Forecaster at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

The Forecaster is tasked to ensure provision of highest standard forecasting products and services to General public, commercial clients and Aviation Clients in line with national and international  standards as well as best practices in support to the safety of life and property.

Key Performance Areas:

• The successful candidate will be expected to work shifts (including weekends and public holidays).
• Issue weather and climate information including accurate and timely warnings and forecasts, to the public and other clients, served within the Western and Northern Cape region or any area of interest as may be deemed necessary.
• Provide specialized services such as aviation forecasting, severe weather forecasting to local
• disaster management structures, forecasts for the agricultural fraternity, sports and recreation, the marine industry, and all other weather-sensitive sectors that may require specialized forecastsfrom time to time.
•  Monitor weather events, analyse, and evaluate local synoptic and mesoscale weather observations available from observation networks while on duty.
• Support commercial contracts, including the provision of weather forecasts and warning servicesfor Koeberg Nuclear Plant operations.
• Ability to disseminate weather information through various channels, e.g radio stations, TV, and on SAWS social media platforms. 
• Promote the SAWS brand within the Western and Northern Cape region at various organizedactivities such as presentations, exhibitions, and television & radio interviews.
• Work closely with other regional offices within SAWS and the National Forecasting centers for
• Public Weather Forecasting, Aviation Weather Centre, and Marine Forecasting Centre to drive theSAWS mandate.
• Process, analyse, and quality control meteorological data required for compilation of meteorological products and services.
• Self-Development (Keep abreast of new forecasting theories and techniques developed in weather services).
• Assist with the implementation and compliance to the requirements of the SAWS Quality Management System.

Minimum Requirements and Attributes:

• BSc Hons degree in Meteorology or Honours in a relevant Atmospheric Science (i.e., Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists compliant – WMO BIP-M) with Forecasting Training.
• Extensive knowledge, skills and experience in all spheres of operational meteorology.
• Ability to interpret numerical weather products.
• ICAO AMF competency certificate.
• Ability to analyse and interpret weather charts, weather observations (surface and upper air) and weather codes, satellite imagery, T-phi, and radar imagery.
• Computer/ programming literacy will be an added advantage as the individual will also work with media software.
• Must obtain a valid driver’s Licence within 3 months of employment