Forecaster at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Job summary:

• The Forecaster is primarily responsible for the 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, Service 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. 
• Participate within the work environment in such a manner that legislative requirements relating to Occupational Health & Safety are met. 
• Perform routine office administration practices including lodging claims, leave processing, overtime, transport administration, periodic reporting, administration of registers, etc. 

People, Culture and Values: 

• Attend and provide training as and when required. 
• Sharing knowledge and skills with appropriate stakeholders thereby promoting the strategy of SAWS being a learning organization. 
• Conduct meteorological related case studies / research. 

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. 
• Promote the awareness of SAWS products and services to all stakeholders. 
• Support staff involved in exhibiting SAWS products and services at dedicated client contact events such as exhibitions, corporate events, workshops, conventions, expos etc. 

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 

Closing Date: 07 September 2026