Jobs at The South African Weather Service (SAWS)

Job summary:

• The Senior Meteorological Technician provides technical leadership in the operations of Meteorological Observations performed within the abovementioned region.

Observation:
Perform routine weather observation duties that include:-

• Visual weather observation and compile routine reports,
• Providing special reports for changes in weather.
• Providing observation reports timeously as per schedule or as per the timeliness of the clients request
  • Downloading of remote observation station data
  • Collection and quality control of manual rainfall station
  • Quality control of AWS and ARS data and transmission thereof to central data base.
•  Perform routine and adhoc maintenance of SAWS Observations infrastructure (Thorough understanding of Automatic Weather Stations is required).

Internal and External Customer Relations:

• Liaise with clients as per office plan.
• Represent SAWS at Stakeholder meetings as per plan.

Training, Development and Knowledge Management

• Assist in all training activities related to weather observation within the office.
• Provide mentorship and training to meteorological technician.

Total Quality Management

• Apply prevention and corrective action procedures on all findings related to weather observation.
• Promote a quality culture amongst the staff within the office.
• Promote the SAWS Quality Policy and intergrade it into the day-to-day activities of the office
• Provide assistance during audits of the regional 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 relations to OHS.

Minimum Requirements and Attributes:

• A Grade 12 Certificate with Maths and Science.
• Weather Observers certificate and an AMO competency certificate.
• Two years’ experience in observation as a Meteorological Technician.
• Ability to read, analyse and interpret written request for weather data and information.
• Knowledge of South African Weather Service policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of international standards such as WMO and ICAO, Advanced knowledge of observation tools.
• A valid code 08 driver’s license or higher. 

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(Ref. WS09/022024)

Key Performance Areas:

• Provide supervisory and technical oversight of Meteorological Observations activities performed within the Office.
• Ensures that all systems and processes involved in Meteorological Observations are performed according to prescribed criteria and that all staff involved are informed of the most current methods and equipment that is employed for these purposes.
• Provide training of staff on the operations of network nodes and instrumentation with the aim of enabling competence in routine maintenance and use.
• Develop and maintain documents to support activities mentioned above and maintain the necessary records to prove system adherence and compliance with documented requirements.
• Responsible for the installation, maintenance and repair of meteorological equipment, includingupgrades., in line with applicable international and national standards.
• Perform routine weather observation duties that include:-
• Visual weather observation and compile routine reports,
• Providing special reports for changes in weather.
• Providing observation reports timeously as per schedule or as per the timeliness of the client’s request
• Downloading of remote observation station data
• Collection and quality control of manual rainfall station
• Supervise and perform quality control of AWS and ARS data and transmission thereof to central data base
• Ensure planned inspection and cleaning of Solys and Biomet stations is carried out timeously.
• Prepare and submit monthly status reports on Research equipment, e.g Solys, Biomet, etcSecond level quality control of data on Quality control done by meteorological Technicians
• Upkeep of the infrastructure maintenance plan and ensure adherence within stipulated timeframes.
• Perform routine and ad hoc maintenance of SAWS Observations infrastructure (Thorough understanding of Automatic Weather Stations is required)
• Keep up breast with the latest developments in weather observational equipment and technologies.

Internal and External Customer Relations:

• Liaise with clients as per office plan.
• Represent SAWS at Stakeholder meetings as per plan.
• Financial and General Administration:
• Assist in the control of acquired stock levels required for operational activities.
• Assist in the effective use of assets and key infrastructure.
• Perform routine office administration practices including lodging claims, leave processing, overtime, transport admiration, periodic reporting, administration of registers etc.
• Training, Development and Knowledge Management
• Assist in all training activities related to weather observation within the office.
• Provide mentorship, skills transfer and training to meteorological technicians.

Total Quality Management

• Apply prevention and corrective action procedures on all findings related to weather observation.
• Promote a quality culture amongst the staff within the office.
• Promote the SAWS Quality Policy and integrate into day-to-day activities of the office
• Provide assistance during audits of the Regional 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 relations to OHS.

Minimum Requirements and Attributes:

• A Grade 12 Certificate with Maths and Science.
• Weather Observers certificate and a valid AMO competency certificate.
• Five years’ experience in a weather observation environment and preferably as a Senior

Meteorological Technician.

• Ability to read, analyse and interpret written request for weather data and information.
• Ability to lead and work in a team.
• Knowledge of international standards such as WMO and ICAO.
• Advanced knowledge of all observation tools.
• A valid code 08 driver’s license or higher