Meteorology Operations Lead

PacifiCorp•Portland, OR

11d•$134,800 - $185,350•Onsite

About The Position

Oversees a wide range of meteorological data to provide continuously updated weather information from a variety of sources to better manage the impacts of weather on the electric distribution and transmission system to identified vulnerabilities. Serves as the primary contact for meteorological information needed within the business. This includes taking the role as the lead forecaster during periods of critical fire weather conditions, and providing strategic meteorological support for operational and engineering projects designed to mitigate wildfire risk. Oversees daily, weekly, and long term seasonal weather forecasts products, advisories, and warnings concerning a number of hazardous weather conditions, such as severe weather, fire danger, high winds, flash floods, and winter storms to support T&D system operations and generation operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Atmospheric Science or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
7 years’ operational forecasting experience.
A minimum of three years’ experience in a supervisory or functional management role.
Knowledge of meteorological processes, climatology, forecasting techniques, and weather modal analysis.
Ability to manage time effectively, perform under pressure, and meet deadlines in a fairly fast paced environment.
Management skills including the ability to establish objectives, execute policy, and lead the development or implementation of a system, program, or process.
High degree of independent initiative, discretion and sound judgment as well as the ability to integrate company priorities in emergency situations.
Ability to review, analyze and recommend improvements to systems, processes and measures of performance.
Ability to assess issues from multiple organizational and functional perspectives and discern an ideal proposal with more optimal results when appropriate.
Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, to recognize actual and potential danger and communicate as required.
Ability to translate highly technical meteorological concepts into non-technical terms.
Communication and interpersonal skills to influence and motivate others and use oral and written skills to communicate objectives and action plans.
Excellent leadership skills, strong organizational abilities to oversee multiple and complex issues, and experience presenting complex topics to internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to handle daily communication of expectations, mentor others, provide feedback and work collaboratively with other departments.
Demonstrated proficiency in data management skills, as well as general understanding of GIS techniques.
Must be proficient in the use of applications and tools (e.g. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.).
24/7 availability to support emergency operations and disasters.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
A minimum of ten years of operational forecasting experience in a utility environment.
A minimum of five years’ direct people management experience.
Knowledge of the company’s strategic plan, regulatory and political environment, as well as the company’s policies, procedures, and practices, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

Serve as the company’s subject matter expert for all weather related matters.
Plan and manage the work of the functional group. Lead projects and initiatives.
Lead the functional team; direct day-to-day activities and provide guidance and recommendations.
Manage complex inter-related projects including, but not limited to: Technosylva, ADS and Storm Geo.
Monitor and report to upper management real-time weather conditions and expected forecast on a recurring basis during storm events and major construction operational events.
Provide short and long term seasonal weather forecasts to allow preparedness, and proactive resource availability in the case of pending severe weather.
Work with the company’s energy supply function on short and long term seasonal weather forecasts to optimize hydro, wind, and solar generation asset utilization.
Oversee the development of analytical tools for various operational organizations and fire mitigation planning.
Continually maintain and enhance procedures for monitoring the company’s weather network and associated alerting.
Improve all real-time and operational forecasts through process improvements via new technologies and advancements.
Collaborate with local, state, and federal government agencies (i.e. National Weather Service, CalFire, Oregon Department of Forestry, Utah DNR-FFSL, etc.), universities, and other research groups to advance the science of Meteorology and develop new technologies and communication tools to promote safe, reliable operation of the electric distribution and transmission systems and renewable generation assets.
Responsible to ensure all company owned weather stations are fully functional and maintained as required.
Represent the company, and act as the primary point of contact as required with local, state and federal agencies, the private sector, volunteer organizations and the public for all weather related matters.
Oversee the preparation and dissemination of operational weather reports prior to and during significant weather events.
Provide input into team employee performance reviews. Flag performance and personnel issues for manager resolution.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401k with match fixed contributions, including a Roth and saving option. For union employees, matching contributions vary by union. For nonunion, PacifiCorp makes a fixed contribution equal to 4% of your eligible pay each year for new hires. In addition, PacifiCorp matches 100% of the first 6% you contribute.
Life insurance
Additional voluntary benefits, including pet insurance
Tuition Assistance
Mass Transit Pass for employees in our Portland and Salt Lake City Offices.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - Time off varies by employee type (Union or Non-Union)
Paid short-term disability leave and long-term disability insurance
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Bereavement Leave
Employee Assistance Program supporting mental and emotional wellbeing