Career Opportunities at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

(Ref. WS01/062024) 
 
Job Summary: 

• The Climate Data Unit within the Climate Service Department is responsible for archiving, capturing, and quality-controlling various climate-related data sets coming from various SAWS measuring platforms. The incumbent will be responsible for quality-controlling sunshine data, archiving the charts, capturing climate data and quality control, and scanning old historical climate and rainfall returns. 

Key Performance Areas: 

• Participate in the quality control of historical and real-time climate data from the SAWS surface observation network, 
• Be responsible for the archiving of sunshine data and charts, 
• Take part in data recovery programs by capturing data and metadata and scanning various documents, 
• Have knowledge of observation methods and the inter-relationships of different climate variables, 
• Have an understanding of data acquisition and quality control of data from Automatic Weather, Climate and Rainfall Stations, 
• Have knowledge of international standards as set by WMO and ISO, 
• Provide information to Scientists and Forecasters on request, 
• Participate in the implementation of new techniques, methodologies and processes in field of quality control. 

Required Minimum Education/Training: 

• A Weather Observers certificate or equivalent qualification in meteorology or climatological or related fields. 

Required Minimum Work Experience: 

• A minimum of 2 years of work experience within a meteorological or similar scientific environment. 

Technical and Behavioural Competencies Required 

• Ability to read, analyse and interpret climate data and information, 
• Excellent computer skills, especially excel, 
• The ability to work in crystal reports or SQL and the GIS environment will be an added advantage, 
• Good communication, interpersonal and analytical skills are essential. 

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Job Summary: 

• 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: 

• Process, analyse and quality control meteorological data required for compilation of meteorological products and services. 
• Provide aeronautical weather forecasting products and services and issue warnings on hazardous weather affecting Aviation activities. 
• Monitor weather events and make decision in consultation with any other relevant office(s) to ensure alignment of weather products issued. 
• Work shifts and be able to handle shift activities in a cost-effective manner while conforming to internationally prescribed standards. 
• Be prepared to be on standby to cover shifts when need arises. 
• Conduct case studies in collaboration with the forecasting research department into operational meteorological conditions or products. 
• Self-Development (Keep abreast of new forecasting theories and techniques developed in weather services). 
• Carry out all administrative functions attached to the post, including compiling weather reports for stakeholders. 
• Ensure implementation and compliance to the requirements of the SAWS SHEQ. 
• Conduct administrative duties that are related to your work. 

Required Minimum Education/Training: 

• BSc Hons in Meteorology or 4-year qualifications in a relevant Atmospheric Science (i.e. Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists compliant – WMO BIP-M) with Forecasting Training. 
• Knowledge, skills, and experience in all spheres of operational meteorology. 
• Applicant must also be in possession of valid AMF competency certificate as a competent aviation forecaster. 
• Ability to interpret numerical weather products, weather charts, weather observations (surface and upper air) and weather codes, satellite imagery, and radar imagery. 
• Computer/ programming literacy will be an added advantage as the individual will also work with media software. 
• A valid driver’s Licence. 

Required Minimum Work Experience: 

• 3 years’ experience as an aeronautical forecaster 

Technical and Behavioural Competencies Required 

• Applicant must be ICAO AMF competent. 
• Applicant must be able to work well under pressure. 
• Applicant must be a team worker. 
• Applicant must always display positive values and well behaved. 
• Applicant must be able to work shifts 24/7, including weekends and public holidays.