Weather Forecaster II

Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc.•North Charleston, SC

About The Position

The Weather Forecaster II provides aviation, ship, and site weather forecasting services. The position develops forecasts and prepares weather briefings for pilots and other interested parties, including outlying camps, field parties, stations, and ocean vessels in the area of responsibility. The forecaster creates weather charts and briefing materials and performs in a supervisory capacity, overseeing daily operations, preparing reports, monitoring the weather office, and helping ensure required procedures are followed. The role also observes and records weather conditions for forecasting and archival purposes. The position may deploy to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, to work locally. Deployment requires passing a physical qualification, as well as medical and dental examinations. The job involves preparing, transmitting, and archiving surface and upper-air observations; operating radiosonde equipment; supporting and training weather observers; validating observational data; coordinating with other organizations; and contributing observer expertise to operational planning. Work is primarily performed in an office environment, though the employee must be able to perform duties in extreme cold and dark conditions. Chickasaw Nation Industries serves federal government and commercial customers across several business lines and uses a portion of its profits to support Chickasaw citizens. The company is a drug-free federal contractor.

Requirements

Graduate of a DOD meteorology technician course or equivalent civilian course of study leading to weather-observing/forecasting certification.
Ten years of experience in weather forecasting and operational meteorology, including at least three years of airport/airfield weather forecasting in support of an operational weather office.
High school diploma or GED and at least two years of experience as a qualified weather observer for surface observations at an aviation weather facility.
Valid U.S. passport; the cost is reimbursable.
Ability to obtain a T1 clearance through the government customer and pass internal background checks.
Knowledge of all aspects of weather forecasting.
Ability to perform job duties in extreme cold and dark work environments.
Ability to pass medical and dental examinations before deployment; expenses are reimbursable.
Ability to follow directions and work independently or as part of a team.
Reliable attendance and punctuality.
Ability to practice and promote required safety standards.
Proficiency conducting audits and using quality management systems.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to cooperate and negotiate with teammates and customers to reach mutually acceptable solutions.
Ability to organize work, set priorities, and determine resource requirements.
Organization, problem-solving, resolution, and critical-thinking skills.
Customer-service and relationship-building skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Forecasting experience in high latitudes or polar regions.
Experience developing and publishing analytical case studies.
High school diploma or GED and two years of experience as a qualified weather observer for surface observations at an aviation weather facility.

Responsibilities

Develop aviation, ship, and site weather forecasts and prepare briefings for pilots, camps, field parties, stations, and ocean vessels in the area of responsibility.
Create weather charts and briefing materials, perform in a supervisor capacity, oversee daily operations, prepare required reports, and monitor the weather office.
Take, record, and disseminate surface weather observations and complete required forms in accordance with Federal, DOD, and WMO guidelines.
Record, transmit, and archive METAR/SPECI and synoptic observations in accordance with established procedures and in support of the Global Climate Observing System.
Prepare balloon, radiosonde, and ground-tracking equipment for the upper-air program; launch and track rawinsonde packages; evaluate and transmit atmospheric data encoded from radiosonde flight data.
Monitor and regularly report expendable inventory levels.
Develop and publish timely shift schedules for observing personnel.
Train and recommend personnel for weather-observer certification for McMurdo Station and supported airfields; recommend decertification when performance warrants.
Train personnel who provide weather observations at McMurdo airfields and basic weather information from camps or locations without qualified observers.
Perform quality checks and validate observational data.
Coordinate with other functions and organizations.
Provide observer subject-matter expertise for planning and preparing operational activities.