field parties, and stations, as well as ocean vessels operating in the area.
• Creates weather charts, prepares briefing materials, and may be required to performs in a supervisor capacity.
• Takes, records, and disseminates surface weather observations, and completes necessary forms in accordance with Federal, Department of Defense (DoD), and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) guidelines.
• Records, transmits, and archives METAR/SPECI and synoptic observations in accordance with established procedures and in support of the Global Climate Observing System.
• Prepares balloon, radiosonde, and ground tracking equipment for use in the upper-air program.
• Performs the launch and tracking of the rawinsonde package. Evaluates and transmits atmospheric pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and wind direction and speed encoded from the radiosonde flight data.

Education and Experience Weather Forecaster:
High School Diploma or GED, along with a minimum of four (4) years of experience in providing forecast operation services, which include managing and developing weather observation guidelines for existing and threatening weather conditions. This role involves performing meteorological analysis and interpretations, evaluating centrally prepared forecasts of atmospheric/space weather conditions, and tailoring communications of weather conditions for weather centers in the form of weather warnings, weather watches, and/or advisories.

At least two (2) years of this experience should be in airport/airfield weather forecasting in support of an operational weather office. The individual should have experience evaluating centrally prepared forecasts and developing mission execution forecasts tailored to local mission requirements. Additionally, the individual should have experience providing input to weather centers for the development and issuance of forecasts, weather warnings, weather watches, and weather advisories, which requires analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of existing conditions.

The individual must be capable of developing and issuing mission execution forecast flight weather briefings and observing flights through to completion. The individual should also be capable of preparing weather forecasting products for aviation or maritime missions. Weather Observer:
High School Diploma or GED and a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a qualified weather observer for surface observations at an aviation facility are required. Experience should include recording and dissemination of surface and rawinsonde observations, completion of forms in accordance with Federal, DoD, and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) guidelines, observation of local area surface and high altitude weather conditions, recording, transmitting, and archiving METAR, SPECI, Synoptic, AIREPS, and upper-air weather observations, maintaining climatological databases, operating data collection systems, and performing quality control.

Physical Demands The physical ability to stand and or walk frequently. May climb on a ladder or scaffolding to heights in excess of 10'. Bend/stoop, push/pull and work above the shoulder frequently. Occasionally balance, kneel, crouch, and squat. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential…