Senior Forecaster - Disaster Risk Reduction (Ref. WS01/012024) at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Job summary:

•  The Senior Forecaster is a shift-worker primarily responsible for forecasting and monitoring of weather, producing of weather forecasting products as well as severe weather warnings.
•  S/He is also required to provide a supervisory and technical oversight of weather forecasting activities performed in the office and in regional forecasting offices.

Forecasting and Warning Services:

•  Supervise, generate and quality control public and marine weather forecasts according to pre-determined time scales. These include commercial products and services.
•  Communicate public weather forecasts and severe weather warnings in different media platforms.

Internal and External Customer Relations:

•  Liaise with clients as per office plan.
•  Represent SAWS at Stakeholder meetings.
•  Promote the awareness of SAWS products and services to all stakeholders.

Administration:

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

Training, Development and Knowledge Management:

•  Assist in all training activities related to weather forecasting within the office.
•  Provide mentorship and training to junior personnel.
•  Conduct case-studies and other research to enhance the accuracy and quality of the products and services offered.

Total Quality Management:

•  Develop and review meteorological processes and procedures.
•  Promote the SAWS Quality Policy and intergrade it into the day-to-day activities of the office.
•  Provide assistance during audits of the office as required.
•  Perform regular inspections to ensure all work done is according to documented requirements.
•  Ensure that the work environment complies with legislative requirements in relation to Occupational Health and Safety.
•  Promote a quality culture amongst the staff within the office.

Minimum Requirements and Attributes:

•  BSc Honours Degree in Meteorology or equivalent
•  5 years Weather Forecasting experience.
•  Ability to analyse and interpret weather charts, surface observations, upper air observations, weather codes, weather satellite and radar imageries.
•  Ability to analyse Numerical Weather Prediction and Ensemble Prediction System products to produce weather forecasts and warnings.
•  Comprehensive understanding of Impact-based forecasting.
•  Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
•  Ability to work well under pressure.
•  Clear understanding of SAWS policies
•  Basic understanding of Public Finance and Management Act
•  Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays.
•  Excellent corporate communications skills (written and verbal)
•  Computer Skills (Ms Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
•  Be able to respond well to pressure.
•  Have own reliable transport.
•  A valid Code EB or Code 08 driver’s license (without endorsements).