Weather Observer

Vantage Systems•Portsmouth, NH

2d•$37 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

The Weather Observer (WO) provides installation surface weather observing and meteorological watch services in support of Air National Guard and Army National Guard airfield operations. The position augments automated weather systems and observes, records, encodes, and disseminates weather observations, along with related operational reporting. Work is performed in accordance with the applicable Performance Work Statement (PWS), AFMAN 15-111, DAFI 15-129, local installation procedures, Weather Support Documents, and applicable agreements. The role supports airfield weather operations through observation and dissemination of METAR/SPECI reports; issuance and relay of weather watches, warnings, and advisories; monitoring of meteorological and communications equipment; maintaining records and outage logs; and supporting backup dissemination during system or communications outages. The Weather Observer also performs specified equipment checks and operator-level maintenance, supports flight information publication accuracy, and provides weather orientation and qualified support for tower visibility-observation certification. The position responds to aircraft mishaps and severe weather events and supports ADS operations, climatological and data requests, monthly reporting, training, quality control, and other related duties. It requires coordination with the SWO/Supervisor, Government personnel, the regional Operational Weather Squadron, airfield management, command post, and other authorized customers. Locations listed are Buckley SFB, Colorado; Pease ANGB, New Hampshire; Selfridge ANGB, Michigan; and Los Alamitos AAF, California. The position is governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), whose terms prevail over conflicting salary or benefit information in the posting.

Requirements

Possess a USAF Weather Schoolhouse certificate from the Keesler Technical Training Center (KTTC), an equivalent weather-observing certificate from another Federal agency (such as FAA or NWS), or completion of an equivalent accredited weather observation and meteorology program at an institution of higher learning.
Be able to perform weather observations and related duties in accordance with applicable Air Force/DoD directives, installation guidance, and company quality-control procedures after required site orientation and training.
At least two years of relevant weather-observing or aviation meteorological experience.
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain required installation access, background screening, credentials, and CAC/vehicle access as applicable.
Ability to work assigned shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency coverage where required by the site schedule.

Nice To Haves

Prior military or civilian aviation weather-observing experience.
Experience with FBWOS, ADS/JET, METAR/SPECI coding and dissemination, Air Force weather directives, and ANG/DoD airfield operations.
Strong written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate operational records.

Responsibilities

Augment, record, encode, and disseminate required surface weather observations, including METAR/SPECI observations, accurately and within required timelines; make and disseminate corrections as required.
Conduct meteorological watch and issue, extend, cancel, or relay weather watches, warnings, advisories, observed weather warnings/advisories, and point warnings in accordance with governing criteria and local procedures.
Monitor meteorological and communications equipment, report outages to the appropriate maintenance activity, and maintain required outage logs.
Maintain required surface weather observing records, forms, logs, and duplicate records in accordance with applicable directives and retention requirements.
Support backup dissemination procedures during FBWOS/ADS or communications outages.
Perform required barometer comparisons and calibrations, and operator-level maintenance on assigned meteorological equipment.
Review and support Flight Information Publication (FLIP) accuracy and promptly identify changes affecting local or special observing criteria.
Provide weather orientation and, when qualified and authorized, support certification of air traffic control personnel for tower visibility observations.
Respond to aircraft mishaps and severe weather events, including required observations, notifications, documentation, and severe-weather augmentation procedures.
Support ADS operations, Weather Support Document requirements, climatological and data requests, monthly reporting inputs, training, quality-control activities, and other duties reasonably related to the Weather Observer position.
Safeguard Government property, keys/key cards, information, systems, and facilities; immediately report loss, damage, outages, or security concerns through established channels.
Maintain professional coordination with the SWO/Supervisor, Government personnel, regional Operational Weather Squadron, airfield management, command post, and other authorized customers.