Chief Meteorological Technician at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Key Performance Areas:

• Provide supervisory and technical oversight of Meteorological Observations activities performed within the Office
• Ensure that all systems and processes involved in Meteorological Observations are performed according to prescribed criteria
• Inform all staff involved of the most current methods and equipment employed for these purposes
• Provide training to staff on the operations of network nodes and instrumentation to enable competence in routine maintenance and use
• Develop and maintain documents to support the above activities
• Maintain necessary records to prove system adherence and compliance with documented requirements
• Responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of meteorological equipment, including upgrades, in line with applicable international and national standards

Observation:

• Perform routine weather observation duties, including visual weather observation and compiling routine reports
• Provide special reports for changes in weather
• Provide observation reports timeously as per schedule or as per the timeliness of the client’s request
• Download remote observation station data
• Collect and quality control manual rainfall station data
• Supervise and perform quality control of AWS and ARS data and transmission thereof to central database
• Ensure planned inspection and cleaning of Solys and Biomet stations is carried out timeously
• Prepare and submit monthly status reports on Research equipment, e.g., Solys, Biomet, etc.
• Perform second-level quality control of data on Quality control done by meteorological technicians
• Maintain the infrastructure maintenance plan and ensure adherence within stipulated timeframes
• Perform routine and ad hoc maintenance of SAWS Observations infrastructure (Thorough understanding of Automatic Weather Stations is required)
• Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in weather observational equipment and technologies

Internal and External Customer Relations:

• Liaise with clients as per office plan
• Represent SAWS at stakeholder meetings as per plan

Financial and General Administration:

• Assist in controlling acquired stock levels required for operational activities
• Assist in the effective use of assets and key infrastructure
• Perform routine office administration practices including lodging claims, leave processing, overtime, transport administration, periodic reporting, and administration of registers, etc.

Training, Development, and Knowledge Management:

• Assist in all training activities related to weather observation within the office
• Provide mentorship, skills transfer, and training to meteorological technicians

Total Quality Management:

• Apply prevention and corrective action procedures on all findings related to weather observation
• Promote a quality culture amongst the staff within the office
• Promote the SAWS Quality Policy and integrate it into day-to-day activities of the office
• Provide assistance during audits of the regional office as required
• Perform regular inspections to ensure all work is done according to documented requirements
• Ensure that the work environment complies with legislative requirements relating to OHS

Minimum Requirements and Attributes:

• A Grade 12 Certificate with Maths and Science
• Weather Observers certificate and a valid AMO competency certificate
• Five years’ experience in a weather observation environment and preferably as a Senior Meteorological Technician
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret written requests for weather data and information
• Ability to lead and work in a team
• Knowledge of international standards such as WMO and ICAO
• Advanced knowledge of all observation tools
• A valid code 08 driver’s license or higher