Forecaster: Aviation at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Job Summary:

• The Forecaster is primarily responsible for monitoring and issuing weather forecasts. In so doing he/she ensures that a significant part of fulfilling the office’s mandate is to: Provide forecasting services which include specialized services such as aviation forecasting, assistance to local disaster management structures, forecasts for the agricultural fraternity, sports and recreation, the marine industry and all industries that may require specialized forecasts from time to time.

Key Performance Areas

Products, Services Delivery / Infrastructure maintenance

• Generate and quality control Aviation specific forecasts, including warnings.
• Analysis and evaluation of forecast and warning services.
• Supervise the carrying out of METAR, SPECI, and SYNOP coded Meteorological Observations
• Approve and/or initiate requests for additional Upper-Air Ascents as part of performing Upper Air Observations.

Innovation, Process Improvement & Revenue Generation

• Generate and quality control commercial-specific forecasts where applicable.
• Review related TQM processes and suggest improvements.
• Assist with the analysis of data and records to drive continual improvement..

Administration, Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure updated competencies as required (e.g. AMF competency).
• Promote the SAWS Quality Policy and integrate it into the day-to-day activities within the Office/Unit.
• Ensure the adherence of relevant policies or policy requirements.
• Ensure that all work performed is so done according to documented requirements. (SOP,
• Business Continuity plans etc.)
• Provide assistance during audits of the office/unit as may be required.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with Airport Management Centre when issuing severe weather warnings.
• Liaise with clients to ascertain requirements, and levels of service provision excellence.
• Communicate forecasts to all relevant stakeholders.
• Represent SAWS in meetings with stakeholders as instructed or requested.
• Ensure that customer communication is carried out effectively.

Minimum Requirements and Attributes:

• BSc Meteorology (with Honours) or equivalent and a Postgraduate Diploma in Weather Forecasting
• WMO BIP-M requirements
• ICAO / WMO Competency requirements
• A valid Drivers Licence.

Behavioural and Technical Competencies

• General Administration
• Specialized & High-level Computing
• Organizing, Planning, and Presentation
• Performance Evaluation
• Training, Coaching, and Mentoring
• Verbal / Written Communication
• Compilation of Routine Meteorological Reports
• Analysis and quality control of meteorological information